Federal law (36 USC 119) designates the first Thursday in May as National Day of Prayer, though a pending federal lawsuit is challenging the constitutionality of that statute. (See prior posting.) A Religion News Service article published yesterday reports that there is a good deal of uncertainty over whether the White House will host an official observance of the event this year. The Bush White House during its eight years had marked the day with a ceremony in the East Room attended by a range of religious leaders. The National Day of Prayer Task Force headed by Shirley Dobson is planning its own event, as in past years. However this year it is scheduling its ceremony on Capitol Hill in the morning-- the time when the White House event, with Dobson and others in attendance, had traditionally been held. Brian Toon, vice chair of the Task Force, says this year the White House has not been in touch with them about its plans. Joshua DuBois, executive director of the White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships, said on Sunday that it is "too early to talk about the planning" for the National Day of Prayer.
UPDATE: On April 21, the Interfaith Alliance and Jews on First sent a letter to President Obama (full text) requesting that he issue a Proclamation calling for a National Day of Prayer and Reflection that is inclusive of all religious traditions as well as of those professing no religion. The letter says that "several years ago, the National Day of Prayer was taken over by a group of religious exclusivists led by Shirley Dobson of Focus on the Family."
