Almost all state governors issue annual proclamation declaring a Day of
Prayer in their state or territory. Some are inclusive and refer to the wide
diversity of religious belief in their jurisdiction. Others are quite
exclusive, and seem to assume that everyone is either a Christian or a Jew.
Governors of the fifty states and two
territories traditionally issue proclamations declaring a National Day of
Prayer in their states. They are personal documents and thus highly variable
in content:
 | Most of the governors' state proclamations
of the NDP are directed only to Americans who believe in a personal God
who responds to prayer. |
| Many proclamations seem to assume that to
be an American, one must also be Jew or Christian -- or at least a
Theist who believes in a male God who rewards or penalizes Americans in
accordance with their behavior. |
| Some interpreted the NDP in a very
exclusive manner, as having meaning only to Judeo-Christians. They
exclude Deists,
Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs,
and other Theists. |
| However, a very few were more inclusive
and reached out to those Americans of all religions, including those who
are non-Judeo-Christians, Agnostics,
Atheists, or who do not believe in the
effectiveness of prayer. |
| Some governors even make interesting theological pronouncements
which are open to debate. |
| Janet Napolitano of Arizona referred to
the NDP as the "National Day of Prayer or Reflection" |
| M. Jodi Rell of Connecticut again referred
to prayer as "both powerful and peaceful." Considering the use of
prayer by anti-abortion terrorists in the U.S. and by religiously
motivated terrorists elsewhere in the world, this is also a debatable
theological belief. |
| Sonny Perdue of Georgia wrote that "regardless
of our individual beliefs and faith practices, we have an assurance that
God hears our prayers and faithfully responds to our humble petitions."
This is still another debatable theological belief, particularly among
some Fundamentalist Christian leaders who believe that "God does not
hear the prayer of a Jew." |
| Linda Lingle of Hawai'i referred to
Americans praying "in churches and other places of worship." She
also mentioned that the "diverse citizens of Hawai'i seek the freedom
to worship according to their own conscience..." |
| Dirk Kempthorne of Idaho acknowledged that
"the citizenry of the State of Idaho are a diverse people, with
nearly every national and variety of religious traditions being
represented." |
| Kathleen Blanco of Louisiana wrote "...the
historical record of the United States, as acknowledged by the highest
court of our land, reveals a clear and mistakable pattern woven
throughout our nation's 228 years: America was founded upon the
principles and truths revealed in the Holy Scriptures..." |
| Bob Holden of Missouri referred to "the
scripture" -- presumably referring solely to the Bible. |
| Mike Johanns of Nebraska asserted that "people
have inalienable rights that are God-given..." He did acknowledge
the NDP as "an opportunity for Americans of all faiths." |
| James McGreevey of New Jersey referred
specifically to "Americans of all faiths." |
| Bill Richardson of New Mexico referred to
America having been "built by the people from hundreds of nations
with as many beliefs, we rely upon our religious liberty in order to
preserve the individuality and great diversity that gave our nation its
unique richness and strengths of character..." |
| George Pataki of New York referred to the
NDP being observed in "churches, synagogues, statehouses..." but
not Buddhist, Hindu and other religions' temples, Islamic mosques,
Neopagan circles, Sikh gurdwaras, etc. However, he did refer to
New Yorkers joining "with people of all faiths to honor the legacy we
share as a society whose strength is its inclusiveness based upon
religiously-inspired values and an enduring belief in religious
freedom...." |
| Michael Easley of North Carolina made a theological statement "...that
we are all God's handiwork and that it is appropriate to call upon Him
in prayer." |
| Bob Taft of Ohio linked the NDP to his state motto: "With God All
Things are Possible." |
| Brad Henry of Oklahoma welcomed "my fellow Oklahomans to pray,
each after his or her own faith." |
| Edward Rendell of Pennsylvania stated that "we shall never
overlook, forget or neglect the individual or group right to express
religious freedom through prayer, mediation and personal reflection." |
| Donald Carcieri of Rhode Island mentioned that "our national
leaders have historically called on the prayers of the people, without
regard to their religious affiliation..." |
| Mark Sanford of South Carolina wrote that "the National Day of
Prayer belongs to all Americans; it is a day that transcends
differences, bringing together citizens from all backgrounds and
faiths...while honoring the commitment to religious liberty and
tolerance that contributes to our continued strength." |
| Phil Bredesen of Tennessee referred to "the importance and
significance that this day has for people of all faiths." |
| Rick Perry of Texas wrote that "...many people turn to prayer and
reflection to seek comfort, give thanks and ask for guidance."
|
| Mike Warner of Virginia referred to the "Old Testament" a
term that is offensive to some Jews. |
| Bob Wise of West Virginia referred to prayer being recognized by our
leaders "...as vital to the maintenance of a strong national
character and necessary to procure the blessings of a just and
benevolent God...it is appropriate to honor God with a unified
expression of gratitude and humbly request divine intervention in the
preservation and continuation of strong religious principles upon which
our nation and our state have been established." |
| Jim Doyle of Wisconsin recognized that "the citizens of the State
of Wisconsin are a diverse group of people of nearly every nationality
and represented by a variety of religious traditions." He referred
to people gathering in their "churches...and chosen place of
worship..." |
| Dave Freudenthal of Wyoming wrote that prayer "is a vital part of
our national heritage as one nation under God" and that "God has
promised to answer us when we call upon Him." He wrote that "God
has blessed the state of Wyoming with a $1.2 billion surplus; the
snowpacks of Wyoming are above recent year's levels; and God did this so
that we would always have respect for the Lord our God." |
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