NDR Press Release

Bush Asked to Sign Proclamation Honoring Reason

26 March 2003

National and local groups have submitted a letter to President George W. Bush requesting that he proclaim May 1, 2003 a National Day of Reason. The proclamation calls for Americans to honor our nation’s historic commitment to the application of reason as the best means of resolving the many challenges facing humanity – whether economic, military, environmental, or social.

The signers of the letter to President Bush hope that he will acknowledge the role that reason plays in our lives, and in our public discourse, even while he simultaneously fulfills the Congressional mandate to recognize a National Day of Prayer on the same date. Since 1952, in accordance with a joint resolution by Congress, the President has declared an annual, national day of prayer. In 1988, the first Thursday in May was permanently set as the date for the day of prayer.

Last year’s National Day of Prayer featured an official "Prayer for America" written by Rev. Lloyd Ogilvie, Chaplain of the U. S. Senate. Ogilvie's prayer called on God to "bless our President, Congress and all our leaders with supernatural power" and promised the nation "to be faithful to You as Sovereign of our land and as our personal Lord and Savior." Such sentiments are by no means universal, and are insulting and demeaning to the estimated 30 million Americans who are non-religious, as well as to those of traditional religions who value the separation of church and state. Calling upon a deity to bestow supernatural powers hardly seems appropriate at such a high level of our government.

Advocates for the separation of church and state are neutral towards the private promotion of prayer, but point out that the National Day of Prayer Task Force enjoys access to special government privileges like Congressional office space. In fact, many believe the National Day of Prayer itself to be unconstitutional, and inconsiderate of a sizable portion of the American population. A national day of prayer excludes millions on a deeply emotional level, whereas recognizing reason as well as prayer is an inclusive, respectful gesture.

In seeking recognition for a National Day of Reason, the signers of this letter pay homage to the foundation documents of this great nation, which were based upon the Enlightenment principles of reason, tolerance, democracy and human rights. They point out that reason, not prayer, has placed the United States at the forefront of such fields of endeavor as space exploration, medical research, social reform, civil liberties and democratic self-governance.

While prayer is a source of comfort for many Americans, reason should guide government policy.

###

The National Day of Reason Web Project (www.nationaldayofreason.org) was established to facilitate the celebration of reason - a concept all Americans can support - and to raise public awareness about the persistent threat to religious liberty posed by government intrusion into the private sphere of worship.