NDR Media Coverage

Snub by Rendell has Atheists Fuming

by Tony Romeo

Governor Rendell has issued a proclamation in support of prayer -- and is now taking heat from atheists because he turned down their request for a similar proclamation.

Rendell issued a proclamation recognizing this year's "National Day of Prayer," but he declined a request from a group of atheists and agnostics to issue a proclamation in support of a "National Day of Reason."

The head of the group thinks Rendell is playing favorites.

Rendell spokeswoman Kate Philips denies that the governor turned down the request because he doesn't want to be associated with atheists. She insists it has nothing to do with people's beliefs:

"No, the governor does not turn down requests as a matter of rejecting one way of life over another. He, again, thinks that the proclamation was not appropriate because it's something that people should practice on a daily basis."

That is to say, according to Philips, that the governor believes every day should be a "day of reason."

Copyright 2004 Infinity Broadcasting Corporation

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