The state isn't praying ... the man who is governor is. Just like national leaders have done from Geo Washington down to Obama:
"Almighty God: Our sons, pride of our nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavor, a struggle to preserve our Republic, our religion, and our civilization, and to set free a suffering humanity. Lead them straight and true; give strength to their arms, stoutness to their hearts, steadfastness in their faith." FDR's public prayer delivered to the nation, June 6, 1944
"My prayer this morning is that we might see the face of God each and every day, as we go through the hustle and bustle of our lives, that we rise above the here and now and kneel before the eternal. Remember that 'those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.'" Obama, Feb. 3, 2011
Public officials aren't required by our constitution to act like they're non-religious if they aren't. And they haven't throughout our history. In fact, our constitution explicitly protects the free exercise of religion.
what is offensive is being forced to be somewhere, because by law you have to be there, and then being stuck in a prayer
That doesn't apply to the prayer rally Perry is attending ... one has to go to Reliant stadium today to hear those prayers. It does seem that people are upset the prayers are even taking place even on a Saturday, even in a non-government place. |
