It is Constitutional for leaders to call others to pray

These are defining days in America, but America is still a great nation.

Contact: Evelyn W. Davison, America's Honorary Prayer Coordinator, 512-461-2964, www.ndpaustin.org 

AUSTIN, Texas, April 19, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- On April 15, 2010, United States District Court Judge Barbara Crabb, for the Western District of Wisconsin, struck down the National Day of Prayer statute, as violating the Establishment Clause. Judge Crabb ruled that the statute serves no secular purpose, but rather calls the nation to engage in a religious exercise - prayer.

On April 14, 2011, a panel of the U.S. court of appeals overturned this ruling that found the law requiring the President to proclaim a National Day of Prayer each year as unconstitutional. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit, based in Chicago, ruled 3-0 that the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) and its plaintiffs do not have standing to continue their challenge of the 1952 congressional act declaring an annual National Day of Prayer.

The victory for people of all faiths is that the proclamation imposes no requirement on a person and, therefore, no one is hurt by a request that can be declined.  "Those who do not agree with a president's statement may speak in opposition to it, they are not entitled to silence the speech of which they disapprove," wrote the appeals court's Chief Judge Frank Easterbrook.

The National Day of Prayer belongs to Americans. It is a tradition that dates back to 1775.While it is proclaimed as a special day by the President of the United States, all state Governors, and thousands and thousands of mayors, it is a freedom for the people that cannot be denied.

National Day of Prayer is not owned by anyone.  The National Day of Prayer Task Force is a Judeo/Christian organization and has served America well for 60 years in calling people to practice their right to gather and pray in private and public places. 

Theme for 2011 National Day of Prayer is: A Mighty Fortress is Our God!  (Psalm 91) and Central Texas is covered with billboards calling all Texans to pray, and yard signs saying, Pray for the Heart of America.  This message basically is: "Don't give up your rope of hope, get out of the reserves and get on active duty.  Our freedom depends on it."

Major Events in Texas Capitol Area

CAMP MABRY MILITARY EVENT
Pastoral & People call to pray for Military Families
Thursday April 28 11:30 a.m. to 12:30  p.m.
Mabry Chapel
Camp Mabry, 220 W 35th Street Austin, TX

LADIES NDP LUNCHEON
Monday, May 2nd 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 
Featured Speaker: Patsy Clairmont 
Featured Music:  Janet Gregory        
Austin Baptist Church
9003 Waterford Centre Blvd Austin, TX 78750

TEXAS STATE PRAYER BREAKFAST
Tuesday May 3, 2011 6:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.
Austin Doubletree Hotel 6505 IH-35 North
Gov. Rick Perry, Texas Prayer Proclamation 
Featured Speaker: Patsy Clairmont, Women of Faith
Featured Music: Jimmy McNeal

FAMILY PRAISE & PRAYER CONCERT RALLY
Tuesday, May 3, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Hyde Park School Auditorium @ Quarries
11400 N. Mopac -- North Austin
Coordinators: Ed & Elizabeth Horne

TEXAS STATE CAPITOL EVENTS

PASTORAL CALL TO PRAYER
Thursday May 5 11:30 to 1:00 p.m.
11:30 a.m. Pastoral Praise & Prayer
Rev David Smith & Rev. Anibal Ramirez

TEXAS CAPITOL CONCERT OF PRAISE
Thursday May 5, 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
South Steps of Capitol -- Bring chairs and sit under trees
Coordinator: Ed LaBelle

For reservations and information, billboards or yard signs. go to www.ndpaustin.org

Other Texas events:  www.texasndp.org   

National events: www.nationaldayofprayer.org