"National Day of Prayer goes on despite ruling."

In this CNN article, the National Day of Prayer, (May 6, 2010) which was a bill signed into law in 1952 by President Truman, is becoming controversial as a U.S. District Judge stated it violated the constitution. U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb believes that having a National Day of Prayer violates the constitutions ban on the governments support of religion. The case is being appealed on behalf of the White House by the Department of Justice. Until all the appeals have been exhausted, there will be no action taken against the National Day of Prayer. Shirley Dobson, the organizer of the event, believes that a small group of people are attempting to get rid of a day which is viewed by her as a "magnificent day". Dobson's husband, James Dobson, is one of the most powerful conservative Christian leaders in the country. Obama has explained that despite Crabb's claim, the National Day of Prayer will continue this year, however he will not be participating in any specific events and believes it is the citizen's job to pray for the success of our country. Last year the public participation of the White House in the event was decreased. The decision on this case did not affect the National Day of Prayer this year, however next year it could change the event completley depending on the ruling.

The issue Crabb expresses with the National Day of Prayer, is that it violates the seperation of church and state and is unconstitutional. Although the government does not state how citizens should pray, Crabb believes that the government is pushing towards certain religions and is violating citizens civil rights and liberties, such as freedom of religion.

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L.Ambrose and S.Hatcher