Atheists Ask Obama to Scrap Day of Prayer

They prefer 'National Day of Reason'
By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff
Posted Apr 21, 2010 3:55 PM CDT
Atheists Ask Obama to Scrap Day of Prayer
Then-candidate Sen. Barack Obama D-Ill., closes his eyes a the pastors leads a prayer for him at First Emanuel Baptist Church in New Orleans Sunday, Aug. 26, 2007.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

The American Humanist Association wants Barack Obama to declare a “National Day of Reason” on May 6, instead of a National Day of Prayer. A federal judge last week declared the National Day of Prayer unconstitutional, saying it was an “inherently religious exercise that serves no secular function,” but Obama still intends to issue a proclamation observing it, because the case hasn't yet finished moving through the appeals process.

“The government should not be directing citizens to pray,” the executive director of the AHA tells CNS News, calling it “offensive” to atheists. The group set up the Day of Reason as a response, saying it “includes all Americans,” and celebrates an essential American value. But prayer enthusiasts argue that the current event is plenty inclusive. “It's inclusive of the vast majority of Americans who do believe in a Supreme Being,” said a senior Family Research Council fellow. (More atheism stories.)

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