WASHINGTON, D.C. — Leaders of national and local secular, humanist and atheist groups have called on President Bush to declare a “National Day of Reason” on the same day that he proclaims a “National Day of Prayer.”
Such an additional proclamation on May 1 “would go a long way toward encouraging the application of reason and tolerance in public discourse and affirming the value of maintaining the separation of church and state,” they said in a letter sent to Bush March 21.
The leaders proposed language for the proclamation that would highlight the country as “a world leader in fields of endeavor that rely on reason,” such as human rights, scientific research and social reform.
A statement from organizers announcing the initiative said the National Day of Prayer, observed annually since 1952, excludes nonbelievers. Congress established the annual observance and it has been observed on the first Thursday in May since 1988.
“A national day of prayer excludes millions on a deeply emotional level, whereas recognizing reason as well as prayer is an inclusive, respectful gesture,” the statement reads.
Endorsers of the newer observance and signers of the letter to the president include representatives of the American Humanist Association, Atheist Alliance International, Institute for Humanist Studies, Secular Student Alliance and Secular Coalition for America.
Share with others: