WASHINGTON  (April 21) – Congressman Spencer Bachus (AL-6) today expressed his strong support for the National Day of Prayer in response to a ruling by a federal judge declaring it unconstitutional. 

            Bachus spoke in defense of the National Day of Prayer at a news conference attended by more than 30 Members of Congress.  Bachus is an original sponsor of two pieces of legislation designed to preserve an observance that has had long-time bipartisan support.  The first (H. Res. 1279) calls for an appeal of the ruling by the Jimmy Carter-appointed judge, and the second (H. Res. 1273) affirms the constitutional and historical significance of the day and America’s religious heritage. 

            Congressman Bachus said, “Presidents as different as Thomas Jefferson, a Democrat, and Abraham Lincoln, a Republican, agreed on the importance of prayer in American life.  Prayer has long brought us together as a nation.  It is an essential part of our heritage, which is evident from the religious inscriptions that can be seen throughout the U.S. Capitol.  It is very disturbing to me that we have a judge who wanted to make law, instead of applying the Constitution.  This ruling should be appealed, and we should respectfully observe this year’s National Day of Prayer on May 6 as usual.” 

            Last Friday, Bachus wrote to President Obama, urging the Justice Department to appeal the ruling and requesting a National Day of Prayer event be held at the White House as was the practice under President Bush.  Click here to read the letter. 

            Bachus is a member of the House Prayer Caucus.