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Obama Will Sign Proclamation, But Not Host Ceremony, On National Day of Prayer

By Howard M. Friedman

At yesterday's White House Press Briefing (full text), Press Secretary Robert Gibbs announced that on Thursday, May 7, the President will sign a Proclamation recognizing the day as National Day of Prayer. The announcement follows extensive speculation and uncertainty about the President's plans. (See prior posting.) Following up, CBN News reports that the White House will not hold any additional special ceremony marking the day. In taking this route, President Obama reverts to the practice of Presidents Reagan and George H.W. Bush, and moves away from the elaborate White House commemoration held each year during the George W. Bush administration.

The non-governmental National Day of Prayer Task Force (chaired by Shirley Dobson) has extensive events planned for the day, including a program on Capitol Hill from 9:00 a.m. to noon that will be webcast and broadcast on satellite TV channels.

Full post as published by Religion Clause on May 02, 2009 (boomark / email).