Members Respond to Federal Judge Ruling National Day of Prayer Unconstitutional

Contact: Jessica Mancari, 202-225-6365

WASHINGTON, April 19 /Standard Newswire/ -- Congressman J. Randy Forbes (R-VA), Congressman Frank Wolf (R-VA), and Ambassador Tony Hall (D-OH), along with Members of the Congressional Prayer Caucus and faith leaders will hold a bipartisan press conference on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 responding to a federal judge's ruling last week that a federal law designating a National Day of Prayer is unconstitutional.

U.S. District Judge Barbara B. Crabb issued the decision in a case filed by the Freedom From Religion Foundation, a group that challenged the constitutionality of a 1988 federal law. The law requires the president to designate the first Thursday in May as a National Day of Prayer. Members of Congress, along with leaders of faith organizations, will join together in responding to the federal judge's decision last week, to discuss the history of the National Day of Prayer and affirm the right of Americans to pray according to their faith.

WHO:
Rep. J. Randy Forbes (VA-04), Prayer Caucus Co-Chairman

Rep. Frank Wolf (VA-10), Sponsor of Original 1988 Bill Enacting a National Day of Prayer

Ambassador Tony Hall, Sponsor of Original 1988 Bill Enacting a National Day of Prayer

Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-04)

Members of the Congressional Prayer Caucus

WHAT:
A bipartisan press conference where Members of Congress, along with prominent faith leaders, respond to a decision by a U.S. federal judge who ruled the National Day of Prayer unconstitutional. Members will discuss the history of the National Day of Prayer and affirm the right of Americans to pray according to their faith.

WHEN:
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
1:00 p.m.

WHERE:
House Triangle, U.S. Capitol's East Front

Since 1952, U.S. presidents have issued a proclamation designating a National Day of Prayer. For more information on the bipartisan Congressional Prayer Caucus, visit http://forbes.house.gov/prayercaucus/.