Bill Text: MS SC706 | 2010 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Designate Thursday, May 6, 2010, as the "Mississippi Day of Prayer."
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2010-05-05 - Enrolled Bill Signed [SC706 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2010-SC706-Introduced.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2010 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Moffatt, Gordon, Yancey, Hewes, King, Hyde-Smith, Montgomery, Lee (47th), Blount, Turner, Butler, Frazier, McDaniel, Flowers, Davis, Hudson, Simmons, Jackson (11th), Powell, Jordan, Watson, Carmichael, Mettetal, Baria, Albritton, Clarke, Dearing, Gollott, Browning, Hopson, Jackson (15th), Wilemon, Tollison, Butler (36th), Ward, Michel, Kirby, Horhn, Stone, Chassaniol, Fillingane, Lee (35th), Brown, Nunnelee, Burton, Jackson (32nd), Harden, Jones
Senate Concurrent Resolution 706
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THURSDAY, MAY 6, 2010, AS THE "MISSISSIPPI DAY OF PRAYER" TO CALL ON PEOPLE OF DIFFERENT FAITHS IN THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI TO PRAY FOR THE STATE AND THE NATION.
WHEREAS, throughout the history of the United States and the State of Mississippi, its citizens and inhabitants have drawn strength, hope and guidance from prayer. From the very first Continental Congress through every form of adversity and blessing, Americans and Mississippians have fallen to their knees and implored God Almighty to protect their family and to heal their land; and
WHEREAS, the freedom upon which America is founded affords the right to any individual to decline to pray if he or she desires. However, that same freedom allows those who believe in the power of prayer to utilize that great opportunity to ask God to bless and sustain our nation; and
WHEREAS, in 1775, the Continental Congress allocated a time for prayer in forming a new nation. Over the years, there have been calls for a day of prayer, including from President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. On April 17, 1952, President Harry Truman signed a bill proclaiming the National Day of Prayer into law in the United States. President Reagan amended the law in 1988, designating the first Thursday of May of each year as the National Day of Prayer. Since then, the President has issued each year a proclamation designating the first Thursday in May as a National Day of Prayer on which the people of the United States may turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in groups, and as individuals; and
WHEREAS, a federal judge in Wisconsin ruled the National Day of Prayer unconstitutional on April 15, 2010, saying the day amounts to a call for religious action. United States District Judge Barbara Crabb wrote that the government can no more enact laws supporting a day of prayer than it can encourage citizens to fast, attend a synagogue or practice magic; and
WHEREAS, we as public servants should inspire those who believe in the power of prayer to use that great power to ask God to bless and sustain the state and the nation they love and serve:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we hereby designate Thursday, May 6, 2010, as the "Mississippi Day of Prayer" and call on people of different faiths in the State of Mississippi to pray for the state and the nation.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That Mississippi Day of Prayer events in the communities across the state may be coordinated with National Day of Prayer services and activities across our state.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.
