Dear Editor,

Thanks to Alice Click’s recent warning, we are aware that our National Day of Prayer (NDP) is under attack.

The attacker, the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), is a self-described group of watchdog atheists and agnostics. The pack roams our nation, sniffing out and using advertising and lawsuits against Christian activities with their idea of separation of church and state.

Our NDP is nothing new. Its stepping stones are embedded in our history. In 1775, the first Continental Congress called for a National Day of Prayer; in 1952 Congress established the NDP as an annual event by a joint resolution signed into law by President Truman; in 1988 the law was amended and signed by President Reagan, designating the NDP as the first Thursday in May.

May 7, 2009 will mark our 58th annual National Day of Prayer. Last year’s NDP Web site reported: “Throughout the nation, we witnessed a greater outpouring of prayer for our nation on the first Thursday in May than ever before. The number of the public-invited events ... doubled from the previous year ... More favor from local and state governments ... ; more politicians participated ... ; more access to government buildings ... more governors (all 50 signed proclamations) and mayors participated.” Is it any wonder the NDP would come under such attack?

Christians, we cannot participate in the NDP behind our church walls. We must publicly get involved in local activities. Our public united support is the greatest way to stand up and speak out against this attack. Many of our Christian privileges have been taken away. Our NDP will be added to the list if we don’t stand up now! Every voice, every body, is important. Let us make ours seen and heard on our Mason County courthouse steps at noon on May 7. It is a use it or lose it proposition.

Pastors, please contact our Mason County NDP Task Force chairman, Alice Click, at 2875 Chestnut Ridge Road, Mount Alto, WV 25264. Let her know we’ll be showing up in record numbers.

Sincerely,

Gerri Tate,

New Haven