National Day of Prayer prompts reactions in the Elon community

by Marc DeRoberts

Yesterday Wisonsin U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb deemed the National Day of Prayer as unconstitutional. Established by Congress in 1952, Americans are encouraged by the president to pray on the first Thursday of May (the official date determined in 1988).

"The establishment clause prevents the government from establishing standards on any form of religion," said Rudy Zarzar, Professor of Political Science at Elon University. "It's interesting that it (National Day of Prayer) was established so long ago, and is just now being addressed. I think that this issue is far from over because it carries different meaning in different parts of the country, like the Bible Belt of the South."

Elon student, Andrea McLean, said that in high school classmates frequently gathered around the flagpole to pray. "People of all faiths were invited," she said. "I would like to see the integration of more religion into classroom environments."

At the United Community Church of Elon, Lori Watson, financial advisor, heard about the ruling this morning. As a practicing Christian, Watson feels that it won't discourage herself and other people from praying, but finds it unfortunate that the Wisconsin judge took this day away from the community. While she recognizes a separation from church and state Watson too feels that it is unavoidable, "passages from the Bible are enscripted all over Washington D.C. It's even on our money."