IN THEORY:Is prayer day inclusive enough?

Some have suggested that the National Day of Prayer, which was held Thursday, has taken on too much of a Judeo-Christian focus since the National Day of Prayer Task Force has organized it. The organization states on its website that the day of prayer is, “offered to all Americans, regardless of religion, to celebrate their faith through prayer. However, the efforts of the NDP Task Force are executed specifically in accordance with its Judeo-Christian beliefs.” Are the National Day of Prayer activities inclusive enough?

I attend some functions with my interfaith group and have respect for all of my colleagues in other religions. But I must admit that I find the National Day of Prayer to be primarily a JudeoChristian event that I support but typically do not attend.

I do not agree with some who say that our country was based on fundamental Judeo-Christian beliefs or values. I have studied the founders of our country, and they were a diverse group with complex belief systems that played important roles in the writing of our Constitution — so important that they were clear in the necessity for separation between church and state.

I would hope that a National Day of Prayer might include prayers from all denominations.

PASTOR JIM TURRELL

Center for Spiritual Discovery, Costa Mesa

The task force’s vision is “mobilizing the Christian community to intercede for America,” to “foster unity within the Christian Church” and to “preserve America’s Christian heritage.” There is nothing “Judeo” to any of these goals.

It is time to expunge the shibboleth “Judeo-Christian.” First, Judaism awaits a redeemer to come out of Zion, while Christianity proclaims a redeemer who has done so. Second, this phrase is often a code that justifies Christian theocratic agendas by wrapping them in a pluralistic cloak to establish legitimacy.

RABBI MARK S. MILLER

Temple Bat Yahm, Newport Beach

I don’t think any one group should “own” the National Day of Prayer organizing. I would hope that each faith group could have its own committee to organize more effectively. Roman Catholics should be encouraged to pray in a manner meaningful in their tradition. Don’t ask me to leave my tradition and beliefs at the door and pray generically. I would never ask a Muslim to pray in Jesus’ name nor any other faith. I have no problem hearing a Muslim or a Hindu pray, but please don’t ask me to agree, and I don’t expect them to agree with me. Let the colors of our traditions shine in their own brilliance rather than blend them into a secular, uniform gray.

RIC OLSEN

Lead Pastor

The Beacon, Anaheim

We all pray to the same God. Therefore, all faiths should be included on the National Day of Prayer.

The focus of the day should be on giving spiritual meaning to our lives. We should try to improve the lives of others. Let us make the world better than it is.

RABBI MARC RUBENSTEIN

Temple Isaiah, Newport Beach

The National Day of Prayer Task Force is a private organization created and led by Evangelicals. It has no official governmental status to organize anything or anyone, except those who choose to be affiliated. I would not wish to participate because I find the views on their website antithetical to interfaith respect and cooperation.

The National Day of Prayer has the support of Congress and presidents. If it is to continue, events should be inclusive and celebrate the religious diversity of our nation.

REV. DR. DEBORAH BARRETT

Zen Center of Orange County, Costa Mesa

The breakfast at the Balboa Bay Club, Imam Sayed Moustafa al-Qazwini prayed for harmony and understanding among the followers of religions represented in our Newport-Mesa-Irvine Interfaith Council. That council’s director, Jim de Boom, refers to our membership as “the Heinz 57 of religions.” All local religious groups are invited and welcome and equal. This is exemplary!

The danger is not omission of diverse religions but the possibility of an overly nationalistic focus that fails to include needs of prayer for peace with justice in other nations, too.

In today’s world, where interconnectedness is critically important, all religions should pray for one another and for all nations.

(THE VERY REV’D CANON) PETER D. HAYNES

Saint Michael & All Angels

Episcopal Church

Corona del Mar

What with the attempted exclusion of various other religions by those with the political clout to be selected to be in charge and organize the activities, it seems that the main effect of having a government-sponsored National Day of Prayer is to emphasize the differences between them.

Not only are the non-Judeo-Christian religions being ignored, but conflicting branches of Christianity as well. They all must be praying to completely different gods, and that doesn’t seem to do much to bring people together!

JERRY PARKS

Member

Humanist Assn. of Orange County