NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER TASK FORCE DEFENDS HONORARY CHAIRMAN FRANKLIN GRAHAM’S INVOLVEMENT IN WASHINGTON DC OBSERVANCE ON MAY 6th

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO  – The National Day of Prayer is part of America's heritage and belongs to all Americans.  It provides an opportunity for citizens to pray voluntarily, according to their own faith – and it does not promote any particular religion or form of religious observance.  As a non-profit organization, the National Day of Prayer Task Force has held an event at the Capitol for many years.  

The time of prayer is usually held in a room of the Cannon House Office Building that is used by many other organizations for various occasions.  A number of public figures have taken part in these gatherings through the years, and it is ridiculous for a small faction of detractors to contend that a group like the National Day of Prayer Task Force cannot invite an individual such as Franklin Graham, who is a well-respected public figure and humanitarian, to participate in such an event.  We are grateful that Representative Robert Aderholt and other members of Congress are standing firm on this issue and have stated that the invitation will not be rescinded.

National Day of Prayer Task Force (NDPTF) Chairman Shirley Dobson, wife of Focus on the Family founder Dr. James Dobson, said “Suggesting Mr. Graham should be removed from a National Day of Prayer event because of his religious opinions is absurd.  No one understands better the need for prayer at this critical juncture in our nation’s history.  The son of Franklin and Jane Graham is currently serving our military efforts overseas on his fourth combat tour.  In addition, the Graham family has been faithfully serving the religious needs of Americans, including presidents, dating back to President Eisenhower.  Moves to exclude any member of this great family from this prayer event represent everything that is wrong with the agenda of political correctness that is rampant in our country.  Our nation’s founders wouldn't have tolerated it, and neither should we.”