Humanists of Florida ask governor to boycott Perry Prayer Fest

The Humanists of Florida have sent a letter to Gov. Rick Scott asking him to not participate in a nation day of "prayer and fasting."  Texas Gov. Rick Perry called for the event which he disingenuously described as an "apolitical Christian prayer

service"  slated for August 6, 2011 at Reliant Stadium in Houston, TX. The "service" endorses the theo-polirical agenda of the American Family Association.

Political leaders and private citizens alike should be free to pray, or not pray, as they see fit.  Should office holders or political wanna be's, though, be using religion as a credential for public office?  Should governors be telling their constituencies when and how pray, or what deity to pray to?  Is this the American way of building a workable, reasonable and diverse public polity?

We encourage atheist, freethought, humanists and other secularists groups to follow the lead of Humanist of Florida.  Contact your governor, launch a petition drive, get the word out -- and urge your governor to not participate in Gov. Perry's reckless religious and political posturing.  Boycott this "day of prayer and fasting."

Remember, Texas American Atheist Director Joe Zamecki is organizing a peaceful protest on August 6 near Reliant Stadium to protest this event.  Join Joe and other state-church separation activists in countering this foolishness!

           PRESS RELEASE FROM THE HUMANISTS OF FLORIDA

For Immediate Release
June 13, 2011
Lakeland FL:

The Humanists of Florida Association sent a letter to Governor Rick Scott today requesting he decline to participate in Texas Governor Rick Perry’s purely sectarian and exclusionary Day of Prayer event called The Response scheduled for August 6.  Gov. Perry called upon all the state leaders to endorse it, regardless of religious affiliation or belief, and attend with their bibles. 

On May 23, 2011, Governor Scott issued a Proclamation of “A Day of Prayer for our Nation”  The governor, in his official capacity, has proclaimed, (among other things), the following: “Whereas, on August 6, 2011, I encourage all citizens to pray so we may receive God-given direction, strength and wisdom and ask that God bestow his blessing on our lives, our state and our nation.

The Humanists of Florida supports freedom of religion and worship for all private citizens.   The governor, however, is acting as an elected official when issuing proclamations, and thus he is supposed to represent all of the people. 

Furthermore, we sincerely hope that Governor Scott makes the right decision and does not attend Rick Perry’s Revival.

EllenBeth Wachs
President
Humanists of Florida Assn.