Lawsuits concerning religious activity and prayer are nothing new. There are records of lawsuits concerning prayer and other religious activities from the early 1800s to the present time. Lawsuits about such matters have been filed by the Catholic Church, Jewish groups, secular groups such as Americans for the Separation of Church and State, atheists, and atheistic organizations.

Religious lawsuits by atheists are disrespectful of American heritage and history. Religion has been prominent in American history. The Pilgrims reached Cape Cod on Nov. 19, 1620. One of the first historical documents of the New World was the Mayflower Compact. The second paragraph of that document begins as follows:

”Having undertaken, for the Glory of God, and advancements of the Christian faith, and the honor of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the Northern parts of Virginia; do by these presents, solemnly and mutually, in the presence of God, and one another; covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil body politic … .”

Religion and prayer permeated the early history of the United States. The Maryland Colony was founded as a Catholic colony. William Bradford, governor of Plymouth Colony, proclaimed a Thanksgiving celebration in 1621. Yale and Harvard universities began as religious institutions. The first book printed in America was the Bay Psalm Book. Church buildings were prominent in all cities and villages in colonial times. God was a part of colonial thinking. Wherever people went, church buildings were built and became community centers serving as school buildings and places of town hall meetings. The founding fathers of the nation referred to God frequently. President Lincoln acknowledged God in the Gettysburg Address. God and prayer have been parts of political speech from the beginning of the United States. When tragedy happens, political leaders from President Obama on down call on Americans to pray for the families of the victims. Recently, President Obama spoke at a Washington prayer breakfast. That involved tax money. If a prayer breakfast is good enough for President Obama, it should be good enough for the mayor of Eureka!

The National Cathedral has been a place of national religious celebration. Presidential prayer services were held the day after the inauguration of Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1937, Ronald Reagan in 1985, George H. W. Bush in 1989, George W. Bush in 2001 and 2005, and Barack Obama in 2009 and 2013.

Congressmen and senators have gathered on the steps of the Capitol and sang “God Bless America.” God and religion are at the very foundation of the United States.

American troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have been seen praying in groups. Soldiers have been provided materials for bible study, and have been involved in bible study. They were and are there at taxpayers’ expense. Are atheists going to sue the troops to stop them from praying and having bible study? They are federal government employees representing the United States.

Atheists are negative thinkers and have contributed little to the fabric of the country and world. Where is an atheist Mother Teresa or an atheist Albert Schweitzer?

America is a place of freedom. Government should encourage freedom of expression, not restrict it. From the early days of our republic, political leaders have felt the need for guidance and help to lead the nation. Atheism simply does not provide that help. They did not seek atheism for help. They sought help and hope in religion and prayer. There was little concern about the establishment of religion. One should not have to check freedom of belief and conscience, and freedom of expression at the door when he or she is elected to public office. Public officials should be granted great leeway in encouraging public morale. The mayor’s prayer breakfast is an effort to do just that! The mayor’s prayer breakfast has cost the city very little. The benefits far outweigh the expense to the city.

Dr. Billy C. Lawrence resides in Eureka.