The Freedom From Religion Foundation announced Wednesday its intent to investigate Gov. Matt Bevin's recent meeting with Kentucky pastors and to "halt the Kentucky governor’s misuse of official resources."

Bevin held a "spiritual" event at the Governor's Mansion on Monday to inspire Kentucky's pastors and to "awaken and motivate a sleeping church," an event the foundation thinks may have misused resources to make happen.

"This time with Governor Bevin will be a very spiritual time," said an invitation to the event from Pastor Rick Curry, a revivalist whose website says he is a native Kentuckian.

"If you have never had an opportunity to hear first hand from our governor and be challenged as a pastor and minister, this is your opportunity."

Background:Bevin hosts 'spiritual' event for pastors at Kentucky Governor's Mansion

Andrew L. Seidel, the director of strategic response for the FFRF, sent an open records request to Bevin's office Wednesday asking for all records related to the event, including invitations, advertisements, promotions, invitation responses and employee staffing records.

“If this was a campaign event, Bevin couldn’t use state resources. If this was a religious event, Bevin couldn’t use state resources," Seidel said in a statement. "Either way, it’s hard to imagine how this is not an abuse of power. We’re going to find out.”

The open records request letter to Bevin from Seidel reads, "As you probably know, hosting campaign events using state resources is illegal. As you likely also know, hosting religious events using state resources is unconstitutional. We will be examining the records for a violation of each rule."

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A Bevin spokesman hasn't returned a Courier Journal email requesting comment on the investigation.

According to the FFRF statement announcing the investigation, "Bevin has repeatedly used his public office to promote his personal religion. FFRF has previously written to him regarding his 'Year of the Bible' proclamation; his ineffectual plan to use 'prayer walks' to combat rising violence in Louisville; and his promotion of Bring Your Bible to School Day, in which Christian kids are encouraged to proselytize their non-Christian classmates."

FFRF's co-president, Annie Laurie Gaylor, said in a statement, “Our message to Gov. Bevin and all pious politicians is: ‘Get off your knees and get to work. The answers to your state’s problem will not come from above.'"

The Freedom From Religion Foundation is headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, and provides oversight over "those who are free from religion and are committed to the cherished principle of separation of state and church," according to its website.

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