Bush Marks National Day of Prayer Amid Controversy

May 1, 2008

Author: Adelle M. Banks

Source: The Pew Forum/Religion News Service

http://pewforum.org/news/display.php?NewsID=15522

President Bush marked the National Day of Prayer at the White House on Thursday (May 1), noting Americans' equality across their diverse faiths even as critics charged that the widespread prayer observances have been "hijacked" by evangelicals.

"On this day, we celebrate our freedoms, particularly the freedom to pray in public and the great diversity of faith found in America," Bush said in remarks to about 230 religious, political and military leaders in the East Room.

"I love being the president of a country where people feel free to worship as they see fit. And I remind our fellow citizens, if you choose to worship or not worship, and no matter how you worship, we're all equally American."