Growing up in South Korea, the Rev. David Choi learned at an early age that prayer was serious business. As a child, he used to get up before dawn for a 4 a.m. prayer service.
Choi and other believers will join elected officials – including Mayor Karl Dean and Gov. Phil Bredesen – for an hour-long prayer service today at the plaza outside of the Sommet Center to celebrate the National Day of Prayer. The 11:30 a.m. event is one of dozens statewide and thousands nationwide.
Organizers say it unites believers across denominations and cultures, and celebrates religious freedom. But critics argue that a National Day of Prayer becomes unconstitutional when government leaders endorse the religious activity. Other critics say the event should not be for Christians only.
While people of every faith can attend today's ceremony, only Christians can lead the prayers.
"Other people have asked this, but this is not an interfaith event. This is a Christian event,'' said Charles McGowan, president of the Operation Andrew Group, a co-sponsor of today's ceremony along with the YMCA of Middle Tennessee.
That concerns Rabbi Mark Shiftan of the Temple Congregation, Ohabai Sholom.
Read the rest of the article here.
