A group of Houston-area ministers and religions organizations including the Alliance of Baptists have joined together in voicing their objection to Governor Rick Perry's planned day of Christian prayer at Relient Stadium. In a letter published in the Houston Chronicle, they write:
We believe in a healthy boundary between church and state. Out of respect for the state, we believe that it should represent all citizens equally and without preference for religious or philosophical tradition. Out of respect for religious communities, we believe that they should foster faithful ways of living without favoring one political party over another. Keeping the church and state separate allows each to thrive and upholds our proud national tradition of empowering citizens to worship freely and vote conscientiously. We are concerned that our governor has crossed the line by organizing a religious event rather than focusing on the people's business in Austin.
The event is billed as non-partisan. Governor Perry is widely rumored to be considering a run for the presidency.
