Rick Perry - The Response
Summary
On August 6, 2011 Governor Perry spoke at an event at Houston's Reliant Stadium known as "The Response." The event was a purely non-political and focused on envigorating the Christian ideology in response to the economic and cultural difficulties being faced by the United States. Governor Perry not only spoke at the event, but was also it's creator, and chief promoter. "The Response" was criticized by opponents as merging church and state and a lawsuit was filed to prevent Governor Perry from participating in the event. The lawsuit was not successful and Governor Perry avoided politics in his speech except to state that God does not have a political party. The event drew an estimated 30,000 people to the home of the Houston Texans.
Annoucement
On June 6, 2011 Governor Perry announced that he was proclaiming a day of prayer and fasting so that the nation would seek God's guidance and widom in addressing the challenges that face our communities, states and nation.
Gov. Perry Declares August 6th Day of Prayer and Fasting for Our Nation’s Challenges
Invites fellow governors to join the effort
Monday, June 06, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press ReleaseGov. Rick Perry has proclaimed Saturday, Aug. 6th, as a Day of Prayer and Fasting for our Nation to seek God's guidance and wisdom in addressing the challenges that face our communities, states and nation. He has invited governors across the country to join him on Aug. 6th to participate in The Response, a non-denominational, apolitical, Christian prayer meeting hosted by the American Family Association at Reliant Stadium in Houston. Gov. Perry also urged fellow governors to issue similar proclamations encouraging their constituents to pray that day for unity and righteousness for our states, nation and mankind.
"Given the trials that beset our nation and world, from the global economic downturn to natural disasters, the lingering danger of terrorism and continued debasement of our culture, I believe it is time to convene the leaders from each of our United States in a day of prayer and fasting, like that described in the book of Joel," Gov. Perry said. "I urge all Americans of faith to pray on that day for the healing of our country, the rebuilding of our communities and the restoration of enduring values as our guiding force."
Over the years, Gov. Perry has participated in events hosted by various faith traditions. His call to prayer on Aug. 6th is a non-denominational, apolitical, Christian prayer service to seek forgiveness, healing and blessing for our country.
Lawsuit
On July 14, 2011 the Freedom from Religion Foundation filed a lawsuit attempting to stop Governor Perry's invovlement with the event and claimed that the event mixed religion and the state.
The plaintiffs seek a declaration that Texas Governor Rick Perry’s initiation, organization, promotion and participation as governor in a prayer rally at Reliant Stadium ... violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.
Dismissal
On July 28, 2011 the 7th circuit court of Texas threw out the case filed by the Freedom from Religion Foundation. The judge stated that the plaintiffs had no standing and cited a 7th circuit ruling in favor of President Obama promoting a “national day of prayer.”
The lawsuit against Perry was filed by the Freedom From Religion Foundation, a state/church watchdog group which believes Perry’s involvement in the event violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. The plaintiffs did not want to stop the rally from occurring but wanted the courts to bar Perry from promoting or participating in the event in any capacity.
Speech
References
[1] Website: The Daily Texan Article: Group replies to Perry's 'Response' event with lawsuit Author: Associated Press Accessed on: 08/09/2011
[2] Website: ABC News Article: Court Allows Rick Perry to Participate in Prayer Event Author: Arlette Saenz Accessed on: 08/09/2011
[3] Website: Freedom from Religion Foundation Article: FFRF to keep fighting Perry prayer rally Author: NA Accessed on: 08/09/2011