Hotmail
Obama signs day of prayer proclamation
Unlike predecessor, no public ceremony with clerics, lawmakers or prayers
 Pete Souza / White House The director of the White House Office for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, Joshua DuBois, looks on as President Obama signs the proclamation marking May 7, 2009 a national day of prayer. |
|
 | Video: White House |
 Hope dwindles for bipartisanship The Huffington Post’s Lawrence O’Donnell explains why GOP obstructionism is preventing President Barack Obama and Congressional Democrats from passing a health reform bill. |
 | Slideshow |
 | Obama's first year in office Look back at some moments that have characterized the president’s tenure so far. more photos |
Tweets from inside the Beltway |
|
Click here for more tweets from NBC's D.C. bureau. |
 | Interactive |
 |
WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama is marking today's National Day of Prayer -- but not publicly.
The president has signed a proclamation about the day in private. There'll be no public ceremony involving prominent clerics, lawmakers or prayers, as there was when George W. Bush was in the White House.
Press Secretary Robert Gibbs says it's not that Obama thinks the observance was getting politicized, as some critics charge. Aides say he's merely returning to the practice that prevailed before Bush took office -- of signing and issuing a proclamation.
Gibbs says Obama is well aware of the role prayer plays in the lives of Americans -- because he begins each day in private worship.
- Discuss Story On Newsvine
-
Rate Story:
View popularLowHigh - Instant Message
MORE FROM THE WHITE HOUSE |
 The White House Section Front |
| Add The White House headlines to your news reader: |
Sponsored links
Resource guide