The Freedom From Religion Foundation is urging Kansas Governor Sam Brownback to rescind his religious proclamations and opt not, in his official capacity, to attend or endorse the overtly Christian event "Going to the Heart," which is scheduled to broadcast live from Topeka, Kan., on Dec. 8 from 3-6 p.m. CST.
Brownback not only publicly declared Dec. 8 a "Day of Restoration," but recorded a promotional video for the national simulcast, calling on citizens to "pray to God, in humility and in unity to ask for his favor and assistance in these difficult times."
FFRF Co-Presidents Annie Laurie Gaylor and Dan Barker wrote to Brownback on Dec. 6: "If you wish to endorse religious events and religious groups, you must do so in your private capacity as a citizen, not in your official capacity as the highest elected executive of the State of Kansas."
They also pointed out that at least 300,000 Kansans are not religious, so the sectarian proclamations exclude a large segment of the state's diverse population.
The "Going to the Heart" event is part of ReignDown USA, "a worship and prayer movement that began on April 26, 2008, with simultaneous worship and prayer led from the Capitol in Washington, D.C. broadcast via satellite around the world."
The organization's mission states that "God is now calling ReignDown USA to churches, parks, colleges and other venues across the United States that need a fresh touch of the Holy Spirit and/or want to experience radical change. We're called to cover these places in prayer and intercession, bringing healing and restoration to the people in those communities."
FFRF asks that the governor "rescind this proclamation and refrain from issuing them in the future, and encourage him to "get off your knees and get to work."
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