The lawsuit challenging Texas Governor Rick Perry's Christian prayer event has been dismissed by a federal judge who found the plaintiffs lacked sufficient harm to claim legal standing.
AP reports:
"I wonder if we had a Muslim governor what would happen if the whole state was called to a Muslim prayer," said Kay Staley, one of five Texas residents named as plaintiffs in the suit. "I think the governor needs to keep his religion out of his official duties."
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The [Freedom From Religion] foundation said it does not oppose politicians taking part in religious services, but that Perry crossed a line by initiating the event, using his position as governor to endorse and promote it and by using his official website to link to the organizer's website. The plaintiffs also contend that Perry's use of Texas' official state seal to endorse the event and his plans to issue an official proclamation violate the Constitution.
There may be no constitutional violation involved in Governor Perry's event, and certainly Christians across the nation should pray for the well-being of the country, but the role of Governor does not include calling citizens to prayer or organizing prayer rallies. And especially considering this is a Christian-only event, rather than an interfaith gathering, the Governor should make clear that his involvement does not imply the endorsement of the state of Texas.
