Rick Perry's Prayer

Recently, the Austin American Statesman published an article discussing a Prayer event that Governor Rick Perry has planned for August 6th at Reliant Stadium in Houston (Suit over Perry's Prayer Event Misguided, Austin American Statesman, July 14, 2011). This article, intended for the general public, explains how Rick Perry and the American Family Association are being sued by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. The FFRF doesn't believe that Rick Perry should be able to endorse any one religion because that would in turn mean that our government is endorsing that religion. As an editorial for the Austin American Statesman, I would say that their opinions are very legitimate. The author argues that unless Rick Perry uses tax payer money or take away from any person's rights, he is justified. Whether or not the FFRF likes the same religion as Rick Perry is promoting is beyond the debate, he can use his personal time and energy to be a part of the event.

I totally agree with the author in this case. Easy for me to say, right? I'm also a Christian. I understand that I may be slightly biased but legally Rick Perry is not doing anything wrong. The prayer is not being held on government property. Additionally, no person is being forced to come to the event; everyone attending is willing. What one group does on their own, as long as it does not affect others, is their business. The only issue here is that one of the members is our Governor who represents our state. Would people make the same argument if it were someone below the Governor, maybe a Senator? Probably not. Rick Perry is not only the face of Texas, he has his life beyond his official duties just as anyone else.