Maine Gov. Paul LePage has issued a proclamation declaring Aug. 6 as a ‘Day of Prayer,’ presumably in support of the effort of fellow Republican Gov. Rick Perry of Texas who is hosting a day of prayer and fasting in Houston on that date.
The event, which unlike other so-called days, appears to embrace evangelical Christianity as opposed to be welcoming of all faiths. A spokesperson for Perry has said it is being sponsored by the American Family Association, a Mississippi-based conservative evangelical group.
It has generated a bundle of controversy and at least one lawsuit for Perry, who extended an invitation to all 49 of his fellow governors as well as President Obama.
Several Maine House Republican lawmakers are also circulating a statement of support for the event.
“As we have served in the Maine state Legislature, we have become keenly aware that the struggles we face as a state are often beyond the power of government to solve,” according to the statement.
“We believe it is time to recognize our greatest need and our best hope. Therefore, in agreement with the Governor’s Proclamation, we encourage our fellow citizens to join us on August 6, 2011 in observing a Day of Prayer and Fasting for our nation and for the state of Maine,” reads the statement.
More than a dozen Maine House Republicans had attached their name to the list.
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