[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 50 (Thursday, March 27, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E596-E597]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SECURING BLESSINGS OF PROVIDENCE FOR PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES AND 
                            OUR ARMED FORCES

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 27, 2003

  Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this resolution 
expressing the sense of Congress that the President should designate a 
national day of prayer and fasting for all Americans; and calling on 
all people of the United States to ``seek guidance from God to achieve 
a greater understanding of our own failings.''

[[Page E597]]

  I'm sure God may have something to say about the President's failure 
to preserve peace in the effort to disarm Iraq. But, we do know what 
the Bible says, Mr. Speaker: ``blessed are the peacemakers.''
  Most major religious organizations in the world--the Vatican, Muslim, 
Buddhist, Jewish, and Protestant religious groups--oppose war in Iraq 
on moral grounds. Yet, this resolution seeks to deflect moral criticism 
from the President's immoral act of war, and despite his refusal to 
listen to the leaders of his own faith. Regardless, religion is not an 
area for Congressional debate.
  I respect the right of everyone to reflect on these difficult events 
as they see fit. I understand the value of people of various religions 
or moral convictions finding resolve in their beliefs or faiths during 
this trying time. That is everyone's right. However, this resolution 
today has Congress encouraging all Americans, regardless of their 
beliefs, to engage in specific religious acts that are Christian in 
nature.
  Our country was founded on the principles of free expression and 
religious liberty. The Constitution requires that Congress must not 
legislate religion, but instead honor the diversity of convictions and 
beliefs in our nation. This resolution fails to respect the separation 
of church and state and to uphold our commitment to honor religious 
diversity. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no.''

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