I think Johnson is correct.
Bush is not the theologian-in-chief whether he is promoting Christianity or some sort of ceremonial Deism. As an example of why Bush should refrain from such a role: he has certainly made some questionable declarations, from my perspective, concerning the nature and intention of Islam.
Separation of the state from the church - the confining of the state in its own sphere - is a protection to religion, to the Church.
I don't need enjoinders from Bush, or any other official of the state, to pray or carry out any other act of religious devotion. So, with those in the dissenting and free churches in the founding era ---- Baptists, Quakers, Presbyterians ---- I think the Ellen Johnson is correct on this point.
Please explain how the President is doing harm to the nation by urging prayer for the refugees.
"I think the Ellen Johnson is correct on this point."
Then I think you and Ellen Johnson ought to go somewhere you'd feel comfortable. America belongs to us, and we pray when we want without ANY atheists stopping us.
Reread the Bill of Rights...it is not freedom FROM religion, it is freedom OF religion. President Bush did not give up his right when he became President.
We could spend countless days arguing the point, but the REAL point is this...with thousands in need, what does the head of American Atheists have to say????? Is it...give generously? Donate time? No.
Her focus at this time says it ALL about her priorities.
The second amendment states that Congress shall pass no law establishing a religion or preventing the free exercise thereof. Specifically it's Congress; they are not allowed to do one thing; pass laws. This DOES NOT mean seperation of church from state. It means that Congress cannot interfere with religion and these days there is too much of the preventing the free exercise part. Other groups are free to do as they please. The president is not Congress and he is not passing a law the prayers have to be said.
And again, to take that arguement, you need to go back in time as far as 1776 to explain to our various Presidents where they are in error. I've got to side with Washington, Lincoln, FDR, Truman, Nixon and others, all who endorsed prayer. The early ones had the guts to say we should pray to Jesus, but I'll still back the later ones who just recommended we pray to God, and left the actual specifics up to the rest of us.
I'm pro-separation of church and state, too, but, in this case, American Atheists, as usual, goes too far.
Personally, I think it is great whenever anyone encourages others to pray.