(April 30, 2006)—Rev. Barry Lynn, the executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, has launched a preemptive strike on this weeks’ National Day of Prayer.

The annual event is observed on the first Thursday in May.

Lynn says the National Day of Prayer has become a vehicle for Christian conservatives to promote their social agenda, including opposition to abortion and gay marriage.

He notes that Shirley Dobson, wife of Focus on the Family’s James Dobson, chairs it.

“James Dobson has shamelessly exploited the National Day of Prayer to advance his divisive political agenda,” Lynn said.

“This merger of religion and politics is exactly what our nation’s founding fathers hoped to avoid.”

Mrs. Dobson says she would like people "to be praying about the institution of marriage, how God designed it."

She also hopes Americans will repent and honor God.

"The National Day of Prayer provides each of us with a powerful opportunity to humble ourselves before the Almighty and to seek the 'redeeming and preserving grace' Abraham Lincoln so eloquently spoke,” she said.

Click Here For Americans United For Separation of Church And State Web Site

Click Here For National Day Of Prayer Web Site

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