TN Gov. Receives Praise and Backlash for Declaring Day of Prayer, Humility, and Fasting

Charlene Aaron
10-08-2019

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Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee recently issued a proclamation declaring Oct. 10 as a voluntary "Day of Prayer, Humility, and Fasting." 

"Everywhere that Maria and I travel across this great state we've met with countless number of people that come up to me and say, 'Governor, we're praying for you and for Maria and for your family'," the governor said in a video posted on Twitter.  

"We know that prayer accomplishes much," he said. "Prayer strengthens our families and it strengthens our communities. It strengthens our relationship with our neighbors. It strengthens our relationship with God himself."

He continued, "So, because of that, we have decided to proclaim an official day of prayer and fasting for our state on Oct. 10 this year. On that day, Maria and I will take the day and offer prayers of healing. Prayers for forgiveness. Prayers of thanksgiving. And prayers of hope for our state and for the 6.7 million who call Tennessee home. We invite all Tennesseans to join with us. In their homes. In their communities. In their places of worship, to fast and to pray for God's favor and blessing on the people of Tennessee."     

Meanwhile, there has been both praise and backlash for the governor's prayer proclamation.

"Thank you, Governor, for being an open and Godly leader, and for being bold in your faith," Todd Fordhal tweeted. "We are blessed to have our leadership in TN. We should all humble ourselves and pray for our state and local communities, as well as the nation and the rest of the world."  

Julie Smith said, "Thank you, Governor and Maria. Thank you. Jesus is the Only Answer."

"So many issues with this," said Sophie Smith. "You represent ALL Tennesseans not just the ones who think praying makes sense. Keep religion out of politics."

Another complained, "Official? What about separation of church and state?"

US presidents and local leaders have declared days of prayer and thanksgiving on countless occasions in the past. In fact, America's very first President George Washington kicked it off by declaring Thursday, November 26, 1789 as a day of public thanksgiving and prayer. That's why the entire country celebrates Thanksgiving as a holiday each year.

CBN News reached out to Gov. Lee's office for comment on this story. At time of publication for this article, we had not received a response.

      

 


 

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About The Author

Charlene Aaron
Charlene
Aaron

Charlene Aaron serves as a general assignment reporter, news anchor, co-host of The 700 Club, co-host of 700 Club Interactive, and co-host of The Prayerlink on the CBN News Channel. She covers various social issues, such as abortion, gender identity, race relations, and more. Before joining CBN News in 2003, she was a personal letter writer for Dr. Pat Robertson. Charlene attended Old Dominion University and Elizabeth City State University. She is an ordained minister and pastor’s wife. She lives in Smithfield, VA, with her husband.
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