Press Release

Humanists Join Others Asking Bush to Sign Proclamation Honoring Reason

Contact Information
Tony Hileman, Executive Director

(Washington, D.C., March 27, 2003) The American Humanist Association joins national and local groups sending a letter and proclamation to President George W. Bush requesting that he proclaim May 1 as the National Day of Reason. Traditionally this day has been recognized as the National Day of Prayer, but the letter requests that the first Thursday of May also be designated as a National Day of Reason. Tony Hileman, executive director of AHA, writes, “While Bush’s rhetoric continues to be drenched with religiosity, by honoring the National Day of Reason he can reach out to the forty million Americans excluded by the National Day of Prayer in a symbolic non-threatening way.”

While we are not asking Bush to forgo the National Day of Prayer, its governmental observance is unconstitutional, and inconsiderate of a sizable portion of the American population. That any taxpayer dollars fund the National Day of Prayer Taskforce is a blatant violation of church-state separation. Many denominations pray, but not all Americans are part of a denomination. Their tax money should not be used to fund a day of prayer. A nationalized day of prayer excludes millions on a deeply emotional level, whereas recognizing reason as well as prayer is an inclusive, respectful gesture.

Humanists and other nontheists use reason and experience as guidance for their actions. Reason is not a new concept, yet it is progressive to emphasize it when making choices.

The proclamation calls for America to honor reason as our country’s secular foundation and as a method for historically progressive decision-making. While prayer is a source of comfort for many Americans, reason should guide government policy. Hileman goes on, “This year, more so than in previous years, the need to recognize reason is essential. With religion being touted as justification for international action, a reminder is in order that reason is a more methodical and reliable means of reaching decisions.”

The National Day of Reason aspires to unite individuals and bring the methods of critical inquiry and human solutions of human problems to national audiences. AHA chapters around the country are planning events to celebrate this day. Visit: http://www.nationaldayofreason.org

The American Humanist Association is the oldest and largest Humanist organization in the nation. The AHA is dedicated to ensuring a voice for those with a positive outlook, based on reason and experience, which embraces all of humanity.