FRC to Deliver 55,000 Petitions Urging Mayor Bloomberg to Reverse Decision Banning Clergy and First

WASHINGTON, - Family Research Council (FRC) announced today it has so far gathered more than 55,000 signed petitions that join New York City Councilman Fernando Cabrera's efforts to urge Mayor Michael Bloomberg to reverse his decision to prevent clergy and first responders from participating in the Ground Zero commemoration. The petitions will be presented to the Mayor's office on Thursday afternoon, three days prior to the ceremony. Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following comments:

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"Ten years ago, in the wake of the worst terrorist attack in our nation's history, Americans turned to God for solace. Members of the clergy on the scene and across the nation gave aid, comfort and hope to the shocked, the fearful and the bereaved. As the tenth anniversary of that day approaches, we would do well to turn our eyes again toward our Protector. "Unfortunately, New York City Michael Bloomberg would have us look the other way. At a Ground Zero commemoration for the families of victims, Mayor Bloomberg is allowing the presence of politicians and presidents, but no pastors or prayer. The mayor of course will be there, but while we appreciate political leadership, on September 11th, it was not, nor is it now, nearly enough.

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"Pastors are not invited to the event, as Mayor Bloomberg apparently thinks that the invited politicians will be able to offer enough comfort to the families. But Mayor Bloomberg's glaring omissions from the event do not end with clergy. The very people who hallowed the ground, the living embodiment of selfless courage we vowed 'never to forget' - New York's first responders - won't even be invited. "While the mayor may be blind to those he's leaving aside, the rest of the country is taking notice. More than 55,000 Americans and New Yorkers have signed petitions to Mayor Bloomberg asking that he reverse his decision to deny first responders and prayer a place at this most solemn remembrance. Petition signers reflect the views of the vast majority of Americans who understand that this nation needs prayer more than politics," concluded Perkins. Click here to view FRC's web video urging the Mayor to reverse his decision.

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