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Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter
RECALLED
January 28, 2016
S. 1009
S. Printed 1/28/16--S.
Read the first time January 19, 2016.
TO RESPECTFULLY AND HUMBLY ISSUE A "CALL TO PRAYER" FOR THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND INVITE HER CITIZENS EVERYWHERE TO PRAY THAT GOD WILL CONTINUE TO BLESS THIS COUNTRY, OUR NOBLE STATE AND THE FREEDOMS FOR WHICH THEY STAND.
Whereas, throughout the history of the United States, its citizens have drawn strength, hope, and guidance by prayer and humble petition before a loving and merciful Creator--imploring Him to watch over this nation, its leaders, and her people. Through this simple act of trust, the citizens of South Carolina have also endeavored to show their commitment when duty calls, to offer dignity and compassion to those less fortunate, and to bring encouragement in the face of unprecedented challenges; and
Whereas, the Judeo-Christian principles that established America, including the First Amendment to the Constitution, guarantee the freedom of religion and its expression. The moral and solemn responsibility of those elected to public office, draws many servants who believe in the power of prayer--to seek humility in governance, wisdom in decision making, courage in times of testing, and providence for God's favor and blessing; and
Whereas, on May 24, 1774, when facing enormous challenges, caucus members from the Virginia House of Burgesses passed a resolution setting apart a day of, "Fasting, Humiliation, and Prayer." We now stand at the threshold of another significant crossroad: either to acknowledge and embrace the vibrant character of our spiritual heritage or to plunge headlong into a postmodern void that is eroding much of what we hold sacred; and
Whereas, centuries ago, the Bible records in 2 Chronicles 7:14 that Gold told King Solomon: "If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and prayer and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land"; and
Whereas, in early 2005, a small group from the U.S. House of Representatives began meeting in Room 219 of the United States Capitol to pray for our nation. Soon thereafter, these members formed the Congressional Prayer Caucus to vigilantly watch over and protect the right of individuals to pray. Their vision for the Caucus has inspired the formation of similar caucuses around the nation, including in South Carolina. With the re-affirmation of, "In God We Trust" as our national motto in 2011, it becomes more evident how important prayer is to this country; and
Whereas, the 1663 Charter of Carolina acknowledges, "Being excited with a laudable and pious zeal for the propagation of the Christian faith"; and
Whereas, the first governor, William Sayle, allowed religious toleration of all denominations; and
Whereas, the State of South Carolina was the second state to ratify the Articles of Confederation and the eighth state to ratify the U.S. Constitution in 1788; and
Whereas, the Preamble of the State Constitution humbly asserts, "We, the people of the State of South Carolina, in Convention assembled, grateful to God for our liberties, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the preservation and perpetuation of the same"; and
Whereas, the State Constitution specifies, "The General Assembly shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the government or any department thereof for a redress of grievances". Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:
That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, respectfully and humbly issue a "Call to Prayer" for the State of South Carolina and invite her citizens everywhere to pray that God will continue to bless this country, our noble State and the freedoms for which they stand.
This web page was last updated on January 28, 2016 at 4:40 PM