Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, May 13, 1993                   TAG: 9305130501
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-10   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

BOWERS COMMENDED FOR `PRAYER' STAND

There have been times and circumstances when I have been in agreement with the American Civil Liberties Union, particularly in keeping us sensitive to the rights of persons and guarding against civil religion. However, I find myself in strong disagreement with Kent Willis' position against the National Day of Prayer event held at Lee Plaza on May 6.

My foundation for disagreement is:

This was a voluntary meeting of citizens who wanted to attend such an event. It involved no financial costs to the local government and was held in a public gathering place.

No particular religion, church or denomination sponsored the event. Those at the gathering were allowed to pray to their own God during the silent prayer. The Rev. Richard Harris was very deliberate in his prayer to be inclusive of all faiths. If one reads the official proclamation, it would be difficult to object to its content.

National Day of Prayer was approved by Congress in 1988 and signed into law by President Reagan. (I need not remind you that Congress, the Virginia General Assembly and City Council meetings begin with prayer.)

Lastly, we are in a very crucial time in our nation's history. We have numerous social problems such as homelessness, unfair disadvantages of the working poor, crime, easy availability of handguns that are more sophisticated and powerful than our own police officers', and violence in the home and community. We need strong, courageous people like our past mayor, the Rev. Noel Taylor, and like our present one, Mr. Bowers, who are willing to take a stand and not be intimidated by some who are merely grandstanding. Citizens in Roanoke need to say "enough is enough" and take action to make it a safer and better place to live. Events like the National Day of Prayer have the potential to strengthen our city, state and nation.

Mayor Bowers is to be commended for his official proclamation. He is not on "thin ice," as Willis suggests, but is on solid ground. There are many of us who will be standing with him. DR. JERRY O. CAMPBELL Senior Pastor Greene Memorial United Methodist Church ROANOKE