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Dorothy Li Calzi's avatar

Separation of church and State, it’s that simple. Keep your damn religion to yourself. God knows there is nothing Christian about this govt

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Keely Cofrin Allen's avatar

The entire event is a disgrace. I firmly believe that many politicians are less religious than they let on in public because the US population still distrusts atheists.

Religion is a scourge that needs to be eradicated. As a proud atheist Unitarian Universalist, I can say that the non-religious people I know behave in a far more Christian manner than the majority of Christians.

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Ann's avatar

Jonathan, Global Voices, as far as I can tell, is the only media outlet that reported on Milorad Dodik throwing a fit when he could not attend an inaugural ball sponsored by the FRC and other nonprofits during Trump's 2017 inauguration. Bob McEwen had sent Dodik an invite. It appears their relationship was from International Prayer Breakfasts both had attended. Dodik desires to be a strongman. I know you are familiar with McEwen from your investigations with TYT.

https://globalvoices.org/2017/01/19/the-bosnian-politician-caught-lying-about-an-invitation-to-trumps-inauguration/

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Jonathan Larsen's avatar

Thanks, Ann!

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Brent Abrahamson's avatar

From the people who say you can pray the gay away. Or in Uganda’s case, slay the gay away.

It’s amazing how these “Christian” Nationalists fail to recognize themselves in Scripture, from the book they claim to know. These are they:

Jesus used the metaphor of a “wolf in sheep’s clothing” to warn his followers about false prophets who appear harmless or virtuous but are actually deceptive and dangerous.

In Matthew 7:15, he cautions, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”

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Lois Henry's avatar

I support freedom from religion 100%. Anyone who wants to believe from a single god to an entire pantheon is just fine - as long as I’m not forced to join them.

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Sharon Bouchard's avatar

I'm religious, and I would really like to see the Prayer Breakfast thing go extinct. It's unhealthy for body politic and religion both. Keep your private practice private.

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Dawna Stromsoe's avatar

Thanks Jonathan for researching and writing this detailed account of too many sanctimonious elected officials tainted, blinded & controlled by money. The separation of church and state ought to be clear. It’s muddied by those who want cover for their sins.

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J Wood's avatar

Thanks for keeping your eyes and reporting on this!

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Samuel's avatar

I agree but I'm a Christian I don't want this country to get destroyed by an anarchist whether he claims that he is Christian or not because I don't think God would forgive him for what he has done to this point although I know he would because I know he would forgive me in all of my sins but that doesn't mean that he should not be punished for his actions I have done nothing to be punished whereas he... Has.

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Liz Burton's avatar

Good to know. Especially so when one knows a group of actual clergy—Dr. William Barber of the Poor People's Campaign and several of his fellow activists—were arrested for daring to pray for mercy on behalf of those who need SNAP and Medicaid to survive in the Rotunda. Twice. Because they were praying out loud.

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💙💙💙's avatar

Just another way the Dems are letting us down!

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JGaleMN's avatar

Hello, Jonathan, what prompted you to write this article now? The national prayer breakfast was held back in February. I'm willing to call and write my Senator, Amy Klobuchar, but I need a reason to explain to her why I'm contacting her at the end of May. Thank you for your excellent article.

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Blognonymous's avatar

Jeff Sharlet's investigative work in exposing this toxic and secretive organization continues to be ignored. They are directly responsible for reshaping the modern GOP and enabling the autocratic fall of Russia into Putin's murderous empire. And yet, the benign nature of breakfast and the alure of fellowship continue to ensnare the initiated into their web.

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Van Garmon 3's avatar

My prayers have been answered! I prayed that Jonathan would write this. Hallelujah!

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