Disputed an Attempt to Obscure References to “Laus Deo” on the Washington Monument.  Members of the Congressional Prayer Caucus authored a letter to the Director of the National Park Service, demanding that the replica of the top of the Washington Monument be properly displayed so that the inscription “Laus Deo,” which means “Praise be to God,” is fully visible. Additionally, the letter asked that all educational materials and signage accurately reflect America’s religious and spiritual heritage.  The letter was sent with the signatures of 18 Members of Congress following reports that the display had been changed to remove any mention of the inscription, and the replica had been placed facing a wall so that it was hidden from view. Shortly after the letter was sent, the National Park Service issued a statement acknowledging the oversight and committing to redesign the display so that the Laus Deo inscription could be seen.

Fought Attempts to Remove God from Certificates for Flags Flown Over the U.S. Capitol.  A 17-year old Eagle Scout requested that a flag be flown over the Capitol on behalf of his grandfather and that the accompanying certificate read: “In honor of my grandfather Marcel Larochelle, for his dedication and love of God, Country, and family.” This request was denied and he received the flag and certificate with the reference to God removed.  In response, bipartisan Members of the Prayer Caucus joined together to send a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi requesting that the rule be changed. After repeated pressure from Members, the Architect of the Capitol reversed his decision to censor the word “God” from flag inscriptions.  Additionally, Members supported H.R.3779, the Andrew Larochelle God, Family and Country Act of 2007, which would require the Architect of the Capitol to permit the acknowledgment of God on flag certificates that are issued at the request of a Member of the United States House of Representatives or of the United States Senate.

Passed Legislation to Recognize the Importance of Christmas and the Christian Faith.  Members of the Prayer Caucus supported H.Res.847, which recognized the Christian faith as one of the great religions of the world, expressed continued support for Christians in the United States and worldwide and acknowledged the international religious and historical importance of Christmas and the Christian faith. The resolution also acknowledged and supported the role played by Christians and Christianity in the founding of the United States and in the formation of the western civilization; rejected bigotry and persecution directed against Christians, both in the United States and worldwide; and expressed the deepest respect of the House of Representatives to American Christians and Christians throughout the world.

Worked to Protect the Right of Elected Officials to Express Their Religious Beliefs.

Members of the Prayer Caucus supported H.R. 2104, the Public Prayer Protection Act, to protect the right of elected and appointed officials to express their religious beliefs through public prayer by removing all establishment clause cases involving prayer by public officials from federal court jurisdiction to the jurisdiction of state courts.

Reversed a Decision to Strip God from Flag-folding Ceremonies for Veterans Funerals.  Members of the Congressional Prayer Caucus called for reversal of the Department of Veteran’s Affairs policy temporarily banning flag folding recitations at military funerals that referenced God or religion, even if specifically requested by the family of the deceased.  Members penned a letter to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs requesting a reversal of the policy. Soon after, the Department backed off of the ban.