Debate changer

Religion | Congressional Prayer Caucus founder Randy Forbes is trying to build a nationwide network of legislators to fight back against attacks on religion in public life | Edward Lee Pitts

Associated Press/Photo by LM Otero

On April 21, a drenching rain forced 20 lawmakers to scuttle an outdoor event and cram into a small room in the Cannon House Office Building. But the rain did little to dampen their anger over U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb's recent ruling that the long-held National Day of Prayer is unconstitutional.

The members of the Congressional Prayer Caucus competed to come up with the most scathing adjective to describe the judge's decision:

"Disgusting. . ." "Disrespectful. . ." "An abomination. . ."

The tongue-lashing continued:

"Misguided. . ." "Nefarious. . . " "Absurd."   

Their anger did not respect party lines. Republicans and Democrats alike made verbal punches for more than an hour.