• Action Headquarters
  • Media Center
    • Press Releases
    • Press Kit
    • All News

American Humanist Association

Advocating progressive values and equality for humanists, atheists, and freethinkers

  • Facebook
  • X
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • About
    • About

      For over 80 years, the AHA has proudly served as the leading progressive voice in America on behalf of humanists, atheists, agnostics, and freethinkers.

      Learn More
    • Our Mission
    • Our History
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Board of Directors
    • Staff
    • Jobs & Internships
    • Financial Info and Reports
    • Contact Us
  • Are You Humanist?
    • Are You Humanist?

      Guided by reason, inspired by compassion, and informed by experience.

      Learn More
    • Definition of Humanism
    • Humanism and Its Aspirations
    • Humanist of the Year Award
    • Famous Humanists in History
  • Key Issues
    • Key Issues

      We are committed to building an inclusive America grounded in an embrace of reason, ethics, scientific inquiry, and compassion- rather than religious dogma.

      Learn More
    • Defending Nontheists and Promoting Humanism
    • Religion and Government Separation
    • Social Justice
    • Scientific Integrity
    • Promoting Peace
    • Resolutions and Statements
  • What We Do
    • What We Do

      We work tirelessly in courts, legislatures, and communities to defend civil liberties, secular governance, and scientific integrity.

      Learn More
    • Legal
    • Legislative
    • Education Center
    • Local Groups
    • Programs and Adjuncts
    • Publications
    • AHA at the Supreme Court
    • National Day of Reason
    • Boycott the Pledge Campaign
    • Speakers Bureau
    • Humanism for All Prisoners’ Project
  • Get Involved
    • Get Involved

      Ready for change? Join our network and be the first to take action. Get the resources and tools you need to make a real difference.

      Learn More
    • Humanist Action Headquarters
    • Find a Local AHA Group
    • Become a Humanist Celebrant
    • Events and Conferences
    • Grants and Programs
    • Resources
  • Ways to Give
    • Ways to Give

      Through winning lawsuits, active lobbying, and effective media campaigns, your contribution can go a long way.

      Learn More
    • Join
    • Renew
    • Donate
    • Online-Only Membership
    • Leave a Bequest
    • IRA Rollover Gifts
    • Other Ways to Give
  • Media Center
  • Take Action
May 5, 2009 Press Releases

National Day of Reason Offers Inclusive and Constitutional Alternative to National Day of Prayer

Facebook Twitter Email Share
May 5, 2009 Press Releases

For Immediate Release – Contact Karen Frantz at (202) 238-9088
kfrantz@americanhumanist.org – www.americanhumanist.org

(Washington, D.C., May 5, 2009) The federal government typically observes the National Day of Prayer on the first Thursday of May–this year it will be held on May 7–and has done so since the Day of Prayer’s creation in 1952 by an act of Congress. However, increasing numbers of people every year are instead showing their support for the National Day of Reason, which is held in parallel to the National Day of Prayer as an inclusive–and constitutional–alternative, said the American Humanist Association today.

“Secular Americans understandably get exasperated each May when the federal government exhibits a complete disregard for the separation of church and state with its many National Day of Prayer observances,” said Roy Speckhardt, executive director of the American Humanist Association. “The National Day of Reason is the nontheist’s response to this annual abuse of the U.S. Constitution. It’s for all those who value reason over dogma and expect their government to do the same.”

Each year on the National Day of Reason, events are held across the United States that often are geared towards raising the visibility of the secular community and to setting the right example for how to effect positive change. Local events may include a day of volunteer work, a charity event, or simple conversation designed to foster rational thought. “Above all else, we want to create a positive, inclusive experience for all people–regardless of religion or non-religion,” said Speckhardt.

Some religious advocacy groups have called on President Obama to declare that the National Day of Prayer is for all Americans–even nontheists. “Though urging the inclusion of everyone is certainly in the correct spirit, we don’t see how a National Day of Prayer could ever be inclusive of people who don’t believe in a god,” said David Niose, president of the American Humanist Association. “Rather, we’d urge President Obama to instead endorse the National Day of Reason, thereby including all Americans and calling attention to a value that’s essential to effective democracy.”

The American Humanist Association along with the Washington Area Secular Humanists host a website for the National Day of Reason (http://www.nationaldayofreason.org/), where individuals can access a wealth of resources, including a listing of NDoR events in their area, facts and statistics regarding the National Day of Prayer, and essays on church-state separation.

# # #

The American Humanist Association (www.americanhumanist.org) advocates for the rights and viewpoints of humanists. Founded in 1941 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., its work is extended through more than 100 local chapters and affiliates across America.

Humanism is a progressive philosophy of life that, without theism, affirms our responsibility to lead ethical lives of value to self and humanity.

More Press Releases

Latest news from TheHumanist.com

Subscribe Today

Evidence and Understanding: Excerpt from Humanism from the Heart: Building Bridges Beyond Belief

Steve Ghikadis

Between God and the Lab: The Ethical Dilemmas Universities Ignore

Aymen Idris

The Ought in Autism

Deborah Sale-Butler

The U.S. Supreme Court Case of United States v. Skrmetti Violates the Separation of Church and State

Gordon Gamm

Meet the New AHA Staff Member: Claire Mulvey

TheHumanist.com Staff
American Humanist Association
1821 Jefferson Place, NW
Washington, DC 20036
202-238-9088
800-837-3792 (toll-free)
202-238-9003 (fax)
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • About the American Humanist Association
  • Are You Humanist?
  • What We Do
  • Key Issues
  • Board of Directors
  • Staff
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Get Involved
  • Press Kit
  • Local Groups
  • Education Center
  • Become a Humanist Celebrant
  • Job and Internship Opportunities
  • Humanist Action Headquarters
  • Sign Up for AHA Emails
  • Privacy Policy
  • Records Policy
  • Site Map
  • Contact Us

©2025 American Humanist Association. All Rights Reserved.

Combined Federal CampaignIndependent Charities of AmericaCharity NavigatorCandid/Guidestar Platinum Seal of Transparency