Interfaith Alliance of Iowa is alarmed and disheartened at the idea that the Governor of the state of Iowa would declare a Day of Prayer. The Governor is the state’s highest elected official representing all Iowans, regardless of their beliefs. She is not the Pastor-in-Chief of the state. Declaring a Day of Prayer is an inappropriate action by the Governor. While many Iowans are people of faith who do pray as part of living out their faith beliefs, it is never the role of elected officials to promote any particular religion or any religious practice. The Governor should focus on the best practices in public health to ensure the safety and well-being of all Iowans, not the practices of any religion. Promoting religious practices is the role of faith leaders, not elected officials.
Connie Ryan is the Executive Director of the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa