Two prayer days, two messages

Photo by Daily Herald Photographer Tanit Jarusan

James Fuller
Daily Herald Staff Writer

DuPage County’s main observance of the National Day of Prayer on Thursday adhered to a conservative Christian tone that, like last year, upset at least one group of observers.

Last year, radio host and occasional Fox News contributor Sandy Rios upset local Muslims when she referred to Allah as “a God of vengeance.”

This year, an overt disdain for homosexuality sparked disappointment from at least one local church leader.

An exhibit by the Illinois Family Institute greeted the 150 or so participants as they walked to their seats for an hour of prayers at Danada House near Wheaton.

The display provided information booklets opposing medical marijuana, gambling and civil unions for homosexual couples.

It was a theme played out at the podium when Peter LaBarbera delivered his prayer for marriages.

“Marriage is under assault on so many fronts in this nation that began, miraculously, as a Christian nation,” said LaBarbera, president of Americans for Truth.

“Homosexual activists, joined by liberal churches who stray far from your word, work night and day to radically redefine marriage seeking to bless as holy that which you call an abomination,” he said.

While there was little reaction from the crowd, LaBarbera’s remarks worry some church leaders who welcome homosexuals.

“It’s unfortunate that a day designated by our nation as one for prayer, ostensibly for all people of faith, would seem to be focused seemingly exclusively on Christian prayer,” said Rev. Greg Schneck-Skiba, pastor of Naperville’s First Congregational United Church of Christ.

Schneck-Skiba attended a different observance at Benedictine University in Lisle featuring the Rev. Martin Marty. He said the Lisle gathering was Christian — but not divisive.

“What’s even more unfortunate is that a particular prayer offered in that setting would exclude and denigrate those many Christians who are of homosexual and other orientations who are seeking to be faithful Christians in their loving relationships with each other and all of God’s creation,” Schneck-Skiba said.

“I recognize that this is denied by people who oppose homosexuality,” he said. “But even so, that seems inappropriate in a context of a day of prayer focused on a nation of which all of us are citizens.”

Not all prayers during the Danada observance had political undertones.

Retired U.S. Rep. Henry Hyde, a staunch conservative, simply spoke of the beauty of living in America.

Hyde’s voice sounded strong despite delivering his prayer from a wheelchair. He was unable to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.

“Let us give thanks for the freedom we enjoy in America,” Hyde said. “And in giving thanks for freedom, let us resolve to live our freedom nobly remembering, Lord, that freedom is not a measure of doing what we like, but rather having the right to do what we ought.”