MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2010 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Lee (35th), Albritton, Baria, Blount, Brown, Browning, Bryan, Burton, Butler, Butler (36th), Carmichael, Chassaniol, Clarke, Davis, Dawkins, Dearing, Dickerson, Fillingane, Flowers, Frazier, Gollott, Gordon, Harden, Hewes, Hopson, Horhn, Hudson, Hyde-Smith, Jackson (11th), Jackson (15th), Jackson (32nd), Jones, Jordan, King, Kirby, Lee (47th), McDaniel, Mettetal, Michel, Moffatt, Montgomery, Nunnelee, Powell, Simmons, Stone, Tollison, Turner, Walls, Ward, Watson, Wilemon, Yancey
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATIVE PRAYER CAUCUS AND TO PROVIDE FOR ITS ORGANIZATION.
WHEREAS, throughout the history of the United States, its citizens and inhabitants have drawn strength, hope and guidance from prayer. From the very first Continental Congress through every form of adversity and blessing, Americans have fallen to their knees and implored God Almighty to protect their family and to heal their land; and
WHEREAS, the freedom upon which America is founded affords the right to any individual to decline to pray if he or she desires. However, that same freedom allows those who believe in the power of prayer to utilize that great opportunity to ask God to bless and sustain our nation; and
WHEREAS, that freedom is not diminished merely because one is elected to public office. Quite the contrary, the cloak of authority placed upon the shoulders of a public servant should be an inspiration for those who believe in the power of prayer to use that great power to ask God to bless and sustain the nation they love and serve; and
WHEREAS, in early 2005, a small group of members of the United States House of Representatives began meeting in Room 219 of the United States Capitol to pray for our nation. The intent of this meeting was derived from the humble sincerity of their belief that God could heal the United States of America. Soon thereafter, these members formed the Congressional Prayer Caucus, which is a nonpartisan caucus with the purpose of seeking God's wisdom, direction and blessing for our country; and
WHEREAS, in order to encourage, train and support legislative leaders in every field who believe in the power of prayer, and to highlight the vital role that prayer and Judeo-Christian principles have played in the history of our nation and our state in strengthening the fabric of our society, at all times consistent with the progress of our state and with the well-being of our fellow Mississippians:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That the Lieutenant Governor of the State of Mississippi on behalf of the Mississippi Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives on behalf of the members of the House, jointly, are authorized to establish and organize a Mississippi Legislative Prayer Caucus, under the following conditions:
(1) The purpose of the Mississippi Legislative Prayer Caucus is to offer legislators a regular opportunity to join fellow legislators in humbly asking for God's wisdom and blessing on our country and the State of Mississippi.
(2) Any member of the Mississippi Senate or Mississippi House of Representatives may become a member of the Mississippi Legislative Prayer Caucus on a voluntary nonpartisan basis. Membership application shall be made in writing and a member may resign. There shall be no membership fee.
(3) There shall be a Chairman of the Mississippi Legislative Prayer Caucus, which shall alternate between the Senate and House on an annual basis. The Lieutenant Governor shall appoint the first Chairman who shall serve until the beginning of the 2011 Regular Session, at which time the Speaker shall appoint the second Chairman. The Caucus shall meet upon the call of the Chairman.
(4) To the extent practicable, the meetings and business affairs of the Mississippi Legislative Prayer Caucus shall be held in the New Capitol Building in Jackson, Mississippi, but alternate locations may be designated by the Chairman.
(5) The Mississippi Legislative Prayer Caucus is authorized to coordinate its programs and meetings with programs and meetings of the Congressional Prayer Caucus.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be transmitted to the Congressional Prayer Caucus and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.