The Rev. Jim CastroLang, of First United Church of Christ in Colville, says the United States isn’t a Christian nation.
“And it shouldn’t be,” he added.
He said the nation was founded the freedom to engage in any faith tradition one chooses (or none at all), which is why his church is joining St. Paul Lutheran Church of Colville in an inclusive National Day of Prayer event on May 1.
“We want to celebrate that our country is strong because of the many spiritual and religious traditions that flourish in the United States. Countries that tolerate only one religion or ban certain religions — their people are not as free and they are weaker for it,” said Rev. Eric Ohrtman, of St. Paul’s.
Lama Lakshey Zangpo, a Tibetan Buddhist from Spokane will participate in the event. He will speak and share a meditation during the observance. At 6:30 p.m., he will teach about meditation at the First Congregational United Church of Christ (205 N Maple).
The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation.
CastroLang said that despite the reference to “all faiths,” too many communities only have only a Christian-focused observance. He and Ohrtman invite people of all faith backgrounds to participate in this year’s event.
