Washington, DC – Today the United States Supreme Court rejected Michael Newdow’s challenge in which he sought to prohibit clergy from praying during the Inauguration scheduled for tomorrow.

Michael Newdow, the self-declared atheist whose lawsuit against the Pledge of Allegiance was thrown out by the United States Supreme Court last year, filed suit a few weeks ago to stop clergy-led prayer from occurring during the Presidential Inauguration. The lawsuit was rejected by the Federal District Court and the Federal Court of Appeals. Mr. Newdow then filed an emergency petition with the U.S. Supreme Court to stop the prayer. Emergency petitions are usually handled by a particular Justice assigned to the Circuit Court of Appeals. In this case the petition went before Chief Justice William Rehnquist, who is set to administer the Oath to President George W. Bush. Newdow’s attempt to recuse the Chief Justice was unsuccessful. Chief Justice Rehnquist also denied the emergency petition. The result is that there will be prayer during the Inauguration.

Mathew D. Staver, President and General Counsel of Liberty Counsel, stated, “From George Washington to George W. Bush, prayer has been part of our Presidential Inaugurations. Prayer has been an essential part of America and her history. Our history is pervaded by religious expressions. We are a nation of religious refugees, and it is therefore commonplace to see and hear expressions of religion. Including prayer at a Presidential Inauguration in no way establishes a religion.”

Update on Ten Commandments Case

After receiving the ACLU’s Answer Brief, which is due this Friday, we will work to complete our Reply Brief over the next few weeks. The schedule will be busy beginning next week until the argument before the Supreme Court on March 2. We appreciate your continued prayers and support for this historic case. To learn more about the case, visit our special web site DefendTheTen.org.

Surgery Update on Nancy Rodriguez

Last week we asked that you pray for one of our employees, Nancy Rodriguez, who underwent brain surgery yesterday for a large aneurism on her left optic nerve. The surgery was very dangerous. I am pleased to report that Nancy is doing well. She is able to speak and recognize people and she is able to see. One of her first statements to her husband was to ask how he was doing. Nancy is a beautiful example of a person who trusts in the Lord. We ask that you continue to pray for Nancy’s complete recovery.

Get a copy of this booklet about the Ten Commandments

This booklet shows how each Commandment impacted our system of law and government. This booklet should be on every judge's desk and in every American home.

Learn more about our Ten Commandments case before the U.S. Supreme Court - go to DefendTheTen.org. Please joint this fight to "Defend the Ten" - donate online.