Image Credit: Sumner County Government
The Tennessee Conservative [By Adelia Kirchner] –
Earlier this year, Tennessee lawmakers passed HJR 51, a resolution calling for the month of July to be designated as a time of prayer and fasting for the “physically able and spiritually inclined” to seek “God’s hand of mercy and healing on Tennessee.”
The statewide resolution, sponsored by Rep. Monty Fritts (R-Kingston-District 32) and Sen. Mark Pody (R-Lebanon-District 17) was signed into law by Gov. Bill Lee on May 2nd.
Sumner County commissioners now plan to vote on a resolution in support of HJR 51, acknowledging July as a month of prayer and requesting the “Holy Spirit to move within the halls of government.”
“There is no denying that the world, and especially America, is a better place because of Christianity, not in spite of it,” Sumner County Commissioner Jeremy Mansfield stated.
“We recognize our sins and shortcomings, both individually and as a people, and humbly ask His forgiveness,” the text of HJR 51 reads. “We ask the Lord Jesus to remove corruption, criminal violence, and addiction from our State and our nation, restore marriages and strengthen families, and bring about a righteous unity of vision and purpose for all Tennesseans.”
Mansfield explained that he feels the resolution represents the values of his local community and of the Constitution.
The county commissioner added that he doesn’t think any other county government in Tennessee has adopted a resolution like the one Sumner County will be considering, and he hopes to see that change before the end of the month.
In response to those who believe HJR 51 and similar efforts may not be within the purview of government, Mansfield said he doesn’t see the premise for their argument.
“If you read our Constitution, the government protects religious freedom. And we have a freedom of religion, not a freedom from religion,” said Mansfield. “And all of our Founding Fathers, most of them, were Christians. And our country, unequivocally, was founded based on the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”
Mansfield also reiterated a point made several times by Rep. Fritts during the consideration of HJR 51, that Tennesseans who are not “spiritually inclined” have no obligation to participate in the month of prayer and fasting.
The Sumner County Commission is scheduled to review and vote on the resolution of acknowledgement during a meeting on Monday, June 30th.
About the Author: Adelia Kirchner is a Tennessee resident and reporter for the Tennessee Conservative. Currently the host of Subtle Rampage Podcast, she has also worked for the South Dakota State Legislature and interned for Senator Bill Hagerty’s Office in Nashville, Tennessee. You can reach Adelia at adelia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
