Houston, TX, June 9, 2011 ... The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today called Texas Governor Rick Perry's call for a day of prayer and fasting, and his plans to hold a prayer rally at Houston's Reliant Stadium on August 6, "misguided and inappropriate," saying it blurs the lines between our constitutionally protected separation of church and state.

Martin B. Cominsky, ADL Southwest Regional Director, issued the following statement:

We agree with the governor that many Texans and Americans are facing economic and other challenges in these times.  But the citizens to whom he refers come from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds, and we do not agree that official statements and rallies that divide along religious lines are a productive way to address these difficulties.
                                        
We have long urged elected officials at all levels to respect the separation of church and state and to refrain from endorsing or promoting religion.  While the American Family Association is within its rights to organize a day of prayer and a prayer meeting, we believe government officials should not be encouraging citizens and fellow elected officials to participate in specific religious events.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.