By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
President Barack Obama is facing criticism over his failure to issue the traditional Easter proclamation this year even though he was careful to release several statements in the past year marking Muslim holidays and Earth Day.
FoxNation.com is reporting that the White House failed to issue an Easter statement which is a long-standing tradition for American presidents. By comparison, the White House issued statements in 2010 marking Ramadan, Eid-ul-Fitr, Hajj, and Eid-ul-Adha.
In addition, he also took the time to release an eight-paragraph statement heralding Earth Day.
This is not the first time Obama has been criticized for his poor handling of the holiest Christian holiday. Last year, Obama he released an “all-inclusive” Easter greeting in which he reached out Jews, Muslims, Hindus and atheists.
“All of us are striving to make a way in this world; to build a purposeful and fulfilling life in the fleeting time we have here,” Obama said in his 2010 “Easter” message. “A dignified life. A healthy life. A life true to its potential. And a life that serves other . . . . These are aspirations that stretch back through the ages – aspirations at the heart of Judaism, at the heart of Christianity, at the heart of all the world’s great religions.”
However, when he issued statements about Muslim holidays, none were inclusive and made no mention of Christianity or any other religion.
Yesterday, when asked about the omission at the White House briefing, press secretary Jay Carney scoffed at the criticism and insisted that Obama is a “devoted Christian.”
“I’m not sure if we put out a statement or not, but he obviously personally celebrated Easter with his family,” Carney said, adding ”the president took his family out to church in a very high-profile way.”
The First Family also hosted the annual Easter Egg roll yesterday, a secular event which included readings, games and a yoga garden.
The only other recognition Obama gave to Easter was to host a prayer breakfast for Christian ministers last week.
In stark contrast were the Easter proclamations issued during the Bush Administration in which the holiday was explained in detail.
For example, in his 2008 Easter message, President Bush said: “The Resurrection of Jesus Christ reminds people around the world of the presence of a faithful God who offers a love more powerful than death. Easter commemorates our Savior’s triumph over sin, and we take joy in spending this special time with family and friends and reflecting on the many blessings that fill our lives. During this season of renewal, let us come together and give thanks to the Almighty who made us in His image and redeemed us in His love.”
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