Gov. Spencer Cox declares statewide day of prayer and fasting

Gov. Spencer Cox. Photo: Utah State Office of the Governor

It is the second time the Republican political leader has declared a statewide day of prayer

PARK CITY, Utah – Utah’s Governor, Spencer Cox, has declared a day of “prayer, fasting and contemplation for our nation” to be observed on September 1, 2024, saying the coming months will test our nation’s founding principals. He also called on Utahn’s to reflect on their individual roles in the constitutional republic.

“For more than two centuries, the U.S. Constitution has remained the framework through which we reconcile differing interests and peacefully progress as a nation,” Gov. Cox said.  “Now, more than ever, it is important to reflect on our founding principles.”

Political leaders in the United States do not often declare periods of prayer and fasting. In the U.S. and elsewhere periods of prayer and fasting are typically observed for religious or personal reasons rather than being declared by political leaders. While many historical examples exist – Abraham Lincoln called for national days of fasting and prayer during the Civil War – it has not been as common in modern times.

That said, two other politically conservative states have issues similar declarations this year. In April, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders proclaimed April 28, as a “Special Day of Prayer in Arkansas.” Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed a resolution for 31 days of prayer and fasting in Tennessee, starting on July 1. This resolution was a response to various crises facing the state and nation, urging citizens to seek divine intervention.

Governor Cox is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly referred to as the Mormon Church. His faith is an important aspect of his personal life and has influenced his public service. While the “Day of Prayer, Fasting and Contemplation” declaration is new to this year, a spokesman for Gov. Cox said, he has previously issued declarations that ask Utahns to pray. In June of 2021 he issued a Weekend of Prayer for Rain.

A statement from Gov. Cox’s office said that throughout history, presidents and governors have issued proclamations following times of difficulties to unite the nation in thanksgiving and humility.

“Our Founding Fathers recognized the importance of faith in protecting our freedoms, especially the freedom of religion. Gov. Cox invites Utahns to reflect on the importance of our nation’s Constitution throughout the month of September and to join in prayer, fasting and contemplation on Sept. 1,” a press release from Thursday, August 29 read.

Although another founding principal of the our nation’s Constitution and of Constitutional law is the separation of Church and State, experts say these modern declarations for prayer navigate this principle carefully to ensure it is seen as a voluntary act rather not tied too a particular faith.

The Establishment clause of the First Amendment is designed to ensure that religious and government institutions operate independently from one another, allowing for religious freedom and preventing the government from imposing religious beliefs on its citizens.

After Lee declared a month of prayer and fasting in Tennessee the Freedom From Religion Foundation opposed the declaration contending it sounded “more like a Christian sermon, not a governmental proclamation, replete with religious phrases such as: “God, as Creator and King of all Glory,” “God’s mercy,” “His hand of blessing,” “the omnipotent hand of Providence,” “Lord Jesus … heal our land.”

While Gov. Cox’s declaration is decided less religiously descriptive, the Utah governor represents a religiously diverse population that consists not only of Mormons – but also atheists and agnostics who do not believe in prayer. A recent study shows that both Salt Lake County and Weber County have dropped to 51% and 54% LDS. The religiously unaffiliated (atheists, agnostics and “nothing in particulars”) portion of the public is the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. population by religious identification, now making up three-in-10 Americans.