Barry Lynn speaking in OKC

From Mainstream Baptist (Rev. Bruce Prescott of Norman Oklahoma)

Barry Lynn, Executive Director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, will be speaking at the Second Annual Interfaith Day of Prayer and Reflection at the Oklahoma State Capitol on May 5th.

The Daily Oklahoman ran a feature story and the Norman Transcript printed a notice about the event.

Here are some excerpts from the story in the Daily Oklahoman:

An Interfaith Day of Prayer and Reflection observance, featuring speakers from five faith traditions will be at 11 a.m. on the Capitol's south steps. The observance is sponsored by the Interfaith Alliance, the Oklahoma chapter of Americans United for Separation of Church and State and Mainstream Oklahoma Baptists.

The interfaith observance was held for the first time last year as a way to bring together people of different faiths to celebrate religious freedom.

"It went well last year, and we decided that that was something the community needed," said organizer Bruce Prescott, a Baptist minister who is head of both the Oklahoma chapter of Americans United for Separation of Church and State and Mainstream Oklahoma Baptists.

Prescott said members of the interfaith group were incorrectly labeled as "protesters" last year. Rather, he said, the group that will come together for the outdoor service is united in its celebration of religious freedom, he said.

"The common value that we share is the First Amendment, which is religious liberty. The constitution gives us the right to worship as we please. We're celebrating that right," he said. "We are not protesting them. We are trying to find a way to get broader representation from the community. It's a national day -- it's for everybody."

Prescott said a Muslim scholar, a Jewish rabbi, a pagan and a humanist are scheduled to speak at the event.

Representing the Christian faith tradition will be the Rev. Barry W. Lynn, executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State. Prescott said in addition to his talk at the interfaith gathering, Lynn will give a related talk Thursday evening at First Baptist Church-Oklahoma City.

Here's a link to more information about last year's event. Here's a link to more information about this year's event.