Pennsylvania HR 115: A Resolution recognizing the month of April 2025 as "Faith Month" in Pennsylvania.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 953
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No. 115
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY HAMM, PICKETT, STAATS, M. MACKENZIE, STAMBAUGH,
KENYATTA, NEILSON, REICHARD, RAPP, ROWE, ZIMMERMAN,
LEADBETER, MALONEY, B. MILLER, TWARDZIK AND GLEIM,
MARCH 13, 2025
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT, MARCH 13, 2025
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing the month of April 2025 as "Faith Month" in
Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, The United States was born of the unanimous
declaration that we are "endowed by [our] Creator with certain
unalienable Rights," based on "the Laws of Nature and of
Nature's God," "appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world,"
and acknowledging our "reliance on the protection of divine
Providence"; and
WHEREAS, Religious freedom is known as America's first
freedom, as laid out in the Establishment Clause and the Free
Exercise Clause of the First Amendment to the Constitution of
the United States; and
WHEREAS, The freedom of speech guaranteed by the First
Amendment to the Constitution of the United States also supports
America's unique focus on freedom of expression, including in
matters of faith; and
WHEREAS, The motto "In God We Trust" further emphasizes the
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importance of faith in this nation's founding; and
WHEREAS, From our first president to our current president,
we have acknowledged America's faith; and
WHEREAS, President George Washington recognized "it is the
duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty
God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and
humbly to implore his protection and favor"; and
WHEREAS, America's Judeo-Christian founding promotes
religious diversity and tolerance; and
WHEREAS, Religious liberty serves to strengthen our country's
appreciation of all peoples, regardless of faith; and
WHEREAS, Eternal diligence is needed to preserve religious
freedom; and
WHEREAS, Attacks on religious liberty and people and faith
continue to plague this nation, with some religious charities
even being forced to betray the tenets of their faith in order
to participate in certain government programs; and
WHEREAS, Many seek to criminalize religious beliefs in
certain controversial areas; and
WHEREAS, Religious organizations in America have a rich
history of charitable engagement helping the sick, poor and
afflicted; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the
month of April 2025 as "Faith Month" in Pennsylvania; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the month of April be known as "Faith Month"
as a way to reaffirm our commitment to the religious liberty
principles of our founding; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives encourage all
Americans to celebrate their faiths freely and openly, with
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public displays and celebrations, including prayer and
expressions of thanksgiving during the month of April.
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