Pennsylvania SR 280: A Resolution designating the month of April 2026 as "Faith Month" in Pennsylvania.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 1617
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No. 280
Session of
2026
INTRODUCED BY DUSH, TARTAGLIONE, J. WARD, ARGALL, HAYWOOD,
PHILLIPS-HILL AND VOGEL, APRIL 17, 2026
REFERRED TO RULES AND EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS, APRIL 17, 2026
A RESOLUTION
Designating the month of April 2026 as "Faith Month" in
Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, The United States of America 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, Our motto "In God We Trust" further emphasizes the
importance of faith in our nation's founding; and
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WHEREAS, From our first president to the last, we have
acknowledged America's faith, with President George Washington
recognizing "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 of faith
continue to plague our 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 in helping the sick, poor and
afflicted; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate designate the month of April 2026
as "Faith Month" in Pennsylvania; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Senate encourage all residents of this
Commonwealth to share their faiths freely and openly and engage
in public displays and celebrations, including prayer and
expressions of thanksgiving, during the month of April.
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