| |
| |
|
|
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
|
|
|
WHEREAS, The United States was established on principles of |
|
|
religious freedom, and our founding fathers looked to their faith |
|
|
for blessings and guidance as they worked to build an independent |
|
|
nation with liberty and justice for all; and |
|
|
WHEREAS, Millions of Americans are adherents of |
|
|
Christianity, and that religious heritage has played a significant |
|
|
role throughout our country's history; this influence is documented |
|
|
in government records, including colonial charters, early laws, |
|
|
original state constitutions, and hundreds of state and federal |
|
|
court cases; and |
|
|
WHEREAS, Through the centuries, a host of major American |
|
|
historical figures have relied on Christian traditions, tenets, and |
|
|
values to guide their actions and have stressed the importance of |
|
|
those principles when addressing their fellow citizens; such |
|
|
individuals as George Washington, Abigail and John Adams, James |
|
|
Madison, Abraham Lincoln, Harry S. Truman, and Dwight D. Eisenhower |
|
|
drew strength from their Christian beliefs, and these prominent men |
|
|
and women, like countless other Americans, did not hesitate to |
|
|
express their faith; and |
|
|
WHEREAS, Public officials across the country, at all levels, |
|
|
have acknowledged this meaningful influence through the observance |
|
|
of Christian Heritage Week; the occasion serves to highlight the |
|
|
immeasurable impact of Christianity on our nation, from the |
|
|
fellowship and good works offered by local churches to the respite |
|
|
from life's ordinary travails afforded by religious holidays and |
|
|
rituals; the continued vitality of this faith tradition is |
|
|
evidenced by the ongoing proliferation of Christian houses of |
|
|
worship, charities, ministries, missions, and schools; and |
|
|
WHEREAS, The celebration of Christian Heritage Week provides |
|
|
opportunities for adherents of the religion to more deeply examine |
|
|
its vital role in society and for people of all faiths to learn more |
|
|
about the rich fabric of our nation's history; now, therefore, be it |
|
|
RESOLVED, That the 88th Legislature of the State of Texas |
|
|
hereby designate the second to last week in April as Texas Christian |
|
|
Heritage Week; and, be it further |
|
|
RESOLVED, That, in accordance with the provisions of Section |
|
|
391.004(d), Government Code, this designation remain in effect |
|
|
until the 10th anniversary of the date this resolution is finally |
|
|
passed by the legislature. |