Texas Gov. Rick Perry's announcement that he is hosting a day of prayer has drawn speculation that he is trying to raise his national visibility for a possible presidential run and drawn protests that he is violating separations of church and state. Perry has invited governors to an Aug. 6 "day of prayer and fasting on behalf of our troubled nation," The New York Times reports. While Perry's spokeswoman has said that no public money will be used for the event, critics say that it is inappropriate for an elected leader to promote an evangelical Christian revival in alliance with groups that condemn homosexuality. Perry's aide said the timing of the event, in the thick of presidential run announcement season, is coincidental.
