Juneau -- On the National Day of Prayer, the State Senate Thursday approved a resolution calling for the restoration of voluntary prayer in public schools. Senate Joint Resolution 25 urges the U.S. Congress to adopt resolutions proposing amendments to the U.S. Constitution related to voluntary school prayer.

"Today we celebrate the National Day of Prayer," said Senator Jerry Ward (R-Anchorage/Kenai), sponsor of SJR 25. "The Alaska Senate has voted 16 to 4 calling for a moment of silence in schools to allow students the opportunity for silent prayer. The Senate vote sends a positive message to our federal delegation showing support for silent prayer in schools," he said.

"Religious freedom is a fundamental constitutional right established by the founders of this nation in the First Amendment. We are a religious people. Our currency states, 'In God we trust.' Even the State Legislature begins each session with a prayer," said Ward.

"I think it's important that we give our children the opportunity to pray during their school day. Perhaps if the children in Colorado were allowed to pray in their schools, the tragedy at Littleton would not have happened," said Ward.

SJR 25 now goes to the House for consideration.

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