Rather than going away, the incident involving the first Hindu to give the opening prayer before the Senate seems to be picking up stream. US Hindu groups have demanded that Presidential candidates respond to the incident (none have at this point), and that demand is now being echoed by the Baptist Join Committee for Religious Liberty and by professor of religion Melissa Rogers.

“Let me also say that the presidential candidates should address this issue for reasons that go beyond the notion of common decency. They should address this situation because it gets at a fundamental constitutional and ethical matter — whether we believe that the government must treat all religions equally.”

The Washinton Post’s “On Faith” blog has posed a question on the issue to its panel of religious leaders, academics, and experts. From these panelists I’m particularly fond of Chester Gillis’ answer.

“Granted that the vast majority of Americans believe in God, we have only officially been “One Nation under God” since June 14, 1954, when President Eisenhower signed the law adding these words to the Pledge of Allegiance (which itself was written in 1892), so the notion of a nation of believers is relatively recent in our history. If we are going to give religion a place in public life, then it should not just be one religion. We are a nation of many religions. Just as the military employs chaplains from a variety of religions, so, too, representatives of these religions should have equal opportunities to offer public prayer. Those Americans who say “give me that old time religion” simply need to recall that Hinduism – truly an old time religion – predates Judaism and Christianity.”

Rajan Zed also gives his take on this subject as a guest On Faith panelist.

“All of us are looking for the truth. Dialogue brings us mutual enrichment. We may learn from each other as we are headed in the same direction. We should at least cooperate in the common causes of peace, human development, love, and respect for others.”

Finally, the Indian press (which has been reporting this story with great interest) notes that the Rev. Rajan Zed was given a heroes welcome upon return to his home in Nevada.

“Rajan Zed, whose historic first Hindu prayer in the American Senate early this month faced protests from the visitors’ gallery, was honoured in Nevada. Various religious and community leaders came together on Wednesday and honoured Zed for his “selfless service” in bringing different communities together … Zed, who is the director of interfaith relations at a Hindu temple in Reno, Nevada, was garlanded by Reverend Gene Savoy Jr., president of Nevada Clergy Association. He was presented with a plaque by Rabbi Myra on behalf of the interfaith community of northern Nevada, which said, ‘The interfaith clergy and leaders of northern Nevada proudly recognise and honour this unprecedented achievement.’”

Will any of the candidates speak up on this issue? Which future leader (if any) will present themselves as concerned about the rights of minority religions in America? Millions of “other” voters await a sign.

Tags: Hinduism, On Faith, politics, Polytheism, prayer, Presidential election, Religion, Senate