Oklahoma City –
Oklahoma legislators have declared “Christ is King” in Oklahoma with the passage of House Concurrent Resolution 1013.
Passed Thursday, legislators pushed the measure through during the observance of Holy Week. Resolution author Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland, says the text affirms Oklahoma’s spiritual heritage and enduring faith.
“This resolution is a bold testament to Oklahoma’s faith-based legacy,” Olsen said. “During Holy Week, we honor the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and reaffirm the principles that guide our state. I’m proud to lead this effort to declare ‘Christ is King’ and call upon the help of the ‘Supreme Judge of the World."”
Sen. Shane Jett, R-Shawnee, is the Senate author of the resolution.
In a March press release, the Freedom from Religion Foundation (FFRF) called the resolution an attack on religious freedom.
“The revolutionaries who founded the United States threw the king out,” says FFRF Co-President Dan Barker. “Along with rejecting a monarchy, they deliberately adopted a godless Constitution, whose only references to religion are exclusionary, and which forbids the government from establishing any religion.”
Several members of the House Democratic Caucus debated against HCR 1013, arguing that it excludes Oklahomans who identify with other religions as well as Oklahomans who are not religious.
“We spent over an hour on the House Floor today and did not solve a single problem for everyday Oklahomans,” said House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City. “We did not help ease financial burdens for working families, we did not do anything to help Oklahomans who need housing and healthcare. What the Republican supermajority did today was politicize personal, deeply-held religious beliefs. This resolution does not solve problems, it’s pandering. Oklahomans want us focused on improving our state and focused on the issues that will do that.”
HCR 1013 states, “This resolution is not intended to establish any religion or infringe upon the rights of any individual.”
However, it also goes on to say, “This proclamation serves as an expression of gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon the State of Oklahoma and as a recognition of the enduring influence of Christian faith in the lives of its people.”
Sen. Jett said the Senate will move quickly on passing the measure as well.
“Easter Monday seems like the perfect opportunity for the Senate to pass this resolution and boldly proclaim ‘Christ is King,’” said Jett.
Read the resolution here.
