WASHINGTON, D.C. -- As Christians gathered at civic centers, courthouses and churches May 2 to mark the 51st National Day of Prayer (NDP), a new poll revealed that 58 percent of Americans believe the country's strength is based on religious faith.
First Lady Laura Bush echoed the findings of the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life study as she addressed an NDP gathering at the White House, according to Reuters.
"America is a country of faith, and throughout our history in times of crisis and times of calm, Americans have always turned to prayer," she said.
While 67 percent of those interviewed told Pew researchers they believed the United States is a Christian nation, and 48 percent believes the country has "special protection" from God, 84 percent also thought religion was not necessary to be a good citizen, Reuters reported.
