Proclamation by Governor Jim Justice

Whereas, the Preamble to the Constitution of West Virginia declares, “since through Divine Providence we enjoy the blessings of civil, political and religious liberty, we, the people of West Virginia reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance upon God”; and

Whereas, the Bill of Rights to the Constitution of West Virginia guarantees religious freedom; and the “Sundays expected” provision of Article 7, Chapter 14 historically recognizes Sunday as a day of rest and worship; and

Whereas, for many West Virginians, public school days once again began with a daily Pledge of Allegiance, prayer and Bible reading; and Bible reading; and

Whereas, the state songs, the West Virginia Hills and West Virginia My Home Sweet Home, contain lyrics, “with their summits bathed in glory, like our Prince Immanuel’s land!” and “there I work, and I play, and I worship Sunday,” and,

Whereas, the influence of Christianity in West Virginia is evident by her many churches and Christian charities, ministries, missions and schools; cherished Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving holiday seasons; and for the Christian faith, which is part of West Virginia’s and America’s history.

Now, therefore, Be it resolved that I, Jim Justice, Governor of the Great State of West Virginia, do hereby proclaim November 22-28, 2020 as:

Christian Heritage Week

in the Mountain State and invite all citizens to join me in this observance.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of West Virginia to be affixed.

Done at the Capitol, City of Charleston, State of West Virginia, this the Twentieth day of June, in the year of our Lord, Two thousand Twenty, and in the One Hundred Fifty-Seventh year of the State.

Jim Justice, Governor

Mac Warner, Secretary of State