Augusta - They may have different backgrounds and beliefs, but these legislators put all that aside to preserve what they call a fundamental right, the right to pray.

"The separation of church and state is not a separation from public life. I find that very compelling because always our courts are taking the symbols out of our public house, but they can't take religion out of our hearts," said Governor LePage.

Governor LePage and other lawmakers introduced the Maine Legislative Prayer Caucus.

It's a proclamation that protects the rights of Americans to publicly pray and trust in god.

Maine is the seventh state in the country where a group has formed.

Lawmakers were joined by Maine residents who signed the proclamation.

"Believers should have all the say so in influencing government and that's the intent of our founding fathers that we need to be free to influence our legislators, our leaders and fearing god and leading this country in a godly manner," said Representative Dale Crafts.

In 2005, a bipartisan group in Congress signed the original call to prayer proclamation.

Kathy Todd, the state coordinator behind the Call to Prayer Day, hopes others will be inspired by Maine.

"I think that everyone's right to worship as they choose is one of the fundamental privileges that have made our nation great and it needs to be preserved," Todd said.

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