Republican Congressman Steven Palazzo recently sent copies of the Holy Bible to all members of Congress to help guide them in making legislative decisions. Palazzo attached copies of the Bible with his letter on July 29 and sent it to all Senate and House offices. He composed the letter on an official letterhead and it was confirmed by aides on Capitol Hill.

“On a daily basis,” wrote Palazzo, “we contemplate policy decisions that impact America's future. Our staffs provide us with policy memos, statistics, and recommendations that help us make informed decisions. However, I find that the best advice comes through meditating on God's Word... Please find a copy of the Holy Bible to help guide you in your decision-making.”

Palazzo said the Bibles were donated to him by one of his constituents names J. B. Atchison, who is a resident of south Mississippi.

Non-Christian members of the Congress received palazzo’s letter as a gesture of good will. They too received copies of the Bible. While Republican Keith Ellison, who is a practicing Muslim, wrote back a thank you note to Palazzo, his office refused to discuss the matter on record.

However, Barry Lynn, executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, condemned the gesture by saying the Bible is not an appropriate guide for legislation.

"When a politician calls for using the Bible as the basis for public policy, what he or she is really saying is, 'Let's use the Bible as I interpret it as the basis for public policy.’ When it comes to religion, our nation is pluralistic and diverse. Rather than look to the Bible or any other religious book to craft our nation's public policy, we would do well to examine another source instead, one that was actually created to guide governance. It's called the Constitution,” he said.

Palazzo entered the Congress after the Tea Party enjoyed a winning streak in 2010. He is the representative of a highly conservative district in southeastern Mississippi.

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