President Biden’s 2023 Thanksgiving proclamation broke tradition by omitting references to God, sparking debate about faith in public discourse. The Thanksgiving from previous presidents included “Almighty God” and “Divine Providence.” Was Biden being inclusive toward nonbelievers?
A Departure from Tradition
President Joe Biden, known for his Catholic faith, issued a Thanksgiving proclamation in 2023 without mentioning religious references. This departure from tradition has sparked controversy and discussions about the role of faith in political statements. Historically, presidents like Abraham Lincoln have emphasized gratitude to God in their Thanksgiving addresses. Lincoln’s 1863 proclamation acknowledged divine blessings and warned against forgetting their source.
Rutherford B. Hayes continued this tradition by encouraging Americans to give thanks and praise to Almighty God. Biden’s decision to leave out such references contrasts with many of his predecessors, raising questions about the implications of this omission on national traditions.
Happy Thanksgiving from the Biden-Harris Administration! pic.twitter.com/wOWaIzatAe
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) November 28, 2024
The Proclamation’s Content
Biden’s Thanksgiving proclamation expressed gratitude towards various groups and contributions to society but did not include any mention of divine providence. This move has been seen as a break from the past, where past presidents, including Ronald Reagan, George Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Donald Trump, have incorporated religious language.
Biden also follows a precedent set by Barack Obama in 2016, when his Thanksgiving address similarly omitted references to God. The exclusion of religious language is coming into focus as Americans reflect on the relationship between personal faith and its expression in public governmental discourse.
Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1789.
From the President of the United States :
Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor– and whereas…
— Ben Edtl (@benedtl) November 28, 2024
Implications and Reactions
The omission of religious references in Biden’s proclamation has drawn diverse reactions from the public and analysts. Supporters see it as a progressive step that acknowledges America’s religious diversity, while critics argue that it waters down the fundamental essence of a Thanksgiving holiday deeply rooted in divine gratitude. Observers of presidential proclamations point to the historic role of these addresses in acknowledging a higher power amidst national celebrations.
As the nation processed Biden’s decision, the discussion around faith and politics continued to evolve. Whether this represents an ongoing shift or a mere temporary departure from tradition remains to be seen. The debate highlights how important the intertwining of faith and national identity is to many Americans.