Imagine a day dedicated to celebrating dance as a form of worship. That's what House Resolution 751 aims to do by proposing September 7, 2025, as "Liturgical Dance Day." This bill, however, is purely symbolic and doesn't change any laws or require any action.
What This Bill Does
House Resolution 751, introduced in the 119th Congress, is a simple resolution that expresses support for recognizing September 7, 2025, as "Liturgical Dance Day." It also acknowledges the International Dance Commission for its contributions to creative arts and worship in communities. This resolution is non-binding, meaning it doesn't have the power to change any laws or require any funding. It applies only within the House of Representatives and does not need approval from the Senate or the President.
The bill was introduced by Representative Hank Johnson from Georgia on September 19, 2025. It was then referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform but has not seen any further action. As a simple resolution, it serves more as a statement of support rather than a legislative change.
The resolution aims to highlight the role of liturgical dance in enhancing worship and creative arts in faith communities. It seeks to promote cultural and spiritual enrichment by recognizing the contributions of the International Dance Commission. However, since it is non-binding, it does not mandate any specific actions or allocate any resources.
Why It Matters
For everyday Americans, this bill might not have a noticeable impact. It doesn't create a new holiday, change any laws, or affect public services. However, it could bring attention to the role of dance in worship, especially in communities where liturgical arts are a significant part of religious expression.
The primary groups that might benefit from this resolution are liturgical dancers, members of the International Dance Commission, and churches that incorporate dance into their worship services. These groups could see increased visibility and recognition for their contributions to cultural and spiritual life.
While the bill itself doesn't change much for the average person, it highlights a niche aspect of religious expression that might encourage more creative and engaging worship practices in some communities.
Key Facts
- Cost/Budget Impact: The resolution has zero cost and requires no funding.
- Timeline for Implementation: There is no implementation timeline since it is symbolic.
- Number of People Affected: Primarily affects liturgical dancers and faith communities using dance in worship.
- Key Dates: Introduced on September 19, 2025, with the proposed recognition date of September 7, 2025.
- Other Important Details: The bill was introduced after the proposed recognition date, suggesting it may be intended for future observance.
- Precedent: A similar resolution was introduced in the previous Congress but did not advance.
Arguments in Support
- Promotes Cultural and Spiritual Enrichment: Supporters believe that liturgical dance enhances worship experiences and fosters community bonding.
- Recognizes Niche Contributions: The bill honors the International Dance Commission's role in promoting liturgical arts, which are often underrepresented.
- Symbolic Encouragement of Arts in Religion: By highlighting innovative worship practices, the resolution aims to counter declining church attendance.
- Low-Effort Positivity: It's a cost-free way to celebrate diversity in religious expression without mandating any action.
Arguments in Opposition
- Wastes Congressional Time: Critics argue that it diverts attention from more pressing issues, like budget appropriations.
- Inappropriate Government Endorsement of Religion: Some believe it risks violating the separation of church and state by recognizing a faith-specific art form.
- Irrelevant Amid National Priorities: Opponents say symbolic gestures ignore more urgent economic and social challenges.
- Promotes Fringe Activities: Liturgical dance may not have broad appeal, and some view it as performative rather than substantive worship.