President Bush has proclaimed this weekend the national days of Thanksgiving. But several local church officials said part of Bush's proclamation violates people's privacy of worship.

According to the proclamation, the president asked the nation to "give thanks for the remarkable unity of our people" during the Persian Gulf conflict and "remember and pray for all those who made the ultimate sacrifice."

In the proclamation Bush asked that Americans gather to worship and give thanks to God. He urged people to ring bells at 3 p.m. Sunday and fly the American flag to celebrate the liberation of Kuwait and the end of the Persian Gulf War.

A White House spokesperson said the proclamation was mailed to 1,500 religious institutions, newspapers and other organizations. Bush also talked about the proclamation during television and radio addresses.

Bush's proclamation has met with some criticism from local church ministers who believe worship is a private matter.

Pastor Thomas Searfoss at St. John's Methodist Church, 206 S. Burrowes St., said he had mixed feelings. Although he is happy the troops are returning and that the United States suffered a relatively small number of casualties, he does not agree with the proclamation, he said.

Searfoss said he does not approve of "flag-waving militarism" especially when it is in connection with the church. Christ should come before nationalism, flags and culture, Searfoss said. People should be able to attend his church to express genuine concern for all people, regardless of nationality, he added.

Karen Rugh, director of University relations, said her office was not contacted about the proclamation. But Rugh said since the days -- April 5-7 -- are not to be a national observance, participation is not mandatory. She said Old Main will not participate in the observance unless it receives several requests.

The Rev. Thom A. Lamb of the State College Presbyterian Church, 132 W. Beaver Ave., said he is glad the war is over and he does not see anything wrong with welcoming the troops home. However, he said he does not believe people should equate nationalism and Christianity.