An atheist-agnostic group filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday in an effort to block Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s upcoming prayer rally next month.

The Madison, Wis.-based group Freedom From Religion Foundation called the prayer rally unconstitutional, saying it violates the Establishment Clause “by giving the appearance that the government prefers evangelical Christian religious beliefs over other religious beliefs and non-beliefs…”

Perry is partnering with the American Family Association and other faith groups to hold “The Response: A Call to Prayer for a Nation in Crisis” at Houston’s Reliant Stadium on Aug. 6.

“Right now, America is in crisis: we have been besieged by financial debt, terrorism, and a multitude of natural disasters,” reads the letter from Perry posted on the event’s website. “As a nation, we must come together and call upon Jesus to guide us through unprecedented struggles, and thank Him for the blessings of freedom we so richly enjoy.”

In response to the lawsuit, Perry’s office issued a statement Wednesday declaring that the Aug. 6 prayer event will continue as planned.

“He (Perry) believes it will serve as an important opportunity for Americans to gather together and pray to God, seeking his wisdom and guidance as our nation navigates the challenges before it.,” reads the written statement. “The pending litigation does not affect plans for the prayer event.”

The plaintiff, FFRF, describes itself as an association of freethinkers, including atheists, agnostics and skeptics. The group says it is a “church/state watchdog” and has more than 16,600 members nationwide.

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