Does prayer have a place in government meetings?

mmartin — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:40:55 GMT

Governmental prayers have been a hot-button issue this year. In July, a three-judge panel of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a lower court's decision that Hashmel Turner, a Baptist minister and member of the Fredericksburg City Council, did not have a right to say a sectarian prayer to open council meetings. Lawyers for Turner are now trying to get the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case. [Related story.]

Roanoke Vice Mayor Sherman Lea sparked criticism when he referred to Jesus Christ during a prayer that opened a council meeting on Dec. 15. Lea's invocation raised the ire of at least one person who, in an e-mail to council members, called the prayer "illegal and offensive to the many religions in Roanoke City." Lea, who is also a minister, then asked to be removed from a rotation of clergy used to give the opening prayer at council meetings.

The issue has also been raised in the most recent General Assembly session, as well.

What is the place of prayer in government meetings?

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Does prayer have a place in government meetings?