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Group wants prayer discontinued at council meetings
By Kenny Green, kgreen@acnpapers.com
The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) sent a letter to Rowlett Mayor John Harper on Aug. 27 requesting that that the council disallow invocations during city council meetings.
“Our national organization, which works to protect the constitutional principle of separation of church and state, has written to you previously about constitutional concerns in Rowlett. I am writing again on behalf of a concerned Rowlett resident and taxpayer and other Rowlett members of the Freedom From Religion to urge you to discontinue the practice of scheduling city council meetings with prayers,” stated Rebecca S. Markert, staff attorney for the organization, in the letter.
Harper publicly acknowledged receipt of the letter during the Mayor’s Update portion of the Sept. 21city council meeting.
The FFRF takes exception to the types of prayers that the council is allowing to take place and calls for action to change the council’s current practices regarding the invocation.
“The constitutional rights of citizens to participate in government meetings such as the council's weekly meetings should not be predicated upon being subjected to Christian-based, or even nondenominational prayer. By hosting prayers, which inevitably show preference for Christianity, the council is illegally and inappropriately imposing its religious beliefs on the citizens of Rowlett who attend the council's meetings for public business,” Markert stated.
The letter also contained specific examples of recent prayers that the group found to be in violation of separation of church and state.
"Dear Lord God, you say that we are to pray to those in authority. You say that you establish the authorities that exist. You say that leaders are your servants to do good for the people. We lift up these men and women, these servants of God, to you, Lord. Shine your face upon them. Bless their work and their families. May your will be done through them. Give them your peace and your wisdom. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen," said Pastor Gary Morrow, Lake Cities Community Church in an invocation during the June 1meeting, according to the letter.
The group took exception to the use of the phrases “Lord God”, “these servants of God, to you, Lord” and “in the name of Jesus Christ, we pray.” in the prayer by Morrow.
The FFRF asked the mayor to respond to its request in writing.
The following are comments from the readers.
In no way do they represent the view of Starlocalnews.com
In no way do they represent the view of Starlocalnews.com
sonny 44 wrote on Oct 15, 2010 7:46 AM:
" I am really disappointed I am a customer at many Rowlett shops,and stores.So I guess if this take place the day before yesterday was last time to turn right on to Hwy66 off Centerville rd. "
Bushwack wrote on Oct 15, 2010 12:19 PM:
" This is typical California type "Objection" be careful Texas, this is where it starts. Removing something like th invocation from city council is a start, next it will be bibles from Hotel rooms, nativity scenes from public view...and the list goes on.
Why is it that people insist on banning what they don't like? Why not just leave during the invocation? why must liberals make everyone suffer because they don't like something?
That's the difference between Americans and Progressive liberals.. Americans don't like what's on TV they turn the channel, Progs try to ban it.
This country was founded on judeo Christian values like it or not, trying to rewrite history is typical of the left. As I said be careful Texas fight this with everything you can because it's a step one for these morons. "
Why is it that people insist on banning what they don't like? Why not just leave during the invocation? why must liberals make everyone suffer because they don't like something?
That's the difference between Americans and Progressive liberals.. Americans don't like what's on TV they turn the channel, Progs try to ban it.
This country was founded on judeo Christian values like it or not, trying to rewrite history is typical of the left. As I said be careful Texas fight this with everything you can because it's a step one for these morons. "
momintum wrote on Oct 15, 2010 12:22 PM:
" Examining the historical evidences combined with today's obvious occurencies, the combination of religion and politics is a major catastrophe in the making. Religions have "gotten away" without taxation soley on the emotional response of a society that's waking up to reality. Religion needs to be proselytized in their various and sundry worship centers. The, "Support me now and I'll support you in an afterlife." is victimizing. Those who support religion and politics have as much blood on their hands as those committing the attrocities in this or that sky fairy's name. "
TexasFred wrote on Oct 15, 2010 1:42 PM:
" For those that dont know, that quote from Fred Witzell, well, thats me. And I am now a highly pi$$ed off resident of Rowlett, Texas! Lets see if the FFRF responds to MY wishes.
I am NOT an overly religious person. I dont preach that Gospel. I am NOT a *bible thumper*.
That said, if I dont want to pray, I am not going to pray, and no one can make me pray, but I am going to honor the wishes of those that DO wish to say a prayer. If any person(s) wish to turn the City Council into a *Come to Jesus* meeting, then I will take issue with that concept, but a simple prayer never hurt anyone.
I have a suggestion for Mayor Harper and the entire City Council; stand as one, tell these busy-body moonbats to pucker up and kiss our Texas behinds and butt OUT of Rowlett City Council meetings. Then throw the letter away that these IDIOTS sent "
I am NOT an overly religious person. I dont preach that Gospel. I am NOT a *bible thumper*.
That said, if I dont want to pray, I am not going to pray, and no one can make me pray, but I am going to honor the wishes of those that DO wish to say a prayer. If any person(s) wish to turn the City Council into a *Come to Jesus* meeting, then I will take issue with that concept, but a simple prayer never hurt anyone.
I have a suggestion for Mayor Harper and the entire City Council; stand as one, tell these busy-body moonbats to pucker up and kiss our Texas behinds and butt OUT of Rowlett City Council meetings. Then throw the letter away that these IDIOTS sent "
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