Can city council meetings start with a prayer? A prayer that ends,

[mistertrickster]

"in Jesus Christ's name we pray?"

I went to a city council meeting for the first time last week, and I couldn't believe that they started it with a prayer, some Baptist preacher led it.

That was followed by the "Pledge of Alligience" which I don't mind so much because I always say as loudly as is polite "under GODS" when they get to that part.

I'm thinking about siccing the ACLU on them. (I'm a card carrying member.)

Your thoughts?

[CBGLuthier]

1. waste of time

Yes, they can start the meeting with prayers and yes, they can be whatever form the person leading the prayer wishes.

SC rulings have upheld this(I think).

Now, if you want to make things interesting, try to get a Wiccan or some other non-mainstream religion to offer to open the prayer. When the city council refuses, and they will, then you will have something that can be sued over.

[SteppingRazor]

3. Spot on.

Any minister can open a city council meeting. But such prayers are supposed to be open to ALL denominations.

[mistertrickster]

4. Ah, okay, will work on this . . . Thanks, nt.

[GreenPartyVoter]

2. Just stand up and add your own ending.. In Allah's name.. in Bob's name

whatever. Makes the same point.