Can a public body direct or restrict the kind or content of prayer that may be offered in connection with its meetings?
Yes. A governmental body can direct that invocational prayer offered at the opening of its meetings not be of a proselytizing nature – that is, it can direct that invocational prayer offered at its meetings not advance one religion or religious belief over others, or that it not criticize particular religions or religious beliefs.
Related Questions
- Can prayer be offered at anytime during a council meeting, or is there a customary time for offering prayer in connection with the meeting of a public body?
- What can a public body do to assure that it is being fair and non-discriminatory in providing for invocational prayer at its meetings?
- Can a public body direct or restrict the kind or content of prayer that may be offered in connection with its meetings?
