What can a public body do to assure that it is being fair and non-discriminatory in providing for invocational prayer at its meetings?
Some cities have established the practice of encouraging representatives of all religions and religious beliefs to participate in the giving of invocational prayer at council meetings. The city then draws from the pool of persons who have volunteered to give invocations, and assigns them to particular council meetings. To assure that the prayers offered at council meetings meet the test outlined in the Marsh case, some cities communicate with those persons prior to their appearance at a council meeting. In that communication, the volunteer is advised that many nationalities and religions are represented in the community, and that the intent of the invocational prayer is to instill a sense of purpose and solemnity over the city council’s proceedings. The letter then requests that the volunteer’s invocation be of a nondenominational nature, thereby avoiding any appearance of endorsing a particular set of religious beliefs. This article is intended to acquaint readers with general princip
Related Questions
- 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?
- Can a public body regulate the giving of prayer at its public meetings?
