Commissioners Under Fire For Evoking Name Of Jesus At Meetings
Posted: 3:24 pm EDT October 19, 2007Updated: 10:28 am EDT October 21, 2007
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. -- Prayer and politics are not mixing well in Osceola County. Commissioners are under fire for the way they pray before meetings. One group wants the name of Jesus stripped from prayer.
VOTE: Appropriate To Evoke Name Of Jesus At Meeting?
A three-page letter from the Americans United for the Separation of Church and State cited many examples of Christian religious prayer from board meetings over the last two and a half years, including such comments as "For it's in Christ's name that I pray" and "We pray all of these things in Christ's name."The watchdog group says it has received complaints. The letter urges the Osceola County commission to "consider ceasing the prayers altogether," arguing that the practice of prayer in meetings is unconstitutional."What we're hoping is the county commission will show the proper respect for its citizens and be more welcoming of everyone," said Richard Katskee, assistant legal director for Americans United for Separation of Church and State.The group won't say who's complaining. They won't even disclose their religious backgrounds, but they said they've heard from several people. Despite the complaints, Commissioner Paul Owen said he will continue to openly pray in Jesus' name."I'm not trying to be contentious. It's just my faith," he said. "I feel like, in America, I should have the right to express my faith."Owen and another commissioner, Bill Lane, said they would be open to a neutral moment of silence if the chairman of the board wanted one.Some Osceola County residents, though, don't think there needs to be any changes."Praying before meetings? I don't think it's bad. I don't think it's anything bad," said resident Pedro Longoria."There's a fine line, but everyone has a way to worship the way they want to," said resident Gerry Spry."To each his own. If you believe in it, then you believe in it. I don't think there's nothing wrong with it," said resident Ann Marie Torres.The watchdog group said they hope things will be resolved without any legal action, but they aren't sure what they will do next.
VOTE: Appropriate To Evoke Name Of Jesus At Meeting?A three-page letter from the Americans United for the Separation of Church and State cited many examples of Christian religious prayer from board meetings over the last two and a half years, including such comments as "For it's in Christ's name that I pray" and "We pray all of these things in Christ's name."The watchdog group says it has received complaints. The letter urges the Osceola County commission to "consider ceasing the prayers altogether," arguing that the practice of prayer in meetings is unconstitutional."What we're hoping is the county commission will show the proper respect for its citizens and be more welcoming of everyone," said Richard Katskee, assistant legal director for Americans United for Separation of Church and State.The group won't say who's complaining. They won't even disclose their religious backgrounds, but they said they've heard from several people. Despite the complaints, Commissioner Paul Owen said he will continue to openly pray in Jesus' name."I'm not trying to be contentious. It's just my faith," he said. "I feel like, in America, I should have the right to express my faith."Owen and another commissioner, Bill Lane, said they would be open to a neutral moment of silence if the chairman of the board wanted one.Some Osceola County residents, though, don't think there needs to be any changes."Praying before meetings? I don't think it's bad. I don't think it's anything bad," said resident Pedro Longoria."There's a fine line, but everyone has a way to worship the way they want to," said resident Gerry Spry."To each his own. If you believe in it, then you believe in it. I don't think there's nothing wrong with it," said resident Ann Marie Torres.The watchdog group said they hope things will be resolved without any legal action, but they aren't sure what they will do next.
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