Prayer And Death Threats: Church-State Battle At Senior Center Turns Ugly

[Ian David]

Prayer And Death Threats: Church-State Battle At Senior Center Turns Ugly

<snip>

Administrators at Senior Citizens Inc., the nonprofit agency that runs the center, had tried to change the meal-time prayer from an out-loud exercise to a moment of silence. In Bible-belt Georgia, that went over like salmonella in the church picnic potato salad.

As Port Wentworth Mayor Glen “Pig” Jones told the Savannah Morning News, “When you’re down here in the Lowcountry, in south Georgia, people take their religion very, very seriously.” Jones, who describes himself as a lifelong Southern Baptist, intervened on behalf of vocal prayer.

Senior center administrators were trying to do the right thing. The lunches were heavily subsidized by the government, and they thought the rules didn’t allow vocal devotions.

Details of the previous senior center policy allowing vocal prayer are a little unclear so the constitutional law that might apply is a little uncertain too.

As Americans United Executive Director Barry W. Lynn told the newspaper, “If you’re out eating somewhere, even if it’s a subsidized meal, you should be able to pray like you do at home.”

On the other hand, Lynn noted that the government should not be promoting prayers in an official way.

More:
http://blog.au.org/2010/05/18/prayer-and-death-threats-church-state-battle-at-senior-center-turns-ugly/

[Vinnie From Indy]

1. Wouldn't it be fun to be the daily guest prayer giver

"Let's all bow our heads now in worshipful prayer to Allah the Merciful!"

Is there anything more pathetic than a Christianista threatening violence to others in the name of the PRINCE OF PEACE Jesus Christ?

[Ian David]

2. I would lead a prayer to Satan, if I had the chance. n/t

[damntexdem]

3. Why would you need to "lead" a prayer?

Why not just say it yourself, out loud if you wish? When one leads a prayer, there is social pressure on others to "cooperate," which is part of what should be avoided.

Have a thought for the rights of the followers of Zeus when you say your prayer to Satan. ;-)

[Ian David]

4. Good point. n/t