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Aug 24, 2009 10:12 pm US/Central
Prayer During NRH Council Meetings Drawing Flak
Melissa Newton
NORTH RICHLAND HILLS (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
A North Texas city's prayer practices are being challenged.
The Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation sent a four-page letter to the mayor of North Richland Hills demanding the council stop using Christian prayers during meetings.
That did not stop council members from bowing their heads before Monday night's meeting.
"To hear a prayer that is specifically Christian, it turns that person into an outsider in his community" says Rebecca Kratz, attorney for the FFRF.
Many NRH residents don't see the prayer as a problem.
"It's kind of like the squeaky wheel gets the grease," says resident Brad Greene. "They're just trying to cause controversy."
Another resident, David Newhouse, told CBS 11 News "If they don't like the prayer they can leave."
The Freedom From Religion Foundation disagrees. The non-profit group says the city council is violating the constitution by specifying a Deity.
"The council can pray" says City Attorney George Staples. "Now whether or not the particular wording violates the establishment clause is another question. This particular foundation and the people who work for it have a point of view."
The organization reviewed 37 invocations or prayers. Seven made specific reference to Jesus Christ. All but four ended with 'in his name' or 'in your name' in the wording.
City attorney George Staples doesn't think the council is breaking any laws. "Until the 5th circuit or the Supreme Court makes a more definitive ruling, I will not advice the council to change their current practices, which are rather innocuous." Staples said.
The Freedom From Religion Foundation would not reveal the identity of the North Richland Hills resident who complained.
The organization is challenging similar prayers in Turlock, California.
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