In response to a lawsuit threat from Americans United for the Separation of Church and State over prayers to Jesus, Marion County commissioners say they'll gladly fight in court for their constitutional rights -- residents agree.
For background, read Prayer in America: Hidden Faith, or Public?
-- From "Marion County Commission prayers criticized for saying Jesus" by Valerie Boey, Reporter, WOFL-TV35 (Orlando, FL) 6/22/12
An organization out of Washington D.C. is threatening to sue the Marion County Commission, for using the name Jesus in their opening prayer before the meetings. They say two people made anonymous complaints. The County Attorney disagrees with the complaint and says Commissioners will continue praying the way they have been.
In Marion County, before hearing from residents, commissioners first address the Lord, "We pray that you give us wisdom and guidance in Jesus name." Marion County Resident Ron White says, "It doesn't bother me. I just expect it."
But commissioners got an unexpected letter, complaining about the use of the word Jesus in their prayers from a group called Americans United.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Commission keeps praying, despite legal question" by Bill Thompson, Staff writer, Star-Banner (Ocala, FL) 6/19/12
“We appreciate the concerns expressed in your letter. We are aware that individuals may have strongly held views on this subject. However, in our experience, the feedback we receive from the constituents of our community on this subject usually reflects an appreciation of our willingness to humbly acknowledge and seek all the help we can get from one higher than ourselves, in doing the best job we can for our community,” board Chairman Charlie Stone wrote in the letter, soon to be sent to Americans United for the Separation of Church and State.
Stone added, “We respectfully disagree with your assertion that the Board’s invocation practice is inconsistent with the conditions placed on such prayer” by federal courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court.
“When individual commissioners offer an invocation, it is a prayer seeking the help and guidance of the God they know; it is not a speech to the audience,” said the letter, which also included a quote from the book of Isaiah about not making “meaningless offerings” to God.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
