Citizens in Dublin, Georgia are planning a demonstration at the local mall in protest of security guards placed on alert to ensure that no one prays on the property in a manner that could be detected by observation or by eavesdropping on others' conversations -- and that includes saying grace at the food court.
For background, read Pastor Wins Free Speech Lawsuit Over Mall
Also read U.S. Supreme Court rules in favor of public prayer, and read the resulting resurgence in public prayer following the Supreme Court decision.
-- From "Woman no longer allowed to pray inside Dublin Mall" by Taylor Terrell, WMGT-TV41 (Macon, GA) 8/5/14
Coordinator of Dublin Girls Run Tammy Brantley says on July 22 a security guard ended the woman's fitness and wellness group that day, saying it was against policy for them to pray inside the mall.
The coordinator says the group takes no more than three minutes before and after a walk to say a pray.
Concerned Christian, and Army veteran Brandon Berry learned about the incident from his pastor one Sunday.
The concerned Christian prompted the Mayor of Dublin to step in and grant his group a permit to hold a payer gathering as a result of this incident.
Berry says more than 10 churches of several faiths are expected to attend.
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From "Dublin Mall owners respond to prayer flap" by Kristen D Swilley, WMAZ-TV13 (Macon, GA) 8/5/14
John Engler, vice president of MCK [McKnight Properties in Augusta], released the following statement:
"The Dublin Mall over the last week has been the subject of conversation throughout the community. Through meeting with some of the various people involved, some of the stories have merit while others have gone off the deep end and due to the sensitive issue have publically hampered the Dublin Mall. The Mall first and foremost has no issues or objection whatsoever with anyone of any religion denomination privately and quietly praying over there food before they eat or showing devotion towards their religion of choice provided it does not impose itself on others or take away from the overall shopping experience."
That explanation is not cutting it for some people in Dublin.
The issue prompted the creation of a Facebook page called "Power Display of Prayer." The group successfully got a permit from the city to hold a prayer rally outside of the mall from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday.
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