Carolinians Challenge Atheists with Lord's Prayer

Americans United for Separation of Church and State plans to sue the Berkeley County School District based in Moncks Corner, South Carolina because the Board has voted to ignore the atheists' threats and continue a years-long practice of opening board meetings with the Lord's Prayer.

“We’re Americans, aren’t we? Looking back at where our nation began we cannot, cannot as a nation forget we have a God and all that we do we must acknowledge that. Let’s continue to do the right thing … there’s nothing wrong with public prayer as long as we do it in accordance with the law.”
-- Julius Barnes, board member

For background, read North Carolina Citizens Demand Prayer in Public School and also read Prayer at South Carolina School Board Won't Stop

Click headlines below to read previous articles:

Atheists Threaten Florida School Board over Prayer

Kentucky School Supt. Backs Prayer vs. Atheists

Texas School Supt. Tells Anti-prayer Atheists to Go Fly a Kite

Public Brings Amazing Grace Back to Alabama School

Also read Atheists Say Even a Prayer for Terror-victims is Unconstitutional

-- From "SC school board moves to reinstate Lord's Prayer" by The Associated Press 8/10/16

The Post and Courier of Charleston reports the school board gave initial approval Tuesday after dropping the use of the prayer earlier this year. The board has been using a moment of silence instead.

State Sen. Larry Grooms sent the board a letter signed by 50 state lawmakers citing a 2014 U.S. Supreme Court decision reaffirming the right to pray at public meetings. Gov. Nikki Haley last month signed a state law allowing school boards the right to open meetings with prayer.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "School board moves to reinstate prayer at meetings" by Lindsay Street, The Berkeley Independent 8/9/16

Despite receiving a letter the day before its meeting saying prayer at school board meetings violates the U.S. Constitution, Berkeley County School District’s school board has unanimously voted for the first of two readings on a policy that would bring prayer back to the beginning of its meetings.

The policy states:

“The public invocation will be non-sectarian and non-denominational, and will not proselytize for or advance any one or disparage any other, faith or belief. The public invocation is for the benefit of the Board, but no member of the Board, or any other person, attending, the meeting, will be required to participate in the public invocation. The public invocation will be offered on a voluntary basis by a member of the Board selected by the Board Chair or his/her designee.”

During the Aug. 9 meeting, the board members lauded the new policy.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Berkeley school board gives OK to initial reading to reinstate prayer" by Brenda Rindge, Charleston Post and Courier 8/9/16

In July, state Sen. Larry Grooms, R-Charleston, sent a letter to board members — signed by 50 legislators — citing a 2014 U.S. Supreme Court decision, Town of Greece v. Galloway, which reaffirmed the right to pray at public meetings. Additionally on June 3, Gov. Nikki Haley signed an amendment to the Public Prayer and Invocation Act that includes a school board as being as a “deliberative body” with the right to open meetings with an invocation.

“I appreciate everyone’s hard work on working through this policy in light of the threats we’ve gotten,” said board member Mac McQuillin, a lawyer.

“It took courage for us to do this motion and I’m proud.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Prayer Banned in Washington Town — Nobody Cares

And read Satanic Clubs in Public Schools to Counter Jesus

Satanic Clubs in Public Schools to Counter Jesus

The Satanic Temple has launched a nation-wide campaign to force public schools to sanction “Educatin’ with Satan” after-school programs in every school that allows Christian clubs.  Stu De Haan, a spokesman for the Satanic Temple’s Arizona chapter, said he has received expressions of interest in the new clubs from parents, teachers and students.

“[Schools] cannot prohibit students from forming an After School Satan Club on the same terms as the [Christian] Good News Club.”
-- Richard Katskee, Americans United for Separation of Church and State

For background, read Satanic, Atheist Books Provided in Colorado Schools and also read Bible Ban Forced by Atheists and Satanists

Click headlines below to read previous articles:

Satan on Throne at Oklahoma Capitol with ACLU Help

Satanists Team Up with Abortionists vs. Missouri Law

Satanists to Lead 'Prayer' in Phoenix Government

Satanists Join Muslims in Minnesota & California



-- From "Satanist after-school clubs planned in Washington elementaries" by Ann Dornfeld, KUOW-FM94.9 (Seattle, WA) 8/4/16

The Satanic Temple says it’s bringing the After-School Satan club to schools across the country that now host the evangelical Christian Good News Club, including Centennial Elementary in Mount Vernon and Point Defiance Elementary in Tacoma.

Tarkus Claypool, a spokesman for the Satanic Temple’s Seattle chapter, said the Good News Club indoctrinates children into superstitious, fear-based religion. In contrast, Claypool said, "we’re indoctrinating them into scientific, logical, rationalist, non-superstitious worldview. The program includes an art project and a curriculum that is based in free inquiry.”

The Supreme Court has ruled that the Constitution allows Good News Clubs [sponsored by the Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF)] to meet on school grounds.

The Satanic Temple opposes religion in the schoolhouse, but says if it’s allowed, the same privilege must be granted to all religions.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Several school districts say After School Satan clubs likely in line with policies" by Katherine Stewart and Moriah Balingit, Washington Post 8/1/16

Several U.S. school districts indicated Monday that they think the Satanic Temple’s plan to open “After School Satan” clubs in elementary schools probably conforms with their policies and local laws, and the Prince George’s County, Md., school system said it is reviewing a request to open such a club.

Parents and administrators have reacted coolly to the idea of setting up a Jesus-vs.-Satan fight in their elementary schools, with many showing curiosity and skepticism. School officials in Prince George’s said they have received a request to start a club and are reviewing it, but the school system has not had any discussions with the Satanic Temple about it. The Temple said it wants to open a club at Bradbury Heights Elementary School, which is in the Capitol Heights neighborhood just outside the southeast edge of Washington.

Martha Wright, executive director of CEF of Maryland, acknowledged that the Satanic Temple has a right to have clubs in schools but also said she doesn’t really want the group there.

CEF actively works to counteract Satan in its work, and a CEF instruction book titled “Guard Your Heart” promises “a flocked lesson helping kids ages 6-11 guard against Satan’s attacks.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "After School Satan Club proposal spurs debate on religious activity in public schools" by Katherine Stewart, Washington Post 8/4/16

The Satanic Temple’s proposal to start After School Satan Clubs in schools across the country already has sparked conflict with at least one school district and has led a legal group to offer free assistance in fighting the emergence of the clubs.

The Roskruge Bilingual K-8 School in Tucson is one of eight schools that received a written proposal to establish an After School Satan Club on Monday, and on Tuesday, lawyers for the Tucson Unified School District demanded that the Satanic Temple remove the school’s name from its website. The temple listed Roskruge as a place where it has offered to present its curriculum, but the district argues that no club has been approved there.

Lucien Greaves, co-founder of the Satanic Temple, said the group does not intend to take the school’s name off its website. . . .

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Schools receive requests for after-school ‘Satan club’" by The Associated Press 8/4/16

Mat Staver, founder of a Christian legal aid group that has represented the Child Evangelism Fellowship, said Greaves’ organization was illegitimate and an “atheist group masquerading” as religious. Greaves described Satanism as an atheist philosophy whose believers “feel it provides everything a religion provides to be legitimized as such.”

Greaves said his group could pose tough legal fights if its requests are denied.

In Utah, the Granite School District said that if the group meets set requirements, including paying rent, there’s nothing the district can do to stop it. District spokesman Ben Horsley said the group won’t be able to put up fliers in schools or talk to students during school hours, the same arrangement given to the Good News Club.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Supreme Court Justice Scalia Said Government Should Favor God of the Bible

And read Justice Scalia Said Satan is Real, Journalist Dumbfounded

Public Brings Amazing Grace Back to Alabama School

Elmore County School Superintendent, Dr. Andre Harrison, was quick to agree with a lone atheist that it's unconstitutional for the Holtville High School Marching Band in Deatsville, Alabama to play "Amazing Grace," but after his ban on the hymn caused a citizen revolt, Harrison was told by school counsel that it's OK to play Christian music at football games.

"I was reminded that, as a public school, we simply cannot endorse a religious message in our activities. I completely understand the frustration of some of our parents, but we have an obligation to follow the law, even when we don't want to."
-- Superintendent Andre Harrison's initial statement

For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:

Mississippi Town Sings Hymns, Defies Atheists' Anti-Christian Demands

Wisconsin School Bans Christmas Music, Citizens Revolt

'God Bless America' Banned from Florida School

Atheists Help Liberal Schools in Oregon Ban Christmas Choirs





-- From "Superintendent reverses decision - 'Amazing Grace' will be played at Alabama school's halftime show" by Ivana Hrynkiw, The Birmingham News 7/24/16

Dr. Andre' Harrison said that the same person who complained to the district about the song also called the school's central office twice to say that the playing of "Amazing Grace" was unconstitutional.

"After word of my decision circulated, I heard from many concerned parents, and frankly I still had reservations about my initial decision. I asked counsel to do further research on this issue and present me with options that would keep the district in legal compliance, but permit performance of one of the most iconic songs in the history of our nation," Harrison said today.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "'Amazing Grace' pulled from Alabama high school band's football halftime show after complaint" By Erin Edgemon, The Huntsville Times 7/24/16

In a statement to the Elmore & Autauga News, the Elmore County Board of Education said legal counsel recommended that the religious-themed song be pulled from the band's repertoire following the complaint.

"Our Constitution prohibits us from promoting religion in our educational programs and activities," the statement read, in part. "While we understand the feelings of the parents who are unhappy about the decision, we have an obligation to comply with the law."

Superintendent Dr. Andre' Harrison also issued this statement to the website: "When the question was raised about the band playing Amazing Grace, a song we all grew up singing, my first reaction was this is a message that should be celebrated. But, after consulting with legal counsel, I was reminded that, as a public school, we simply cannot endorse a religious message in our activities. I completely understand the frustration of some of our parents, but we have an obligation to follow the law, even when we don't want to."

School officials didn't say who issued the complaint, but it appeared to have come by telephone.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Atheists' Complaints Motivate Christmas Fervor Across America

Lone Atheist Muzzles Penn. Students at Graduation

There will be no invocation or benediction at commencement ceremonies at Pottsgrove High School in Pottstown, Pennsylvania this year because last year a single, anonymous complaint frightened school officials into a panic.  As a result, constitutionally-protected, student-initiated Christian free speech has been officially banned.

"The decision was made after last year's graduation when a student went off script from the nondenominational prayer that has been done over the years and turned it into a very Christian prayer."
-- Rick Rabinowitz, school board president

"It was offensive to someone else in the audience and it was reported to me that it was offensive and religious in nature and that we should stop it."
-- Shellie A. Feola, Superintendent

For background, read the never-ending assault on public schools by atheists and the ACTUAL recent Supreme Court rulings.

Also read Atheists Can't Stop Prayer at Graduations, Judge Rules

Click headlines below to read previous articles:

Atheists Nix Ohio Graduation Choir Tradition

Atheists Help Liberal Schools Ban Christmas Choirs

Lone Jew, ACLU Stop Prayer in Pennsylvania Town

Pennsylvania School Staff to Mosque for Islamic Training

First-grade Christian Censored, Pennsylvania School Sued

Washington School Football Coach Forced to Stop Praying AFTER Games

However, a Kentucky School Supt. Backs Prayer vs. Atheists

-- From "No invocation, benediction at Pottsgrove High commencement" by Gabbie O'Grady, Reading Eagle 5/27/16

Justin Valentine was school board president during 2015 graduation and said a complaint from another board member was the reason prayer was pulled.

"What happened was there was one person, one complaint that we received, and that's what triggered this," he said. "We knew the driving force behind this not happening again."

Valentine declined to identify the individual.

Current board member Patricia Grimm was also on the board in August when the decision on prayer was made.

"To me, it's (prayer) student driven," she said. "This is a tradition we always have regardless of the law and this is what the students want. I know there was a lot of discussion about the student going off of his intended speech but there was only one complaint."

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Ending of graduation prayer at Pottsgrove High School debated" by Evan Brandt, Pottstown Mercury 5/26/16

The change apparently is the result of one student’s decision to invoke Jesus Christ in his comments at last year’s graduation.

As a result, [Supt.] Feola consulted the district’s longtime Solicitor Marc Davis, who told her a 2000 ruling in California made the district’s practice illegal.

. . . although the decision was made in August, it did not become a public discussion until Thursday, part of discussion on Facebook — particularly among board members, and two former school board presidents.

“This is very disappointing to me too,” wrote board member Bill Parker. “While the district, due to case law, can not direct that there be a prayer as part of the ceremony, we can also not violate freedom of speech.”

Mike Neiffer, who served as school board president prior to Valentine and acknowledged that there are legal issues to be considered, posted “I think the issue is that the change doesn’t appear to have been discussed in public nor was the public allowed to comment on it. As for me, let the students decide. It’s their graduation.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Prayer Banned in Washington Town — Nobody Cares

Atheists Nix Ohio Graduation Choir Tradition

Board members of the East Liverpool City School District demonstrated their ignorance of U.S. Supreme Court rulings, as well as their gullibility to atheist bullying when they decided to end the decades-long tradition of the school choir singing The Lord's Prayer at the East Liverpool High School commencement.

"When I was first on this board I expressed a concern about us singing. The comment made was that 'we know we are breaking the law, we will do it until we get caught.' Well, ladies and gentlemen we got caught."
-- Board President Larry Walton

For background, read the never-ending assault on public schools by atheists and the ACTUAL recent Supreme Court rulings.

Also read Atheists Can't Stop Prayer at Graduations, Judge Rules

Click headlines below to read previous articles:

Atheists Say Too Many Christians at Ohio School

Atheists Help Liberal Schools Ban Christmas Choirs

Washington School Football Coach Forced to Stop Praying AFTER Games

Florida Student Failed for Being Christian, Lawyer Says

Ban Christians From Missouri Schools, Atheists Say

However, a Kentucky School Supt. Backs Prayer vs. Atheists




-- From "Lord's Prayer dropped from East Liverpool graduation ceremony" posted at WFMJ-TV21 (Youngstown, OH) 5/6/16 updated 5/12/16

When East Liverpool High School seniors graduate later this month, singing the Lord's Prayer will not be a part of the ceremony.

After a complaint by a parent, the district received a letter from The Freedom From Religion Foundation [FFRF, based in Wisconsin,] citing legal rulings on the separation of church and state.

. . . Larry Walton tells 21 News that the prayer has been part of commencement for the ten years he has been with the school.

However he says following the complaints, the school will no longer the prayer during the ceremony.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Prayer’s removal prompts response" by Jo Ann Bobby-Gilbert, Staff Writer, Morning Journal News (Lisbon, OH) 5/10/16

[Choir director Lisa] Ensinger said she sang the song at her own graduation and, when interviewed for her position, was asked what would happen if she was ever told students could not sing it.

"I said, 'That's the day I resign,' and now it's happened and my heart is broken," Ensinger told the board, adding that the Lord's Prayer has been sung for district graduations for 70 years and saying, "I hate to see that go. When we stop having traditions what do we have left?"

President Larry Walton said, "The Supreme Court says we can't do it," saying other districts have tried to fight it and, in at least one, the legal costs were more than $850,000.

Board member Richard Wolf questioned, "I don't know when we voted on this. Did we vote on this? If it's student initiated, it's like prayer at the flag pole. If those people want to institute a lawsuit, let them."

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Decision to remove Lord’s Prayer met with opposition" by Jo Ann Bobby-Gilbert, East Liverpool Reporter, The Review (East Liverpool, OH) 5/6/16

Since no public discussion or vote on the issue were held by the school board, the newspaper made a public records request for all emails between board members and [Superintendent Melissa] Watson to determine how the decision was made.

[The newspaper obtained] a flurry of emails between board members and Watson through May 1 in regard to the matter, with President Larry Walton the first to respond, saying, "Let us just not do it. We have 'gotten away' with it for 10 years. This is a battle we will lose. I don't believe we should waste our funds on such a legal encounter."

. . . [Board member Patricia Persohn wrote,] "I am hearing parents threatening to withdraw their students. I was elected to represent the views of the community, and they are screaming. At the time that I voted to replace the song, I thought we were being threatened with lawsuit. I do believe it is just a matter of time before we are engaged in a fight. We need to set this issue aside right now and move on. I will vote to let the song remain in the program."

In her initial emailed response, board member Sarah Porter said, "I'm OK with a lawsuit. I'm a Catholic girl, lol, I'm not opposed to the Lord's Prayer. In this day and age, I think the majority of the public will back us if a lawsuit is brought forth."

To read more of the internal E-mails of the board members printed in the article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Board asked to reconsider removing Lord's Prayer from East Liverpool graduation" by Danielle Cotterman, Reporter, WFMJ-TV21 (Youngstown, OH) 5/9/16 updated 5/15/16

"As a person of faith it means a great deal to me as you know, but as an educator I see this as an opening to a very broad door that can cause great detriment to our music education program," said Ensinger.

As a music educator she says she knows what is allowed and what it not. She says the rules are, if a piece of music has an educational value, it's permitted. So, she questions if the Lord's Prayer is not permitted, what other pieces would not be permitted?

"Mozart... his Requiem Mass, would no longer be allowed. Handel's Messiah would no longer be allowed. All of the music of the Medieval period would never be allowed," said Ensinger.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Prayer Banned in Washington Town — Nobody Cares

Atheists Threaten Florida School Board over Prayer

The Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) has informed the Duval County School Board (DCSB) of Jacksonville, Florida that offering the opportunity for clergy to give an invocation before its monthly board meeting begins is unconstitutional, but most board members disagree.

“We should continue to support religious liberty.”
-- Jason Fischer, DCSB board member

“I feel good about where we are today.  I feel good about what we're doing.  If [the FFRF] want to pursue it further [to court], that's certainly their option.  My biggest concern is this becomes a distraction to education.”
-- Scott Shine, DCSB board member

For background, read U.S. Supreme Court 2014 Ruling Allows Christian Prayer in Civic Meetings, in fact Supreme Court Justice Scalia Said Government Should Favor God of the Bible

Click headlines below to read previous articles:

Prayer Stays in Florida School, Opposing Atheists

Florida Battles Satanic 'Prayer' at Civic Meetings City-by-City

Atheists Say Prayer for Terror-victims is Unconstitutional

Kentucky School Supt. Backs Prayer vs. Atheists

Texas School Supt. Tells Anti-prayer Atheists to Go Fly a Kite



-- From "National group calls Duval school district prayer 'unconstitutional'" by Jason Rantala, WTLV-TV12 (Jacksonville, FL) First Coast News 5/12/16

Schoolboard Chairman Ashley Smith Juarez said they will be consulting the Office of General Council to decide what to do regarding prayer.

Juarez said she cannot recall someone actually complaining about prayer during a meeting.

"We have had members from a variety of religions and a variety of voices there during that time. I do think that is important and it will be something we will continue to focus on in the future," said Juarez.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Non-profit groups wade into Duval County School Board prayer controversy" by Robert Alonso, WOKV-FM104.5 5/13/16

2 non-profit groups reached out to the school board recently about starting off its meetings with a prayer.

The Orlando-based Liberty Counsel did likewise 3 days later, offering to help the district should the FFRF try to take the matter to court.

In its letter, the LC says the FFRF is "litigious", often unsuccessful in court and in the wrong morally and legally.

Earlier this year, the DCSB altered its opening prayer to add a "thought for the day" option, something district officials called an effort to be more inclusive.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Complaint about prayer at Duval School Board meetings stirs debate" by Denise Smith Amos, Florida Times-Union 5/11/16

At most meetings, nearly everyone stands and bows their heads during the invocation, and usually a pastor, priest or other minister prays aloud at the podium. Often the person praying invokes the name of Jesus.

. . . the Liberty Counsel also wrote to each School Board member, urging them to continue with praying during invocation. Richard L. Mast Jr., a Lynchburg, Va., attorney with the Liberty Counsel, offered to provide pro bono assistance to the district.

The Liberty Counsel cited a 2014 US Supreme Court ruling, Town of Greece v. Galloway, saying it “confirmed the constitutionality of prayers given before legislative bodies.”

The Liberty Counsel also referred to a 1994 11th Circuit Court case involving Duval Schools. The court’s ruling in that case allowed religious messages by students, by valedictorians and by graduation speakers.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Prayer Banned in Washington Town — Nobody Cares

Georgia Atheists Decapitate, Eat Fetus (cookies)

This week, the North Georgia Skeptics Society held a pro-abortion rally at the University of North Georgia (UNG) displaying fetus-shaped cookies, which the atheists tore limb-from-limb (simulating abortion procedures) and bit the heads off while laughing.

“Abortion should remain legal because … my vagina is too pretty to let a fetus crawl out.”
-- Student's testimony

For background, read of the utter disregard of the human remains from abortions.

And read how feminists despise any humanization of fetuses.

-- From "Atheists display foetus-shaped cookies at university pro-abortion rally, horrifying students" by Jonah Hicap, Christian Today 4/23/16

UNG Students for Life posted the photos on its Facebook page, saying the images were distasteful.

"Personally, I cannot imagine why one of your members felt it a decent or clever thing to dismember baby cookies by breaking off their heads. Even to simply allow that on your table was tasteless, irresponsible, and vile—there is absolutely no removing yourself from that," wrote Carly McCurry, president of Students for Life, in a letter addressed to Skeptics Society on Facebook.

McCurry said another photo showed more dismembered baby heads in plastic containers with the eyes marked with red colour.

McCurry narrated that one professor yelled at her to leave and checked her permits while the Skeptics Society was openly playing loud rap music that discussed holding women down and raping them.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Campus pro-abortion display: Baby-shaped cookies with heads broken off" posted at The College Fix 4/20/16

Several social media posts detail an apparent pro-abortion rally at the University of North Georgia held last week at which cookies in the shape of babies were reportedly eaten and had their heads broken off.

The details emerged in part thanks to popular conservative blogger Matt Walsh, who received a tip from a campus source and sounded the alarm on Facebook this week. His campus source said some of the cookies were eaten.

“This is dark and disturbed in ways that can’t be fully described. I’ve been saying this about the pro-abortion movement for a long time. As much as you might want to give ‘pro-choicers’ the benefit of the doubt, the fact remains that they are advocating for the murder of human children. That is an insidious, terrible, deeply evil thing. And they are carrying it around with them in their hearts and in their souls,” Walsh continued.

A request for comment from the university’s campus media affairs office on Wednesday by The College Fix was not immediately returned.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Hillary Clinton Says Abortionists Must Defeat Christianity

Students' Jesus Lunch in Wisc. Public Park Banned

Today, police and atheists will descend upon Fireman's Park in Middleton, Wisconsin where the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District will confront local parents providing their weekly "Jesus Lunch" for Middleton High School students during their open campus free period.  Although the nearby park is public property, the school claims jurisdiction during school hours and will forbid Christian interaction with students.

"We believe we can be there because it is a public park, and in any public place you have the First Amendment right, which is to have freedom of speech."
-- Melissa Helbach, parent, "Jesus Lunch" organizer since 2014

"The first five minutes or so the moms discuss things about faith and give you something to think about for the day. I see them giving students love, guidance and support and it brings light into students lives who may need to hear positive messages."
-- Parker Sigmon, MHS junior

For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:

Ban Christians From Missouri Schools, Atheists Say

Christmas, Easter Jettisoned from Omaha Schools

Florida Bans Prayer at Christian Football Game

Bible Verse Gets Georgia Athlete Disqualified

California School Bans Books by Christian Authors

Satanic, Atheist Books Provided in Colorado Schools

Also read Deny God, or Fail, Texas Teacher Tells Students





-- From "Protesters expected at 'Jesus Lunch'" posted at WKOW-TV27 (Madison, WI) 4/19/16

The Freedom From Religion Foundation [FFRF] says some of its members will be there to support students who might be demonstrating.

Some parents in the district have been serving a meal to students in Fireman's Park, and then sharing a lesson in Christianity.

The Middleton Police Department says it will have officers near the park during the lunch, so they can intervene if anything gets contentious.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Chief: Officers to be on site for next 'Jesus Lunch' to keep peace" by Jessica Arp, WISC-TV3 (Madison, WI) 4/15/16

[Critics] say the lunch makes students "uncomfortable" and that it shouldn't be happening on what is considered school property.

Comments on that petition say the issue comes down to the constitutional rights of freedom of religion, and that students enjoy having a discussion about Christianity over their lunch hour.

The school district and city officials said they have proposed moving the lunches to nearby Parisi Park, which is a short walk from the school, but the park facilities are smaller than what the group has now.

"Unless something unforeseen happens, the Jesus Lunch is going to happen this Tuesday and will probably continue until the end of the school year," Middleton police Chief Charles Foulke said in a release on Friday.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Middleton-Cross Plains Superintendent urges understanding over 'Jesus Lunch' controversy" by Ogechi Emechebe, The Capital Times 4/16/16

Growing controversy surrounding the “Jesus Lunch” at Middleton High School has prompted an email from Superintendent Don Johnson asking families, students and community members to “remain calm and understanding.”

The school district has asked the parents several times to stop their weekly gatherings, which have attracted as many as 400 students, citing the lunches violate school policy. Fireman’s Park is owned by the city so it’s considered a public space, but the district has a 16 year agreement with the city to lease the property and its rules apply there during the school day.

Parents and students opposing the lunches claim not only does it violate school policy, but see it as adults forcing their faith and religion on students. Peter Opitz, a student at Middleton High School, started a petition called “Tell Jesus Lunch to Follow School Regulations.” As of Friday afternoon, 462 people had signed the petition.

A counter petition of those in support of the lunch was also created, called “Allow Jesus Lunch to continue at Fireman’s Park.” 1,426 supporters had signed the petition as of Friday afternoon, a day after organizers appeared on a Madison conservative talk radio show.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Police to Keep Peace at Controversial 'Jesus Lunch' at Wisconsin High School" by Michael Gryboski, Christian Post Reporter 4/18/16

Chief Charles Foulke of the Middleton Police Department released a statement last Friday explaining that officers were going to be present at this week's luncheon.

Officials from the school district and Middleton High recently expressed concerns about the Jesus Lunch gathering, stating in a letter to parents that the events violated certain policies.

"The policies in question include food handling, visitors to campus, and expectations around student organized events. We are in no way interested in opposing religious practice in otherwise legal circumstances," read the letter.

"If students are interested in organizing student led activities, MHS staff are happy to work with them and will convey the district and school policies that govern activities. This, however, appears to be an event initiated by adults without approval by the school."

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "School administrators try to physically block parents from hosting ‘Jesus Lunch’" by Steve Gunn, EAGnews.org 4/15/16

School officials set up cones to block parents from using the parking lot at Fireman’s Park, near Middleton High School, on Tuesday, according to Phil Stamman, an attorney who is representing the mothers involved with the Jesus Lunch program.

The parents ignored school officials’ orders to turn away, according to Stamman. They parked along the street, walked into the park and set up the food for the lunch, anyway, he said.

“They coned up the parking lot, waited there and confronted my clients and told them to leave,” Stamman said. “(The parents) responded how I recommended. They walked right past them. The superintendent repeatedly tried to confront them. He was the first one. But they just moved on.”

“I’ve been talking to a lawyer for the city and my clients and the Alliance Defending Freedom,” [Stamman] said. “We’re reviewing our options. We have not decided how to move forward yet.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Supreme Court Justice Scalia Said Government Should Favor God of the Bible

Military Strips Bibles From 'Christian Terrorists'

In their continued battle against Christians, atheists of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF) forced the removal of Bibles from memorial displays in VA hospitals and other military installations in recent months.  However, the MRFF's newest leader ran from the battle as he compared Bible-believing Christians to Muslim terrorists.

"I cannot believe I deployed five times to fight radical Islamists overseas only to come home, voice my opinion, and be attacked by radical Christians."
-- Capt. Jordan Ray, retired Army atheist

For background, read President Obama Compares Christians to Islamic Terrorists

Click headlines below to read previous articles:

President Obama's VA Strips Jesus & Bible from Chaplains

President Obama's Veterans Hospital Bans Christmas Carols

President Obama's Pentagon Takes Orders from Atheists: Nativity Scenes Removed

President Obama's Pentagon Says Following Jesus' Command is a Court Martial Offense

-- From "Religious freedom group asks Veterans Administration to remove Bible from Youngstown facility after success in Akron" by Amanda Garrett, Akron Beacon Journal staff writer 3/16/16

In February, after a phone call from the MRFF’s leader, volunteers at the VA medical center in Akron agreed to remove a New Testament Bible from a “Missing Man” memorial, a display honoring soldiers taken prisoner of war and those missing in action.

Late Wednesday afternoon, MRFF founder Michael “Mikey” Weinstein fired off a letter to the director of the Youngstown VA about another Bible at a Missing Man memorial there.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "GOP Rep Again Blasts Activist Responsible For VA Clinic Bible Removal" by Evan Gahr, Investigative Journalist, Daily Caller 3/17/16

Depending on your perspective the Bible’s presence at the POW/MIA display table at the Akron Multiple Specialty Outpatient Clinic either turned the place into a Taliban military installation or it amounted to nothing but constitutionally protected religious expression.

The Kings James Bible and framed Scriptural quotations were removed in late February the day after Weinstein, acting on behalf of 11 clinic patients, complained to administrator Brian Reinhart. He argued the distinctly Christian place at the table was an unconstitutional establishment of religion and violated VA regulations.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Wright-Patterson AFB removes Bible from POW/MIA display after complaint" by Phillip Swarts, Air Force Times 4/9/16

The book was removed after the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, responding to complaints from service members stationed at the Ohio base, argued that the display should be moved to the base chapel or that it should honor POWs and MIAs of all religions and also those who have no religious affiliation.

MRFF demanded the base either move the display to the chapel, display books of multiple faiths and include one on atheist ideology, remove the Bible, or replace it with a “prop book” that would let viewers draw their own conclusions on what it represents.

The base chose to remove the Bible.

“We thoroughly assessed this particular situation and made the determination to remove the Bible,” said Marie Vanover, a spokeswoman for Wright-Patterson. “Mutual respect is an essential part of the Air Force culture and we must ensure we create an environment in which people can realize their highest potential, regardless of one's personal religious or other beliefs.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Bible removed from POW display at Wright-Patt medical center" by Barrie Barber, Staff Writer, Dayton Daily News 4/11/16

The installation commander at Wright-Patterson [Air Force Base], Col. John M. Devillier, made the decision to remove the Bible from the display at the medical center last week “after thoroughly assessing the situation,” Wright-Patt spokeswoman Marie Vanover said. Devillier was not available for comment Monday.

Richard Thompson, president and chief counsel of the Ann Arbor, Mich.-headquartered Thomas More Law Center, objected to the removal.

“The courts have said ceremonial displays not meant to proselytize anyone is not considered an establishment of religion,” said Thompson. “It is there for someone to acknowledge or that person does not have to acknowledge it. … They can either accept the Bible being there or, if they are really offended by the Bible, they could turn away. “

Thompson said the base commander “capitulated” to the demand to remove the book.

“We cannot separate God and the Judeo-Christian principles upon which our country is founded from the military who dedicate their lives, who put themselves in harm’s way, when they are performing their duties,” Thompson said. “And certainly had the commanding officer wanted to fight this attempt to intimidate them from removing the Bible, we would have been happy to represent the organization without charge and I think would have won the case.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Group's Veterans Director Resigns amid Threats over Bible Removal" by Bryant Jordan, Military.com 4/6/16

On Monday, Jordan Ray, a retired Army captain who served multiple overseas tours, started his job with the Military Religious Freedom Foundation. On Tuesday, following Military.com's report about Bible's removal and Ray's role in it, he and his family were stunned and frightened by the threats made against them in online forums.

Mikey Weinstein, president of the organization, told Military.com he regretted Ray's resignation but understands it.

"My family, as well as MRFF's hundreds of paid and volunteer staff and countless supporters domestically and around the world know well what this kind of hostile reprisal and retribution from fundamentalist evangelical Christian extremists is like," he said.

In his letter of resignation, [Ray] said he continues to support what the foundation does in opposing extremist Christians who push their theology on others.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Most Terrorists are White Christians, Colleges Say

And read Bibles Removed, Deviant Sex Housing Added at Illinois University

Atheists Demand to 'Pray' at Tenn. County Meeting

When a local atheist asked to lead prayer at Greene County (Tennessee) Commission monthly proceedings, Greene County Mayor David Crum declined to allow the farce so the Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) began writing threatening letters to the county demanding the opening invocation be eliminated entirely from the government meetings.

"The response I got from the commissioners is they seem to be happy with the way we've been doing it during this process, so I don't plan to change. . . . I figure if somebody doesn't want to listen to somebody pray, they can ignore it."
-- Mayor David Crum

For background, read Lone Jew, ACLU Stop Prayer in Pennsylvania Town

However, Arizona City Allows Only Christian Prayers

Also read Satanists to Lead 'Prayer' in Phoenix Government

And read Muslim Prayer Ends Invocation Policy in North Carolina




-- From "County Commission Under Fire For Opening Prayer" by Brad Hicks, Greeneville Sun 3/24/16

Since his tenure as county mayor began in fall 2014, David Crum has asked local pastors from churches located throughout Greene County to provide the opening invocations.

[Greene County Attorney Roger] Woolsey issued a response to the FFRF's complaint. The response, dated Feb. 23, asserts that some of the information in the organization's initial contact is "incorrect." In it, Woolsey wrote that the atheist was "at no point" denied the opportunity to address the county commission, as the panel allots three minutes during the public hearing portion of each meeting for any citizen to "speak, pray or discuss any issue or issues that he/she desires."

"Your assertion 'if Greene County wants to continue hosting prayers it cannot discriminate against any person wishing to give an invocation' is totally incorrect," Woolsey wrote.

The county attorney responded that if one wishes to speak, pray, give an invocation or discuss his or her beliefs on an issue, that person must contact Crum's office 10 days prior to the county commission's meeting to be placed on the agenda.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read U.S. Supreme Court 2014 Ruling Allows Christian Prayer in Civic Meetings

And read Supreme Court Justice Scalia Said Government Should Favor God of the Bible

Atheists: Terror-victims Prayer Unconstitutional

Immediately after Shelby Township Supervisor Rick Stathakis, a metro Detroit, Michigan politician, posted a prayer for the victims of the Brussels terrorist attack on his personal Facebook page, local atheists wrote that an American citizen who holds a public position has no right to pray in public, including online.

"Mighty God, Shine your radiance into every corner of this dark and fallen world. Send your angel armies into Brussels, and heal the land. Hear the prayers of those who call to you, calm them with Your peace, and soothe the souls of those who lost loved ones in this attack. Amen. . . . God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."
-- Rick Stathakis' initial Facebook post

"My position of Township Supervisor does not preclude me from expressing my Christian beliefs just as it would not preclude you from expressing your views if you were elected to office. I am not using my office or standing in the community to make everyone or even anyone Christian. I am simply offering support for the victims. My hope is that this is a conversation between adults, who are presumptively not susceptible to religious indoctrination, who may freely enter and leave the conversation without comment and for any number of reasons. . . . Through two successful campaigns for office I have never made a secret of my Christian faith and my love of prayer. My faith and prayer have helped me through many challenges during public service."
-- Rick Stathakis' Facebook post responding to critics

For background, read South Dakota Atheists Complain of Prayer After Murder-Suicide

Click headlines below to read previous articles:

California Mayor Calls City Prayer Vigil to Seek Solutions

Mississippi Police Chief Thanks God at City Prayer Meetings

Georgia Sheriff's Christmas Sign Peeves Atheists

Louisiana Sheriff Defies ACLU with Fourth of July Prayer

Arizona Town Council Prays to Jesus, Rabbi Fumes

Texas Mayor Declares 'Year of the Bible'

Texas School Supt. Tells Anti-prayer Atheists to Go Fly a Kite



-- From "Politician's prayer for Belgium on Facebook draws fire" by Tresa Baldas, Detroit Free Press 3/24/16

His critics note that his Facebook page makes clear he is a government official, and they want him to keep God and prayer out of politics. Stathakis, who has stirred controversy in the past by having prayer before public meetings, isn’t budging, arguing there’s nothing unlawful or unethical about praying for terrorism victims.

So far, the post has gotten 148 likes, 12 shares and 30 comments -- the longest ones from a handful of critics who pounced on Stathakis for expressing his religious views.

“As a government official, it is unconstitutional for you to use your official position to promote the establishment of faith. It violates the most basic legal principles of the United States of America. In addition to being unconstitutional, it is highly offensive to your constituents. Please remove all religious references from government materials and keep your faith to yourself,” wrote one Facebook user, Rafael Saakyan.

Stathakis vowed to continue expressing his religious beliefs, and called his critics “misguided.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Township Supervisor Sparks Controversy With Prayer For Belgium Post On Facebook" posted at WWJ-AM950 CBS News Detroit, MI 3/24/16

“It’s my webpage. It’s my personal webpage,” Stathakis told WWJ’s Chrystal Knight. “And what’s really sad is it’s not about me, it’s about the people in Brussels. It was just a simple prayer asking God to be at their side, and all of a sudden now it’s become pointed at me.”

“I really don’t understand the uproar. I mean, it’s not the first prayer that I’ve had on my Facebook, it’s one of many,” he said. “And actually, we’ve been praying here in Shelby Township before all of our board meeting since I’ve been in office, November 2008.”

Despite all the negativity, Stathakis says he’s encouraged by the support he’s received and he feels those who oppose him are in the minority — and he plans to keep on praying.

“The First Amendment makes a very specific point to protect a private citizen’s freedom of speech. I am a private citizen as well,” he said. “My position as Shelby Township supervisor, I believe, does not preclude me from expressing my Christian beliefs.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Shelby Township supervisor’s prayer post draws criticism, support" by Sean Delaney, The Source News (Macomb County, MI) 3/28/16

“As I state on my page, there is no secret in Shelby Township that I am an ardent Christian with a deep love of Christ and prayer,” Stathakis said. “Whether it is our invocation prior to each Shelby Township Board of Trustees meeting or our community’s role in founding the North Macomb National Day of Prayer observance, I will not shy away from expressing my Christian values, as they are as much a part of me as my love for the United States of America and Shelby Township.”

The First Amendment prohibits Congress from passing any law “respecting the establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”

Shelby Township Attorney Rob Huth [argues] that the prayer offered by Stathakis on his personal Facebook page “does not violate any provision of the Constitution.”

“(Stathakis) did not give up his right to pray for others just because he earned the title of supervisor,” Huth wrote in an email. “Frankly, as a Shelby Township resident I’ve enjoyed watching him stand up to those that don’t understand the law on this issue.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Supreme Court Justice Scalia Said Government Should Favor God of the Bible

Colorado Schools: Satanic, Atheist Books Provided

The Delta County School District has agreed to allow materials from the Western Colorado Atheists and Freethinkers and the Satanic Temple to be available for distribution to middle and high school students on April Fool's Day after the Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) complained that Gideon Bibles were previously made available to students.

“[Our school] policy says we cannot discriminate what is handed out. We just have to follow the process.”
-- Kurt Clay, Assistant Superintendent

For background, read Satanic Book Distribution in Florida Schools is followed by Bible Ban Forced by Atheists and Satanists

Click headlines below to read previous articles:

Satan on Throne at Oklahoma Capitol with ACLU Help

Satanists Team Up with Abortionists vs. Missouri Law

Satanists to Lead 'Prayer' in Phoenix Government

Satanists Join Muslims in Minnesota & California



-- From "Satanic Pamphlets Soon Available In Delta County Schools" by Jake Ryan, KVNF-FM90.9 National Public Radio (Paonia, CO) 3/24/16

A district policy allows for the display of pamphlets about programs not related to school such as Boy Scouts or a 4-H. The district is now under fire for that policy because it also allows for Bibles and Satanic coloring books.

The rule permits any material to be made available to their students, as long as it doesn’t cross certain lines. Gideon's International recently set out free Bibles for students to take home. . . .

Assistant Superintendent Kurt Clay says there’s a lot of discussion in the district about this. He points out that no material is allowed to be handed out, only made available.

They’ve also been consulting their legal counsel about changing the policy. He doesn’t want to ban all material because it would prevent rural students from finding out about afterschool programs and sports teams. They’re still unsure if they can legally make a rule against just religious material.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Atheist Group to Distribute Satanic Books at Colorado Schools" by Michael Gryboski, Christian Post Reporter 3/24/16

Candi Cushman, education analyst at the Colorado Springs-based Focus on the Family, told The Christian Post that she felt "common-sense standards of decency should apply to these."

"From the images displayed on recent television reports on this story, it appears that some of the materials may be disparaging of other religious viewpoints and even lewd in their depictions," said Cushman.

Cushman of FOTF also told CP that it "is commendable that the school is making an effort to avoid unconstitutional discrimination in a public forum against a group simply because of its faith-based perspective."

"It would be unfortunate to let intimidation from groups — with an apparent agenda of shutting a public forum down — to succeed in censorship for all."

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Supreme Court Justice Scalia Said Government Should Favor God of the Bible

And read Justice Scalia Said Satan is Real, Journalist Dumbfounded

Christmas, Easter Jettisoned from Omaha Schools

School board member Paul Meyer received zero support from fellow board members in his effort to restore Christian holidays scratched from the calendar by administrators of the Millard School District of Omaha, Nebraska.  In fact, Meyer was forced to apologize after being lambasted in the local media for suggesting that Christmas-hating atheists can "crawl back into their hellhole."

“[I'm] a little bit tired of a minute minority in this country that keeps pushing Christmas out, keep pushing God out, keep pushing Christ out, when the majority is still a Judeo-Christian country. . . . I’m getting sick of these atheists trying to take over this country.”
-- Paul Meyer, Millard School District Board of Education

For background, read Texas School Supt. Tells Atheists to Go Fly a Kite

Also read Majority in U.S. Want Christmas Celebrated WITHIN Schools: Poll

Click headlines below to read previous articles:

Christmas Holiday OUT, Lunar New Year IN School Calendars

Atheists Help Liberal Schools in Oregon Ban Christmas Choirs

Kentucky School Censors 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' Play

Christmas Tree Flyer Censored by New Hampshire School Supt.

-- From "Effort to rename Millard Public Schools' winter break fails" by The Associated Press 3/22/16

Meyer was concerned that the calendar didn't place enough significance on the religious holiday.

Board President Mike Kennedy said he appreciated Meyer's position, but said he didn't believe the administration made an intentional effort to remove Christmas from the calendar.

None of the board members present - Kennedy, Mike Pate and Pat Ricketts - seconded Meyer's motion. The board then adopted the calendar on a 3-1 vote without specifying a name for the break. Meyer was the dissenting vote.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Millard school board member wants winter break called Christmas break, says atheists who disagree can 'crawl back into their hellhole'" by Joe Dejka, Omaha World-Herald staff writer 3/23/16

[Paul Meyer] expressed disappointment that the administration had not labeled the break on the calendar — Dec. 25, 2017, through Jan. 5, 2018 — as Christmas break.

“I would like to make a motion that we rename this period Christmas break, and those atheists who don’t like it can crawl back into their hellhole, because I, for one, will not put my Lord, my God, aside for a few atheists,” Meyer said. “And if they don’t like it, the ACLU doesn’t like it, the heck with them.”

“I do know, as a Catholic, I have no problem the way the calendar is,” [Board President Mike] Kennedy said. “I celebrate Christmas. I know other people on this board do too. People are free to celebrate what they want to believe.”

“I don’t think anyone’s trying to take away Christmas from any child,” he said.

[Board member Mike] Pate said he and fellow board member Ricketts recently raised the issue about why spring break is not aligned with the Easter holiday.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Schools often try to align spring break with Easter, but holiday's hopping around makes it a tricky feat" by Joe Dejka, Omaha World-Herald staff writer 3/22/16

Although they no longer call it Easter break, some Omaha area public school officials still schedule spring break to coincide with the Christian holy day.

Next year, with Easter occurring late in the school year, eight of the 12 districts will do so.

District administrators told the Millard board that in recent years they have scheduled spring break earlier to avoid the period of time when students take statewide math, reading and science tests. This year, the Nebraska State Accountability testing window runs from Monday through May 6.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Atheist groups decry 'hate speech' from Millard school board member who wants winter break called Christmas break" by Joe Dejka, Omaha World-Herald staff writer 3/23/16

[Paul] Meyer used “unprofessional and derogatory language” during the discussion, which amounted to “hate speech against a minority group,” according to a letter Amanda Novotny wrote Tuesday to the school board and the superintendent. She identified herself as the Nebraska director for American Atheists and the marketing director for Omaha Atheists.

[Paul Meyer] doesn’t hate them, he said. “What I hate is their sin.”

Meyer said he is Lutheran and said his father was a Lutheran minister. He said the country was founded on Judeo-Christian principles and said he thinks it’s OK for public officials to express their religious beliefs.

“Definitely, I wish more did,” he said.

“This is just what it’s been throughout the ages,” he said. “It’s been considered Christmas break. Why do we even break at this time of the year? What is the purpose? This is why the break was even established, because of the Christmas holiday.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Millard school board member apologizes for controversial remarks about atheists" by Joe Dejka, Omaha World-Herald staff writer 3/24/16

In a letter to district staff, [Paul Meyer] wrote that after reflection he realized his comments “have been hurtful to many people.”

“This is not what I intended, and I am sorry,” he wrote.

Then Wednesday, Meyer said in a phone interview that he decided to apologize after reflecting on the situation.

“I don’t want to bring a bad light on the district,” he said.

Meyer was elected in 2012 to a four-year term. He is not running for re-election.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Angry Muslims Storm New Jersey School Board Demanding Holidays

And read Loud Muslim Prayer: Takeover of Michigan Town

Atheists Complain of Prayer After Murder-Suicide

The American Civil Liberties Union of South Dakota complained that the state attorney general opened a press conference with prayer on Wednesday.

"Joining a community that has tragically lost an entire family in a moment of prayer is both appropriate and legal. The United States Supreme Court has clearly upheld and recognized the Guaranteed Constitutional Right to Freedom of Religion. As Attorney General, I have joined with other State Attorneys General in successfully allowing gatherings which include local government and other legislative functions to open a meeting with an appropriate prayer. I invite the ACLU to join with me and other State Attorneys General in both recognizing and protecting Civil Liberties and Constitutional Rights."
-- Marty Jackley, Attorney General, South Dakota

For background, read U.S. Supreme Court Ruling Allows Christian Prayer in Civic Meetings and also read 13 States vs. ACLU in Appeals Court over Civic Prayer

In addition, read Supreme Court Justice Scalia Said Government Should Favor God of the Bible



-- From "South Dakota AG Responds to ACLU Attack on Religious Freedom" by Newswire posted at American Clarion 3/17/16

On March 16, 2016, the South Dakota Attorney General held a community meeting inviting the press and the community in order to provide an update on the death and financial investigation into the Gear Up program.  Prior to beginning the meeting, a pastor opened with a general prayer.   The ACLU has characterized the prayer as a constitutional violation.  Despite positions taken by the ACLU, it is both appropriate and legally permissible.

In August of 2013, South Dakota Attorney Jackley joined 23 other states in a multi-state brief filed in the United States Supreme Court urging that the U.S. Constitution allows for prayer during governmental meetings and legislative session.

The Attorneys General advocated that “The American people deserve an Establishment Clause jurisprudence that is clear, workable, and faithful to the text and history of the First Amendment.” The Court further recognized that legislative prayer, while religious in nature, has long been understood as compatible with the Establishment Clause. This includes opening of governmental meetings where prayer is meant to lend gravity to the occasion and reflect values long part of the Nation’s heritage.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Click headlines below to read previous articles:

California Mayor Calls City Prayer Vigil to Seek Solutions

Mississippi Police Chief Thanks God at City Prayer Meetings

Arizona Town Council Prays to Jesus, Rabbi Fumes

Texas School Supt. Tells Anti-prayer Atheists to Go Fly a Kite

Kentucky School Supt. Backs Prayer vs. Atheists

When Bowling Green, Kentucky Superintendent Gary Fields first received a complaint from the Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) about a photograph of coach Kevin Wallace praying with high school football players before a game, he simply ignored it. After the second legal threat from the FFRF months later, Fields replied to the atheists and told local new sources that students have every right to pray.

"A student may lead a prayer before they have their lunch or breakfast at school. They may have a prayer that they lead together before a sporting event or a band competition but once again, that's the right of the student.”
-- Gary Fields, Superintendent, Bowling Green Independent Schools

“[The prayer] was done while I was here as an assistant and I felt the tradition was a good one to continue. A moment to give thanks for our talents and the opportunities that we have been given.”
-- Coach Kevin Wallace

For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:

Kentucky School Censors Christmas from Charlie Brown

Judge Jesus Says 'Stop Praying' to California School

Ban Christians From Missouri Schools, Atheists Say

Fortunately, many public schools stand for prayer against atheist threats:

Ohio School Board Wants Prayer, Ignoring Atheists

North Carolina Citizens Demand Prayer in Public School

Let us Pray in School: It's the Law in Missouri

Prayer Stays in Florida School, Opposing Atheists

Wyoming School Allows Prayer Under Lawsuit Threat

Texas School Supt. Tells Anti-prayer Atheists to Go Fly a Kite

Also read Supreme Court Justice Scalia Said Government Should Favor God of the Bible



-- From "Praying at a football game starts separation of church and state debate" by Lyndsey Gough, WBKO-TV12 (Bowling Green, KY) 2/22/16

A published photo of Bowling Green Purples football coach Kevin Wallace praying with his players before a game has sparked a controversy of separation of church and state.

Someone saw the photo and article, and notified the Freedom From Religion Foundation, which is based in Wisconsin. They sent Bowling Green Schools a letter, saying that coaches praying in school-related events was unconstitutional.

"It wasn't a local stake-holder. It wasn't a local citizen or a parent that contacted us so I did not respond with a letter at that time but I did respond after the second letter in January just to make them aware that I had received their letters and we took appropriate steps," [Supt.] Fields said.

But under the First Amendment, students have the right to lead themselves in prayer. Fields says that is what was happening to begin with.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "City school district responds to church, state separation complaint" by Aaron Mudd, Bowling Green Daily News 2/20/16

The first [FFRF] letter is dated Sept. 22 and references a photograph taken by a Daily News photographer that shows Wallace kneeling in prayer with a group of players before a football game Sept. 4 against St. Xavier High School.

[Supt.] Fields responded with a brief letter Jan. 28 acknowledging he received the previous two letters.

“We confirmed the pre-game prayer that was featured in the Bowling Green Daily News article was student led and that all moments that include prayer in our schools are student led,” he told the Daily News.

Fields added the district will continue to comply with the First Amendment and that student prayer is a “student decision.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Click headlines below to read previous articles:

Florida Bans Prayer at Christian Football Game

North Dakota Bans Prayer at Catholic School Football Game

Atheists Threaten Indiana School Coach over Students' Prayer

Illinois School Agrees with Atheists, NOT Students

Football Coach Forced to Stop Praying AFTER Games in Washington

Arizona Schools Ban Christian Football Coaches