I’ve had this note since July and ran across it today. It still bothers me. A 4th Circuit Court of Appeals decision that Jesus’ name cannot be invoked in public prayer during City Council meeting most certainly squelches free speech for all religions.
This should hold true if a Muslim cleric opens the meeting and uses Allah in his prayer instead of the non-specific word ‘god.’ A Native American is also precluded from using the term Great Spirit. And think of how many gods’ names would be denied for a multitude of other religions.
According to the Court, they determined that "the practice of members of Town Council invoking name(s) specifically associated with the Christian faith violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment."
Unfortunately, their very words are close to violating the First Amendment, which states: “Congress shall make no law respecting an 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.” However, the Admendment refers only to Congress – not to the Judicial system, which should not (but has been known to) usurp Congress’ responsibility to pass laws.
The court names the Christian faith in its determination. Could their response have been better stated as "the practice of members of Town Council invoking name(s) associated with any specific faith violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment."
Without that distinction, isn’t their decision discriminatory against Christians?
What is the difference between the City Council meeting prayers and those in congress?
Why is the “name of Jesus” important to Christians?
Acts 2:38
Acts 3:6
Acts 4:10
Acts 4:18
Acts 5:40 (yep – things haven’t changed much in 2,000 years!)
Acts 8:12
Acts 9:27
Acts 16:18
Acts 26:9
1 Corinthians 1:2
Philippians 2:10
And that’s just the phrase, doesn’t include additional reasons for calling upon His name. Which I shall continue to do. The current prevalence of interpreting our constitution as a freedom from religion may change in coming years. For which I shall continue to pray.
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