Catholic Culture Trusted Commentary
Catholic Culture Trusted Commentary
Catholic World News

US Supreme Court OK's prayers at public meetings

May 05, 2014

The US Supreme Court, in a split decision announced on May 5, has ruled that prayers offered at public meetings do not violate the constitutional prohibition on establishment of religion.

“The inclusion of a brief, ceremonial prayer as part of a larger exercise in civic recognition suggests that its purpose and effect are to acknowledge religious leaders and the institutions they represent, rather than to exclude or coerce nonbelievers,” wrote Justice Anthony Kennedy for the majority in a 5-4 decision. The court upheld the legality of prayers offered by officials of the town of Greece, New York. Although most prayers were Christian in their wording, the Supreme Court found no intention to exclude non-Christians or pressure them to convert.

 


For all current news, visit our News home page.


 
Further information:
Sound Off! CatholicCulture.org supporters weigh in.

All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!

  • Posted by: unum - May. 05, 2014 11:32 PM ET USA

    It is good to know that the First Amendment of the Constitution does actually mean something.

  • Posted by: rpp - May. 05, 2014 5:38 PM ET USA

    Thanks be to God. I wonder how long it will be before the secularists convince a lower court to forbid prison and hospital chaplains.