Supreme Court to Consider Public Meeting Prayers
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JACKSON, Tenn.- The United State Supreme Court will take on a case involving prayer before public meetings. Jackson City Council members pray before every monthly meeting. “We’ve had pastors and ministers and people from the Jewish synagogue come in and pray,” said Councilman Scott Conger. Conger supports prayer before the meetings. “I feel that we are within due bounds of the constitution because we don’t prohibit any religion from praying,” he said. The U.S. Supreme Court will review a ruling that held the town of Greece in New York violated the constitution by opening its meetings with prayers that stressed Christianity. “I don’t like it to where government seems to show a preference toward one religion over others,” said Mary Kindelberger, a Madison County resident. Opponents said having organized prayer at city hall before meetings might offend someone. “I don’t think people should feel it’s something that they have to take part in,” said Kindelberger. Jackson Mayor Jerry Gist supports prayer before public meetings. “Our faith goes back hundreds of years and I see no reason why we can’t continue that practice,” he said. Conger believes it will not be an issue in Tennessee. Attendees also say the pledge of allegiance before each Jackson City Council Meeting.
