In Jesus’ name we (don’t) pray
The fight over sectarian prayer in the Indiana legislature is gaining steam and it may eventually find its way into the national radar. Earlier this year the Indiana Civil Liberties Union brought a lawsuit on behalf of four citizens to bar the Indiana House from opening its session with specifically Christian prayers.
Based largely on the 1983 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Marsh v. Chambers, a federal district court ruled that the prayers amounted to “an official endorsement of the Christian religion.” Of 53 opening prayers given in the Indiana House during the 2005 session, 41 were given by clergy identified with Christian churches and at least 29 mentioned Jesus Christ, according to court documents.
Although the court’s ruling doesn’t bar prayers, it does bar prayers invoking a particular religion. The facts in the Supreme Court’s Marsh v. Chambers decision concerned very similar prayers in the Nebraska Legislature. After noting that opening prayers for legislative sessions is a historic tradition that “has become part of the fabric of our society,” the Court nevertheless ordered references to Christ must be removed. In spite of the precedent, House Speaker Brian Bosma plans to appeal the decision, and a newer Supreme Court may eventually decide to take the case.
Others blogging the developments: Taking Down Words and Advance Indiana, and Belicove.com. In a related issue, Navy Chaplain Gordon Klingenschmitt is seeking White House support in his efforts to pray in Jesus’ name with military soldiers.
