The town of San Marcos, Texas, is responding to complaints about Christian prayers at city meetings by creating a policy to address concerns. Although they plan to keep the practice of holding prayers before city meetings, they've now added a policy to prohibit prayers that proselytize or advance one religion over others. Reverend Barry Lynn, of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, says that "leading meetings with public sectarian prayers sends a message that people with different beliefs aren't welcome at government gatherings."
Lynn said he's pleased with the decision. Complaints from AU and the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas prompted the city council's move. A few residents are still opposed to the change, though - one pastor said, "If Christians are the only ones that come to pray... they should be allowed to pray and they should be allowed to say whatever their faith dictates they say."
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Lynn said he's pleased with the decision. Complaints from AU and the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas prompted the city council's move. A few residents are still opposed to the change, though - one pastor said, "If Christians are the only ones that come to pray... they should be allowed to pray and they should be allowed to say whatever their faith dictates they say."
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I Am the reincarnate of the lioness. I was awakened 8-08. I am looking for info.
The Pope proclaimed the Christ has risen.
Boo!
This is an awesome move. I’m proud of the city of San Marcos. Hopefully they may set an example for the rest of my state to follow.
I agree with Ash. I live in the DFW Metroplex, and their narrow minded christian right politics are almost oppressive. Maybe San Marcos can be used as a platform to show that change can be good.
Obsidian I to live in the dfw area and I totally agree with. This area is owned by the conservative Christians and they do not like sharing. The local news stations just fall over each other to report whatever nonsense stories are coming from the churches.
How progressive for a Texas town! Kudos to them!
Americans are finally starting to remember that this country was born so that there would be freedom of religion. Not just Christianity
San Marcos is just about 15 miles south of Austin, one of the very few enlightened places in TEXAS. So, it must be the influence of Austin creeping into San Marcos. Really, though, the only reason San Marcos exists is for the outlet malls there, LOL.
I live in Sugar Land, which is outside of Houston. Go San Marcos! About Austin’s influence creeping outward…boo. >.> I don’t like Austin, just my opinion of course. I haven’t see any problems here in Houston though. Hopefully the rest of Texas will follow San Marcos’s example.
Hip Hip HOORAY! It is about time.
I live in SC. I HOPE it spreads this way too! I was born and lived many years in Tx.
I am a member of Americans United for exactly this reason. They are a fantastic group. They fought against the teaching of Intelligent Design in the Dover, Pennsylvania case. They really do work for freedom of religion.