To Pray or Not to Pray

I notice that Bideford Town Council, who were challenged in court about beginning their meetings with prayers, have lost their case. The case was brought on the basis that the human rights of non-Christians were being breached. The case was actually won on an obscure point of legislation. No breach of human rights was found.

Read the BBC report here.

I suspect that many Christians will feel disappointed by this judgement. I don't. It is a matter of common courtesy, one which I offer people regularly, to ask permission before you pray. I extend this courtesy to all those I meet pastorally at weddings and funerals. Baptisms are different because the people concerned are seeking to make a Christian connection.

When one of our sons turned against our Christian routines we stopped saying grace.

It is not as if Christian Councillors will be unable to pray. They may have to do it quietly. I know of no scripture that tells me audible prayer is more effective than silent.

The sooner we identify our country's constitution as secular the better the Christian message can compete fairly in the market place of ideas.