Council Prayers

There are many — maybe even the majority — of local councils in this country that start their meetings with Christian prayers. Non-believers and those of other religions are put in the embarrassing position of wondering whether to participate or pointedly not participate. It is intolerable that elected representatives should be put through this in carrying out their duty. A typical reaction to their protests is that they are told they can leave the chamber during prayers and return. We also know of potential candidates who will not put their names forward for election, appalled that they should be expected to participate in prayers. This deprives local democracy of much-needed new blood.

We are not seeking to restrict freedom of worship. If some Council members wish to pray, there is no problem with them doing so before Council meetings. But this should be separate from the meetings and preferably not in the same room, so that those arriving for the meeting are not inconvenienced.

We have been working on this campaign for some months and after complaints from councillors, top lawyers working on behalf of the NSS have sent a letter to one council advising them that prayers during council meetings are in conflict with human rights provisions. The council is currently considering our lawyers’ letter and we will publish details of the outcome shortly.

We now need your help. Find out how you can assist us with our campaign.