NC County Gov’t Defies Court Decision Banning Christian Prayers at Board Meetings
- Posted on February 23, 2012 at 6:41am by
Billy Hallowell
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The Rowan County Board of Commissioners is defying a court decision that found Christian prayers being uttered at its meetings unconstitutional. The local government’s decision to continue permitting the prayers comes after the U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear the case, thus substantiating a lower court ruling.
One of the board members (and the county commissioner), Chad Mitchell, defended the prayers said at each meeting’s opening. Apparently, each board member is given the chance, via a rotation, to give a prayer if he or she so chooses. In the past, some have opted not to be included in the rotation.
“The practice of opening with an invocation has been ongoing for many years,” Mitchell explained. ”The earliest book of minutes that we have easy access to is from February of 1971, and the Board of Commissioners at that time was using the same procedure of invocation as we are currently using.”
The Associated Press has more:
A huge crowd turned out for the Rowan Board of Commissioners meeting Monday night to offer their support to the elected officials, who say they’ll defy a decision by the U.S. 4th Circuit Court of Appeals striking down sectarian prayer in Forsyth County, or prayer that’s explicitly linked to a particular religion, such as Christianity.
“If they tell county commissioners they can’t pray, soon they‘re going to be in my church telling me I can’t pray in the name of Jesus,” said Terry Brown, a county resident who came to the meeting.
The Christian Post continues with more on how the debate started:
Mike Meno, communications manager for the ACLU of North Carolina, told CP that the controversy stems from an earlier case the ACLU took on in Forsyth County, N.C.
“In 2007, the ACLU of North Carolina filed a lawsuit against the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners on behalf of … two longtime Winston-Salem residents who objected to the board’s continued use of sectarian prayers,” said Meno.
“The highest court to rule on this matter, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, agreed that any prayers in a government meeting ‘must strive to be nondenominational so long as that is reasonably possible.’”
While the ACLU had hoped that the entire state would embrace the decision, Rowan County has, thus far, refused (and they are reportedly the only county in the state to do so). Mitchell argues that the Christian prayers being uttered differ because they are said by board members and not clergy.
“The thought that one cannot use Jesus’ name in a public meeting is wrong, and, at least in my opinion, is a violation of my personal First Amendment right guaranteeing free exercise of religion,” Mitchell said.
It will be interesting to see how the ACLU handles the case moving forward.
(H/T: Christian Post)
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Comments (169)
Fipper
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:19amGood on you guys.
Report Post »offtosleep
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 9:04amGod bless you good people! We are under attack and it’s time to pull together!
Report Post »satostud
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 9:11amWay to go NC. Good for you.
Report Post »Now we jsut need every state in the union to do the same thing. When the Supreme Court makes unconstitional laws, it is up to the PEOPLE to tell them to go suck and egg.
Demsmacker
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 10:03amI live in Forsyth County and know the case they are citing quite well. The so called ACLU bought this case on behalf of two long time Winston-Salem residents is a load. The two showed up at a meeting to bring a grievance and felt they were not being given their proper due. Mind you, I had never seen them at one of the meetings prior to this, (I go every chance I get as this is the only place I can keep an eye on what my government is doing with my money) and they left with sour looks on their faces. The prayer is nothing more than asking for guidance and wisdom to make the right choice. I guess the right choice is something the ACLU and Washington have no need of. Hey, ACLU I have case you can take, you see there is this place that is slowly pushing my chosen religion out. It tells me I can’t put up symbols to celebrate my religion and says I can’t talk about my religion were ever I want. This place is starting now to tell me that the teachings of my religion are wrong and they will now tell me what they should teach me. This place was called The United States of America. I don’t know what they call themselves now but you should go after them as they are a bigger danger to me than a prayer before some meeting.
Report Post »AmazingGrace8
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 10:27am@demsmacker
Unbelievers want to eliminate these words and later come up with their own versions of “signature-non-spritual” start of a public meeting. I can’t even imagine what that will be.
Report Post »proudinfidel54
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 11:08amIt is time to reinstitute the burning of these anti-God witches
Report Post »afishfarted
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 11:15amProhibiting govt officials from envoking the name of Jesus during at a public forum has been very successful. Those Christians who cower to these edicts are helping to destroy our Christian heritage.
Report Post »Additionally, they are helping to pave the way for a devout muslim who makes his way to pubic office to envoke Allah’s name during pubic functions. Get rid of one before you implement the other.
They want to prohibit us from acknolwedging OUR faith in Christ, and ultimately our American Christian foundation and heritage. Once that’s accomplished (and it’s closer than you think), they will impose THEIR religion by force .
Connect the dots
ghostsouls
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 12:15pmGiven the war on religion that obama and the democrats have spearheaded, they would have you, at home, after midnight, in your basements, with any basement windows blacked out, no lights on, candles lit, bible open, and praying in hushed whispers, in hopes your neighbors do not hear your whispered prayers and become offended and call the police on you. Not so far fetched, because it has happened before and more than once.
Report Post »000degrees
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 12:29pmAnd the fight is on…..Go God!!!!!
Report Post »martinob
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 1:56pmMakes me want to move to NC.
Report Post »landman1
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 2:11pmI am a twice elected town councilman in a small NC town. We open every meeting with a prayer and the pledge. We will continue that for as long as I have anything to do with it. It was done long before I came to the council. The town is over 100 years old with town records indicating that this was ther norm. I think the ACLU should do what their moniker suggests. Get A CLU(E) and leave us the hell alone.
Report Post »gperky
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 2:32pmIts about time someone stands up for what they believe. I am so tired of wishy washy Christians that use the excuse we are supposed to turn the other cheek. Jesus overthrew the tables in the temple when it was wrong. He didnt turn the other cheek. Stop being a bunch of wusses!
Report Post »shekinah11
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 3:56pmWould it be against the law if they just quoted the prayers of Washington, Jefferson, Franklin etc. during their government meeting as part of their meeting minutes? Would that still be considered a prayer? Or just historical significant quotes that everyone can agree on? Were our founding fathers doing it wrong all those years?…
Report Post »Patrick Henry II
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 5:05pmWHat are they going to do? Shoot them? Give me a break. The first operation of the US Supreme Court was a prayer in Jesus’ name.
Report Post »holy ghostbuster
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 6:51pm@ Shekinah11 – show me a prayer in which, Washington, Jefferson, or Franklin invoked the name of Jesus.
Report Post »hallkbrdz
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:20pmWay to stand up for your rights Rowan County!
Report Post »Jackers
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:37pmYeah! It’s about time that we start standing up for our rights…
Report Post »MrSteve_46
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:11pmamen! you guys rock!
Report Post »holy ghostbuster
Posted on February 25, 2012 at 11:52am@ Proudinfidel54 – That’s right out of the Koran and Bible! Keep it up buddy, your true colors are shining as bright as the star of Bethlehem.
Report Post »steelpanther
Posted on February 25, 2012 at 10:40pmYay, I wish them the best.
Report Post »00gabooga
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:17amThis is the way to defeat the ACLU and their atheist ilk. Just defy the order and force them to go back to court, call the cops, etc. I defy the police to make an arrest, a judge to take a case, or a jury to find someone guilty, for praying in public.
Report Post »jdare
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:46amSpot On. By the way, ACLU stands for ANTI civil liberties union. TEA! Fair Tax!
Report Post »bsone
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 10:24amActually I think ACLU is “All Criminals Love Us”.
Report Post »Vickie Dhaene
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 12:13pmPerfectly said. I will stand for all that stand for God and prayer.
Report Post »Smokey_Bojangles
Posted on February 24, 2012 at 5:27amYou would think the ACLU would want to protect the 1st amendment rights of The Rowan County Board of Commissioners as well.The American Civil Liberties Union is closely affiliated with the communist movement in the United States, and fully 90 percent of its efforts are on behalf of communists who have come into conflict with the law. It claims to stand for free speech, free press and free assembly, but it is quite apparent that the main function of the ACLU is an attempt to protect the communists.
Report Post »schlepnier
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:17amAh the now blurrred line between freedom OF religion and freedom FROM religion. one is in the constitution one is not.
and it quite specifically says “shall make no law” as long as they are not legislating religion or religious beliefs the constitution is satisfied.
Report Post »SpankDaMonkey
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:03am.
Keep Praying til they come to get you………..
Is this how it’s gonna end?………….
Report Post »lordjosh
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:12amFinally. This is how it’s suppose to be. Ignore the tyranny of judges. But ‘spankdamonkey’ is right. The courts of this country assumed authority not granted. They hold you in contenpt, they’ll send the worms. The people of NC must surround these brave patriots and not let that happen.
Report Post »oldguy49
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:13amgod bless you and pass the ammo
Report Post »KICKILLEGALSOUT
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:17amSo liberal cities across the US can set up sanctuary city policies and violate our laws and trample the constitution everywhere but when a liberal judge or liberal in government twists the law and then expects a conservative to follow their will we have to just take it? I have been arguing for a long time that if they can evade the real law and do what they want in these liberal cities then in conservative cities we can evade their laws that strip us of our freedom and liberty and refuse to comply. It starts in the local governments. Tea party groups everywhere need to take over the local government and police so that when the activists groups and liberal judges try to force their agenda on you you can just say NO, what are you going to do about it? Rebel against unconstitutional liberal leftist law! Then drive these people out of your town!
Report Post »sknight
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 9:11amNever stop praying, even after they come for you.
Report Post »hempstead1944
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:02amThere are still some folks that do the right thing, no matter what…….
Report Post »NC
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:01amRowan County NC is where Salisbury NC is. In Salisbury is one of the largest Veteran Administration Medical facilities in the area. Lots of Vets live in and around Salisbury.
The ACLU might want to pick a fight in another county. This is not to say that it will be reduced to armed combat from the vets, but the vets are a contingent that will fight for what they believe in.
NC (vietnam era vet that uses the Salisbury VA)
Report Post »NC1
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:24amHope the ACLU comes to Davidson County (next door to Rowan). Probably will be the first and last time they do. We built a new courthouse about 10 years ago and they put “IN GOD WE TRUST” in big ol letters right over the front entrance. Rock on. Keep on praying at the meetings in Rowan County, we got your back.
Report Post »BBReggie
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:58amGood for them. Make the Government send in troops to keep them from praying and keep the cameras rolling.
Report Post »PA PATRIOT
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:57amLord,
Report Post »Guide these thoughtful community leaders through this difficult situation.
AMEN
crazyoz
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:57amWe should gather up all these left wing judges and ship them to CA.
Report Post »concealled9mms
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 10:45amno we have have enough already thanks but no thanks
Report Post »Darla_K
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:47amIf people don’t want to pray, step out into the hall until the prayer is done. Someone will come get you, but to try and stop us from praying is over the line. I will say the pledge of alienance and say a prayer until my dying breath. For those of you who are offended by my behavior get the hell out of my country. Go to Iran or somewhere you can be at peace.
Report Post »Miyegombo Bayartsogt
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:16amHa! That’s funny. Go to Iran! Go see what a religiously ruled country is really like. See how the followers of faith are when they have power over all the people. See the horror show that is a state sponsored religion with its mandated bigotry and legal prayers and, seeing this, know we here in America aren’t ruled by such a vile, violent creature. No, we have a secular government where religious people get to keep their cute, defanged religions like toys they can play with whenever they like. The people who cling to their toys have freedom to play but they must keep them at home or in their places of worship and no try and thrust them down the throats of people who are all grown up and have no use for these toys.
Report Post »Git-R-Done
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 9:14amMiye – Except you atheists are not adults. You’re just children who want to silence freedom of speech and freedom of religion. If you don’t want to hear religious people speaking in public, go move to North Korea.
Report Post »Nemo13
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:47amIts about time. More of this needs to happen.
Report Post »Deckle
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:38amI am glad someone has some guts in this country. You may want to watch this video to know what is really happening in America:http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid949801312001?bckey=AQ~~,AAAACEco_Vk~,9bOat4XcfB_88ri1a3UMdKnLpH9aM8Fv&bclid=0&bctid=1271237687001
Report Post »qpwillie
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:35amThis reminds me of Daniel. He just kept praying when the king ordered him to stop.
Report Post »holy ghostbuster
Posted on February 25, 2012 at 11:48amThat was a fairy-tale.
Report Post »reconmarine
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:23amGood for them! Obama defies court orders on a daily basis. Either that or he is in contempt of Congress. What makes them think anyone will continue to take the courts and law seriously when Obama himself ignores them.
Report Post »grudgywoof
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:36amI just emailed the county commisioner and told him that I stand with them. We need to support one and other in this fight. http://www.rowancountync.gov/GOVERNMENT/Commission.aspx
Report Post »Dotado
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:54amGrudgywolf…thanks for the link. I sent the man an email myself. Heartning to see integrity in an elected official. Such a rare thing. Good for these people, the voters have themselves some men with backbone. And woman, if they were elected, with backbone.
Report Post »Acts_19
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:21am“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;”
What part of “or prohibiting the free exercise thereof” do people not understand?
Report Post »It’s high time that we take a stand on OUR religious freedom in this country! If you don’t want to participate, fine, but don’t expect me to give up my rights just because you choose a different way to express yourself!
NancyBee
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:33amAmen!
Report Post »cdavis2009
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:15amThe founders encouraged and knew the importance of religion in the public sector. Those who claim that “Separation of Church and state” phrase (from T. Jefferson’s letter to the Dunbury baptists) means that we must remove all public and federal displays regarding religion obviously do not know history, haven’t read the letter where the phrase “Separation of church and state” originated, and obviously haven’t been to the library of Congress or any of the federal buildings in D.C. How many times does it need to said that the Constitution states, “Congress shall make no law regarding an establishment of religion or the free exercise thereof . . .” ? No law. Zero. Zilch. Individuals, even those serving in public office – even those in school – even teachers – have a right to pray, practice their faith and discuss it openly. Those who do not believe have a right not to participate. What the founders were against was a state run religion. History shows us that it is never religion that causes the problems – it is when governments try to control religion and use it for their own nefarious purposes. What our courts and government are doing now (with the healthcare mandate and religious institutions) is in direct violation of our first amendment rights and is therefore unlawful and unconstitutional. May the Lord bless anyone who chooses to pray and practice an honest faith in the face of individuals and groups trying to silence them. May the Lord bless the men and women of t
Report Post »rockmanlinux
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:14amI may have to move to that county. Wake County doesn’t have that nerve. :)
Report Post »Concerned Green Beret
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:14amWell I don’t believe it. There are actually some people in the homeland that have some moral courage. Now we will see if they have physical courage to put their lives on the line for their belief in the 1st Amendment. After we Soldiers have put our lives on the line time and time and time again to protect that right in many foreign lands. When the hell are the people the United States going to stand up and defend the homeland against the domestic enemies that are intentionally subveting the constitution from within??? These people don’t need the stinkin Supreme Court, they have the constitution. Now fight for what is right!!!!!!!!!
Report Post »NancyBee
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:34amYeah!
Report Post »Cranky
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:40amTHANK YOU FOR YOU SERVICE.
Thank you, also, for your spot on words.
Before I read your post I was thinking about the Christians and the lions. We Christians and true patriots MUST be willing to walk the walk. I truely believe that if mayors, councilpeople, school principals, teachers, and others of faith took a stand, that a groundswell of change would begin to occur.
Our country is sick and the only real way to heal it is a return to Christian virtues.
FREEDOM OR OBAMUNISM, YOU DECIDE!
Report Post »Baddoggy
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:12am“If they tell county commissioners they can’t pray, soon they‘re going to be in my church telling me I can’t pray in the name of Jesus,” said Terry Brown, a county resident who came to the meeting.
First they came for the Jews…i was not a Jew.
Report Post »We are all Jews…time to stand up.
holy ghostbuster
Posted on February 25, 2012 at 11:54amYour church is not a public building.
Report Post »cuzifit
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:03amIt’s about time majority rules is brought back. My prayers are with you and your conviction!
Report Post »Gumball
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:03amIt’s about time. I am so sick of hearing about schools, local gov’ts capitulating to the demands of these radical judges.
Report Post »DudleyDoRight
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 6:57amI think I have some new heros! Its about time someone stood up to the dictators in the judicial branch of the government and to the ungodly ACLU. Hats off to Rowan County. I might actually have to move there. This article made my day.
Report Post »Wilbur D Pig
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 6:55amMore power to them. Occupy prayer! This is the kind of civil disobedience I want to see. When the gov’t comes to try and force these people to shut-up, I will be right there beside them. The ejection of religion from tyhe public area is absolutely unacceptable.
Report Post »AJAYW
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 6:58amGood point
Report Post »Gump
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 6:54amThis is what needs to happen everywhere in the US where the courts deny the constitution.
Report Post »Walkabout
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 10:07amDefying the court can work.
If the local police or country sheriff do not enforce the court order, then the court order is just a judge releasing gas.
Jurists can nullify court proceedings, law enforcement can do the same. They have so much work, that they might not get to that court order due to the backlog..
Report Post »outloud
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 6:50amIf they hold out , and get arrested , will that mean the United States is now taking political and reglious prisoners ?
Report Post »AJAYW
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 6:57amIt will be happening before you know it
Report Post »Baddoggy
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:10amIt could be…NDAA was passed you know. If one of them is arrested, I would hate to be that judge. He would have to move because the protests on his front lawn would be enormous.
Report Post »Sentinel167
Posted on March 22, 2012 at 12:17pmIt’s already happening. Weren’t six people recently arrested for praying in front of the White House? I think its time we “….let them fill the jailhouses!” as Rev. Dr. MLK once said. If they try to ban prayer in my state I WILL be arrested.
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