Freethought & Rationalism Archive

crazyfingers · 04-30-2003, 11:40 AM

Quote:

WASHINGTON -- In a precedent-setting ruling against prayer at a state college, a federal appeals court has barred the Virginia Military Institute from writing and reciting a prayer before cadets eat their evening meals.

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''VMI's supper prayer exacts an unconstitutional toll on the consciences of religious objectors,'' the court said. While cadets may pray individually before, during, or after supper, the Constitution bars the university from sponsoring such a religious activity, the three-judge panel added.

* snip *

The court in Richmond said that, ''although VMI's cadets are not children, in VMI's educational system they are uniquely susceptible to coercion.'' In an atmosphere produced by ''detailed regulation of conduct and the indoctrination of a strict moral code,'' the offering of mealtime prayers each evening ''plainly coerced VMI's cadets into participating in a religious exercise.'' The appeals court noted that the Supreme Court ''has not directly addressed whether, or to what extent, a state may sponsor prayer at an institution of higher education.''

State officials said they would first ask the entire appeals court in Richmond to review Monday's decision by the three-judge panel before deciding whether to take the case to the Supreme Court.

The VMI prayers, composed by the college chaplain and read by a cadet chaplain, are addressed to Almighty God, Father God, Heavenly Father, or Sovereign God. The prayers give thanks for the institute, seek blessings on the cadets, or give thanks for family and friends.

After the cadets have marched into the mess hall at VMI's campus in Lexington for supper, daily announcements are read, and then the supper prayer is offered. This ceremony is conducted every day except Saturday. The cadet corps remains standing and silent during the prayer.

Toto · 04-30-2003, 11:49 AM

This is the second thread on this.

VMI meal prayer .

This article feeds into the religious right paranoia by saying that a judge "banned prayer". The courts only forbid government written and sponsored prayer - something that every True Christian should appreciate. Individual prayer in private is still allowed.

crazyfingers · 04-30-2003, 11:52 AM

Thanks Toto I didn't see that one. I'll close this one.

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04-30-2003, 11:49 AM	#2
Toto Contributor Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Los Angeles area Posts: 40,549	This is the second thread on this. VMI meal prayer . This article feeds into the religious right paranoia by saying that a judge "banned prayer". The courts only forbid government written and sponsored prayer - something that every True Christian should appreciate. Individual prayer in private is still allowed.

04-30-2003, 11:52 AM	#3
crazyfingers Contributor Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Massachusetts, USA Posts: 13,699	Thanks Toto I didn't see that one. I'll close this one.

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