Monday's Internet Edition, October 06, 2008.
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| After returning home from Iraq for a short break last week, soldier B.J. Frederick received a hero’s welcome from Ellen Strupe (second from left) and Sam Strupe of Clemmons. Also pictured is B.J.’s mom, Marilyn (far left). |
Kasper was requested by council members to develop a policy addressing invocation or prayer at the beginning of each council meeting. Traditionally, since Clemmons was incorporated as a town in 1984, an invocation by area Christian ministers, has been given.
Clemmons, and other municipalities and governments received letters from ACLU several months ago, objecting to such prayers.
Kasper stated he had developed an outline on a policy“that will be constitutionally compliant.”
“This is an outline with the elements that need to be included, and one that recognizes all groups to participate in invocations,” said Kasper. He said he used the telephone yellow pages for a listing of all religious organizations.
Any prayer offered in a government-sanctioned setting must be non-sectarian to be constitutionally defensible,” said Kasper. “You may not call on a specific deity.”
The attorney said, if this policy is adopted by council, members would have to decide how to address the matter, if the policy is ignored in a council meeting.”“I would suggest” ... Subscribe to the Courier, P.O. Box 765, Clemmons, NC 27012.