Hamilton County formalizes requests to pray

Hamilton County formalizes requests to pray

Posted:

CHATTANOOGA (AP) - Members of the Hamilton County Commission have approved a new policy on prayer, indicating the intent to continue allowing public prayer at meetings.

Two local men have filed a federal lawsuit and asked for an injunction to prevent the commission from letting people pray out loud as meetings began. A hearing is scheduled for July 26 on the injunction request.

The Chattanooga Times Free Press reported commission members on Tuesday unanimously approved a policy that calls for creation of a countywide clergy database from which speakers will be invited to lead what commissioners termed a "prayer, reflective moment of silence, or a short solemnizing message," at each weekly commission meeting.

Commissioners said the new policy should allow for diversity of opinion and belief.

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