Amelia Posted August 16, 2005 Share Posted August 16, 2005 Wiccan Seeks $65,000 in Public Prayer Case Monday, August 15, 2005 Associated Press GREAT FALLS, S.C. — A small South Carolina town is facing a hefty legal bill after losing a battle over whether it should stop using Jesus Christ's name in prayers before council meetings. The U.S. Supreme Court refused in June to hear the town's appeal of a lower court ruling over the prayers. Now Darla Wynne wants Great Falls to pay her more than $65,000 to cover legal bills. A judge is expected to rule on the matter within the next two months. Wynne, who describes herself as a Wiccan priestess, sued Great Falls in 2001, saying the town violated the separation between church and state by using the name Jesus Christ in prayers because it promoted one religion over the other. The money is not covered by insurance, and it is unclear where the town about 2,200 residents would get the cash. The amount is about 7 percent its annual budget. "It'll be an enormous undertaking for us," town attorney Michael Hemlepp said. Wynne's lawyer said attorneys had incurred only about $18,000 in expenses before the town decided to appeal. "We spent two years in extra litigation while they went to the U.S. Supreme Court, and I think the case was clear from the beginning," said attorney Herbert Buhl. The Rev. Michael Sollers, pastor of Evangel Temple Assembly of God, said most of the town supported the council's decision to keep fighting the case and would be willing to help pay the legal fees. Quote <p><span style="color:#0000FF;"><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-style:italic;">"Do not use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you."</span></span> Eph 4:29</span><br><br><img src="http://banners.wunderground.com/weathersticker/gizmotimetemp_both/US/OR/Fairview.gif" alt="Fairview.gif"> Fairview Or</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cricket Posted August 16, 2005 Share Posted August 16, 2005 Perhaps this town should just succumb to this woman's wishes. Then... ...ask the townspeople who worship Jesus to meet outside the city hall during meetings and hold prayer vigils every time. ...that's what I'd do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Gregory Matthews Posted August 16, 2005 Moderators Share Posted August 16, 2005 If I am a worshiper, of Jesus, which I am, do I need to close every prayer with the phrase: "In Jesus' name?" I do not think so. Quote Gregory Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cricket Posted August 16, 2005 Share Posted August 16, 2005 That's an interesting question, Greg. It's one that I've been thinking a lot about lately. How are we to start our prayers? "Dear Father" (for we are instructed to pray to the Father, not Jesus); and then, "In Jesus' name" because we are instructed that Jesus is the true moderator between God and man. I'm not saying that this is doctrine...just thoughts I've had lately. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Bravus Posted August 16, 2005 Moderators Share Posted August 16, 2005 How would we feel if the prayers were to Eris or some other pagan god? Pretty uncomfortable, I imagine... And including everyone doesn't really work... Quote Truth is important Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Beach Posted August 17, 2005 Share Posted August 17, 2005 Dear friends, In order to keep out rif-raff religions, there should probably be a law that the prayers have to be Christian. After all, most people are Christians, right? If they belong to some weird religion, why should they be involved in the public life? Mrs. Gray Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
there buster Posted August 17, 2005 Share Posted August 17, 2005 I remember hearing Catholic prayers as a kid. And some of the prayers of "Holy Rollers" in the South made me feel "uncomfortable." And no, I did not feel they were worshipping the same God that I was, using Jesus' name or not. But sue? Ridiculous. Ludicrous. What ever happened to free exercise? Quote “the slovenliness of our language makes it easier to have foolish thoughts.” George Orwell Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Lambert Posted August 18, 2005 Share Posted August 18, 2005 They should have invited the Wiccan to take a turn offering prayer. People would be free to join in the prayer or not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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