Court Rules Against Prayers Invoking Jesus at Indiana House of Representatives

December 1, 2005

Source: The Indianapolis Star

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051201/NEWS01/512010428

On December 1, 2005 The Indianapolis Star reported, "A federal court judge Wednesday barred prayers that mention Jesus Christ or endorse any religion at the opening of each daily session of the Indiana House of Representatives. Judge David Hamilton found that the House practice breached the clause of the U.S. Constitution prohibiting government establishment of religion. While not banning prayers in the House, Hamilton ordered that any person chosen to give the invocation be instructed it must not advance any one faith or be used in a bid to convert listeners... The case stemmed from a lawsuit filed by the Indiana Civil Liberties Union on behalf of four citizens. The suit contended the House prayers -- a 188-year tradition -- overwhelmingly promoted Christian values... Of 53 prayers offered in the House during the 2005 session, 41 were delivered by people identified with Christian churches, Hamilton's written opinion says. Of the 45 prayers for which transcripts were available, 29 were offered in the name of Jesus, the Savior and/or the Son... In an incident that prompted some offended representatives to walk out of the chamber, one minister led the House in the singing of 'Just a Little Talk with Jesus.' This spurred the legal challenge."