Wiccans Sue for Prayer Inclusion

Christian prayers organized by and delivered to government bodies are under fire once again - this time in Richmond, Virginia. The Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors of opening their meetings with prayers, but always prayers that reflect "a monotheistic faith consistent with Judeo-Christian tradition." Now, however, a Wiccan is suing because they refused to allow her a chance to offer a prayer or invocation.

According to the Board's attorney, it is OK to limit prayers to those which "reflect the traditional values of a majority of its citizens." Cynthia Simpson, the Wiccan who is suing, argues differently. According to the Washington Times:

Miss Simpson's attorney, Rebecca Glenberg of the American Civil Liberties Union, argued that her client's exclusion from the list amounted to a disparagement of her religion. "The policy on its face demonstrates a use of the prayer program that advances certain faiths and disparages others," she said. "The core fact is Ms. Simpson was denied the opportunity to participate in this forum because of her religion."

There is simply no excuse for the government showing favoritism to one religion or one religious tradition simply because it is the most common or popular in a particular area. The separation of church and state doesn't exist solely to separate the government from the least popular faiths.

Read More:

• Government Chaplains
• Separation of Church and State 101