The issue of prayers in council meetings

Surely you just opt out of the prayers?

Why are you asking me? I've already said I don't give a f--- what they do.

I think there was a ruling that prayers should not be held but then Eric Pickles said that councils could hold prayers before meetings if they wished to.

Personally, I think it is inappropriate for prayers to be held before a council meeting or any other meeting that isn't specifically relating to the religion in question - and I guess they can only be C of E prayers even if the councillors are not Christians? It is divisive and unnecessary.

jingle Viewing it from a different angle, would you be happy for readings from other religions' holy scriptures or atheist or humanist doctrine to be given an exclusive "spot" before all meetings?

Can't they simply have to arrive on time.

To get them there on time it might be more effective to compel them to meet for tea and biscuits before the meeting. Mind you they'd have to make sure they offer decaf as well as ordinary tea, plus green tea or redbush and all the other teas. Then there are the coffee drinker. Full caf, decaf, Fairtrade, not Fairtrade, Nescafe, not Nescafe, instant and ground. Don't forgot the milk. Jersey, full fat, semi skimmed, skimmed, lactose free and the rest. Brown sugar, white sugar, light golden sugar, sugar cubes and granules making sure they get Fairtrade and non Fairtrade varieties. Oh and a selection of honey for the non sugar users who still want a natural sweetner. Oh no what about those who want artificial sweetners. They'd need to make sure they have the full range in both tablet and granule form.

Then there are the biscuits. It would seem on the face of it to be simple. Just get a selection but what about the vegetarians and the vegans. Don't forget those who need gluten free or can't eat nuts. And watch how everything is stored.

Nina

No one should be compelled to go nor should they be banned.

Mind you if they made prayers compulsory it might at least make sure everyone got there as soon as possible so they can get straight down to work when they have finished.

They could do with some sort of non religious "mindfulness" ceremony before beginning.

imho it would be totally out of order to introduce such a Law- unless the request for guidance is done in a totally non religious way!!! And yes, jingl, I do care. I am a councillor and atheist- and I would truly resent having to go through this charade. I did not marry in Church for that reason, nor had my children baptized, or agreed to be a Godmother- as I hate to lie. Thanks.

I wouldn't give a flying fig if my councillor prayed for guidance or not before a meeting as long as he agreed to sort the damn potholes or whatever. !!

Why not just get on with the job?

To be fair, perhaps they could all take turns to provide the prayers, with a prayerless day for the atheists? That way, everyone would get a moment to see how the others approach their God/nongod. It might de-demonise the not-us.

would

Yeah! That we be great Elegran! Even I might stand for being a councillor.

I don't think there's any suggestion that council members would be 'compelled' to attend prayers before council meetings. If a council chooses to hold prayers (and many would not) members would be perfectly free to skip them...

Jings would it be OK for all council members to be compelled to attend a voodoo session?

Tiis is over a year old - I get information from the secular society and have a feeling in the back of my mind that things might have changed.

Who the f--- cares?