This happened in the TN town where we live in 2000:
This is a statement that was read over the PA system at the football game at Roane County High School, Kingston, Tennessee, by school Principal, Jody McLeod.
“It has always been the custom at Roane County High School football games, to say a prayer and play the National Anthem, to honor God and Country.”
Due to a recent ruling by the Supreme Court, I am told that saying a prayer is a violation of Federal Case Law. As I understand the law at this time, I can use this public facility to approve of sexual perversion and call it “an alternate life style,” and if someone is offended, that’s OK.
I can use it to condone sexual promiscuity, by dispensing condoms and calling it, “safe sex.” If someone is offended, that’s OK.
I can even use this public facility to present the merits of killing an unborn baby as a “viable! means of birth control.” If someone is offended, no problem…
I can designate a school day as “Earth Day” and involve students in activities to worship religiously and praise the goddess “Mother Earth” and call it “ecology.”
I can use literature, videos and presentations in the classroom that depicts people with strong, traditional Christian convictions as “simple minded” and “ignorant” and call it “enlightenment.”
However, if anyone uses this facility to honor GOD and to ask Him to Bless this event with safety and good sportsmanship, then Federal Case Law is violated.
This appears to be inconsistent at best, and at worst, diabolical.
Apparently, we are to be tolerant of everything and anyone, except GOD and His Commandments.
Nevertheless, as a school principal, I frequently ask staff and students to abide by rules with which they do not necessarily agree. For me to do otherwise would be inconsistent at best, and at worst, hypocritical… I suffer from that affliction enough unintentionally. I certainly do not need to add an intentional transgression.
For this reason, I shall ‘Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s,’ and refrain from praying at this time.
However, if you feel inspired to honor, praise and thank GOD and ask Him, in the name of Jesus, to Bless this event, please feel free to do so. As far as I know, that’s not against the law… yet.”
One by one, the people in the stands bowed their heads, held hands with one another and began to pray.
They prayed in the stands.. They prayed in the team huddles. They prayed at the concession stand and they prayed in the Announcer’s Box!
The only place they didn’t pray was in the Supreme Court of the United States of America— the Seat of “Justice” in the “one nation, under GOD.”
Somehow, Kingston, Tennessee, remembered what so many have forgotten. We are given the Freedom OF Religion, not the Freedom FROM Religion. Praise GOD that His remnant remains!
Our leaders in Congress in both houses start their day off with a Chaplain or appointed clergy for that day leading a prayer. A tradition started at the request of Founding Father Ben Franklin who was among the most liberal on religion {Deist} he and Jefferson in that respect. I can’t imagine a good outcome for anyone who would have told either man prayer in a public venue even a government owned one was prohibited by law.
I’m on the other end of the county right next to yours. Norris High class of 76. Our class held a service the Sunday before graduation {voluntary attendance} and had prayer during graduation as well. Oh yea and our principal was an ordained minister as well though others always lead the prayers.
I remember that! Like I said, Tennesseans won’t be bullied. They will find a way to do the right thing.
Liberal heads would explode if they saw our local Wal-Mart sometimes during the summer. They allow a tent revival gospel singing with preaching in the parking lot. There was a sign hung over the Wal-Mart lettering that said Jesus Saves instead of Wal-Mart Saves. :-)