Solution to the problem of prayers before council meeting

THE problems that have recently surfaced regarding the practice of saying prayers at the beginning of council meetings could be easily solved with use of a simple provision (Yorskhire Post, February 11).

When I spent my one year of air signaller training at RAF Swanton Morley 56 years ago, there was a daily parade at the colour hoisting that included a short prayer by the padre.

Prior to the beginning of the prayer, the order “Fall out the Roman Catholics and Jews” was given. They did so and marched some 20 yards to the rear of the parade, returning to their places when ordered. This was not at all taken to be offensive, merely respecting their religious beliefs.

Might I suggest that something similar could be applied to the present problem rather than a small minority ruling the majority and the banning of prayers altogether?

From: John Bolton, Gregory Springs Mount, Mirfield.

I FIND the news that the High Court has outlawed prayers before local council meetings offensive.

Why couldn’t the ruling have allowed the prayers for those who wished and any abstainers could join the meeting immediately following them? No obligation on anyone whatsoever.

I was brought up as a Christian, attended chapel Sunday school from an early age followed by Church of England from about eight years of age to 13.

When serving in HM forces from 21-years-old, I opted for Free Church and feel I have remained so.

Throughout those years, I felt able to stand-up for Christianity, at home or when overseas. Not as a missionary but as a representative of Britain, a Christian country in the eyes of many nationalities, to this day as far as I know.

This took place without causing offence to anyone of whatever religion.

I would not wish to deprive anyone of their human rights but I have to ask: what happened to mine?

From: Brian Sheridan, Redmires Road, Sheffield.

I OBJECT to the innuendo in LV Sheridan’s letter regarding your report of the offensive e-mails sent to Archbishop John Sentamu following his interview with the Daily Telegraph (Yorkshire Post, February 11).

Only the Archbishop, his coterie and the police know the details but we know that they were of “a small number” and “of a racist nature”.

We outsiders are not party to any evidence that they were sent by homosexuals. Yet your correspondent never mentions racism, choosing to make an issue of sexuality: “Fanaticism is another name for self-doubt”.

The Archbishop will be no stranger to racism. Nor will he approve of this disingenuous use of racist e-mails to take cheap shots at homosexuals.

From: Karl Sheridan, Selby Road, Holme on Spalding Moor.

LORD Carey’s warning on the marginalisation of Christianity in this country is quite relevant and should be heeded, especially as England has always basically been a Christian country.

Christianity throughout history has set us a moral code by which to live and that is well worth preserving in our everyday life.

The teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, if followed devoutly, would give us the ideal world – kindness, forgiveness, helping our fellow man, sharing and caring – in fact the ideal way for all of us to live.

The Christian belief is a true part of our English culture: it gives your children the basic rules of life to ensure they grow up decent and law abiding – so don’t let complacency and weak politicians allow it to be sidelined – it is your heritage and culture that is quietly being eroded, regardless of whether you believe or not.