Illinois Democratic Rep La Shawn Ford calls for official worship and religious shrines in public schools

La Shawn Ford, a Democrat from Chicago  stated that he would like to see more prayer in public schools. According to a story filed by CBS radio affiliate, KMOX, Ford stated to a group of clergy,

“I also urge the ministers here to fight to get prayer back in schools. That’s a mission that we need to do. We need to make sure that we get prayer back in schools in some form or fashion.”

Secular News Daily, in a report filed today, stated that the comment was 'out of the blue,' and his a 'real head scratcher.'

The report states that Ford's website touts his belief has never been stronger,

"…in the concept of social justice.”

Furthermore, Ford's website states,

"…that every member of society is deserving of equal economic, political and social rights.”

KMOX reports that Ford stated public schools should be freely allowed to establish shrines of religious symbols, so students would have a place to go 'when they feel weak.'
Supreme Court decisions dating back to 1962 and 1963 have effectively banned prayer, bible readings and other religious tenets and observances in public schools by school officials and other government representatives.

The right for individual students to pray in school is protected by the First Amendment, as long as the activities are not promoted in any way by members of the Boards of Education.

In an unusual reply, the ministers who were gathered did not deem Ford's proclamation a priority.

 

Al Stefanelli

Al serves on the Board of Directors for The Clergy Project, and is the former Georgia State Director for American Atheists, Inc. He is a retired journalist and the author of "Free Thoughts - A Collection Of Essays By An American Atheist" and "A Voice Of Reason In An Unreasonable World - The Rise Of Atheism On Planet Earth." Al began writing in 1985, starting with the New York Times. In 1993 he joined a McClatchy newspaper, writing a weekly column for ten years. His writing continues to be widely distributed on the Internet and in print. He also produced and hosted a weekly syndicated radio broadcast for three years and was the founder and President of the former United Atheist Front, Inc., which functioned as a civil rights organization. Al is a former Southern Baptist Pastor, having served two churches and as pulpit supply for three counties. Currently, he writes for The God Discussion, hosts his own blog on WordPress, submits content to a variety of publications, and co-hosts "American Heathen Radio" and "Reap Sow Radio." Al lives in Peachtree City, GA., a suburb of Atlanta.

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  • AJ

    Here's an idea. Set an empty room aside for all the students with a religious belief so they can go in and pray to their imaginary gods. Maybe they'll reflect on why the room is empty. Also, make it bulletproof so it can double as a saferoom when the next deranged a**hole wants to shoot up a school with an assault weapon.

    • Spuddie

      Even though it was meant as sarcasm, its not far off the mark as to the only way to do it. Assuming anyone would bother to take the word of a state legislator too seriously. (Its not like he has much in terms of actual political weight to throw around)

      The schools can't set up anything religious on their own volition but nothing stops them from leaving a room empty. If students place a little shrine, cross, prayer mat, incense holders there so be it….

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