The High Court decision to ban the formal saying of prayers at council meetings sent shockwaves through religious groups yesterday.

Although those opposed to the decision – including Bideford Town Council – are still mulling over their options, the ramifications of the verdict remain clear – pre-meeting prayers at local council meetings will no longer be permitted for those meetings at which councillors are required to attend.

It followed a five-year campaign by then-Bideford councillor Clive Bone, and an 18-month legal battle.

Mr Justice Ouseley made two formal declarations in order to sum up the effect of his landmark ruling which will affect local councils.

He said: "A local authority has no power under section 111 of the Local Government Act 1972, or otherwise, to hold prayers as part of a formal local authority meeting, or to summon councillors to such a meeting at which prayers are on the agenda."

But he added in a second declaration: "The saying of prayers in a local authority chamber before a formal meeting of such a body is lawful provided councillors are not formally summoned to attend."

For years, those attending council meetings in a professional capacity or simply as a casual observer of proceedings have been asked to bow their heads and acknowledge the few moments devoted to saying prayers at the start of meetings. However, in his ruling, the judge said: "There is no specific power to say prayers or to have any period of quiet reflection as part of the business of the council."

Yesterday's ruling would apply to the formal meetings of all councils in England and Wales – "the majority of which are thought to conduct prayers as part of their meetings".

But Mr Justice Ouseley stressed that the judgment did not extend generally to "religious worship in public places", for example remembrance services, or councillors voluntarily attending them.