“I am disgusted and appalled to read of the vitriolic campaign being waged by the Humanist Society to prevent the holding of prayers before North Devon District Council meetings.

However, I'm not at all surprised. We're living in a militant secular age, and the mood of certain groups is, as it always has been, to destroy any form of Christian faith in this country. All of us who worship our Lord God are called to resist these overt attacks and ensure that we are able to continue the witness to our Christian heritage. God will not be insulted in this way!”

“Surely, group prayer assumes that everyone participating is a believer and of the same faith. As this is unlikely, and not advisable, for a group representing a large society then the practice should stop.

Prayer is a private thing and should be kept within the home or the church/place of worship for that individual.”

“In the interests of equality to all faiths represented in Devon, there should be a prayer for every faith. This may take up so much time that nothing else gets done, but at least it will be fair and help the anonymous Councillor make the right decisions in multiple Godly lights.”

“It is unbelievable that in this day and age therd are still people willing to pray in public. Do voters know the mental state of their local councillers? Carrying out religious rituals before a state meeting is bizare and intimidating. I hope there were no children present.”

“If people wish to pray to a mythical being then let them as long as they don't force others to join in it's their time they are wasting. If not wishing to indulge in the fantasy of chatting to this mythical creature then take the time to do the shopping list or read the agenda or any handouts.”

“As I understand it, the Prayer is to help Councillors make the right decision. As clearly this is not working perhaps either a different Prayer or scrap the whole thing.”

“Caroline, that is fantasctic news. Long live freedom. Get well soon!”

“Good evening. I note with sadness the problems that North Devon Council are now experiencing. If this helps (and have got up from my sick bed to type this)......!

As Mayor of Bideford I was recently reported to the Standards Board of England by a Humanist representative. I was reported for allowing the saying of prayers at Council meetings and for supposedly not allowing people to leave the chamber while prayers were said. Nine other colleagues were also reported along with myself for voting to keep prayers.

I have just received the decision of the Standards Board which states;

Having carefully considered this allegation, we (Standards Board) have decided to take no further action. This is because we do not take the view that the complaint, if proven, would amount to a breach of the Code of Conduct. I do not think that for a council to have prayers is a breachof any of the relevant equality legislation. It is rare that actions of a council overall will be a breach of the Code of Conduct by individual members. It is a decision for the council how it conducts its business and any change to that needs to be addressed by changing the governance arrangements with the consent of the majority of the council".

I get the feeling that Bideford was tried as a test case. A proposal to ban prayers from Council meetings was put forward three times. I have to say I am very proud of my fellow Councillors who would not be brow beaten into stopping prayers and stood their ground. We are a small Council, but a good one and I am also proud that so many local Councillors work their socks off for the good of their local community and I hope will be allowed to fully concentrate on that work.

I would also like to thank our MP Geoffrey Cox who has been very supportive.

Caroline Church
Mayor of Bideford.”

“Whats next?

If people are not allowed to pray then what hope have we got for the future?

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy Kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory. for ever and ever. Amen”

“If they are so upset by the prayers they dont have to join in. We are a multi racial country and we all have our own rights to our faith if offended so much don't go to meetings”