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Keep council prayer
THE Bishop of Peterborough has spoken out in favour of keeping prayers being held at city council meetings.
Last week saw a landmark ruling from the High Court which said Bideford Town Council had acted “unlawfully” by holding prayers during meetings, following a complaint made by an atheist councillor.
There is potential for this ruling to have an impact on all councils which hold prayers, including Peterborough City Council which holds prayers before every full council meeting.
Council solicitors are currently looking at the impact this ruling may have, but Bishop of Peterborough, The Rt Revd Donald Allister, has backed the retention of prayers at meetings.
He said: “Britain is constitutionally a Christian Country. Parliament begins its sessions with prayers, and many city, county and borough councils do the same.
“Many of our clergy serve as chaplains to mayors or councils and their ministry is greatly appreciated.
“I hope that these good practices will continue across Northamptonshire, Peterborough and Rutland.
“Prayers need not be part of the official business, and those wishing to enter a meeting after prayers but before the official start should of course be free to do so.
“It is surely right to seek God’s guidance in our decision making, and his blessing on our communities.”
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Weather for Peterborough
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: East
