Indiana House Speaker Will Not Defy Federal Judge On Prayer

The Baptist Press reported yesterday that in Indianapolis, Indiana Speaker of the House Brian Bosma refused urgings to defy the order of a federal judge banning the opening of legislative sessions with sectarian prayer. (See prior posting.) Bosma said that while the case is being appealed, members could have "informal" and "uncensored" prayers on the floor of the House before each legislative day begins -- but not a formal prayer from the podium. Under the judge's ruling prayers on the floor, rather than from the podium, can invoke Christ's name. Before Bosma spoke, members had already prayed together at the back of the House. Democrat Peggy Welch used "Holy Spirit" in her prayer, while Republican Eric Turner invoked the name of Christ.