Survey Finds Most Michigan Localities Open With Christian Prayer

The Grand Rapids (MI) Press has surveyed the practices regarding invocations by local governments in Michigan. An article yesterday says that about 75% open meetings with a prayer, and most of the prayers are overtly Christian. However local procedures vary. So does the definition of non-sectarian prayers. Zeeland (MI) city attorney Jim Donkersloot said his city's invocations are nonsectarian because they are not aimed at persuading someone to embrace a certain belief or join a certain church.