Prayers At Honolulu City Council Questioned

Yesterday's Honolulu Advertiser reports that Hawai'i Citizens for Separation of State and Church has filed a complaint with Honolulu City Council contending that since January 2008, 25 out of 27 Council meetings have been opened by Christian prayer or sermonizing. Council chairman Todd Apo said the policy does not need changing, but reminded members about existing guidelines for aloha messages that open Council meetings. He says that a few recent messages have "gone deeper into religion than was appropriate." Meanwhile, Apo is encouraging council member to deliver the aloha message personally rather than seeking an outsider to do so. Apo delivered the message at Council's last monthly meeting. Hawai'i Citizens for Separation of State and Church also plans to file a complaint with the Hawaii state Senate about the prayers that open its sessions.