Group Says E-mail of Department Head's Prayer To Employees Violated Establishment Clause

The Freedom From Religion Foundation has written Florida governor Rick Scott complaining about an e-mail sent by Department of Children and Families Secretary David Wilkins to all department employees. (Full text of letter.) The Miami Herald reported yesterday that Wilkins sent employees a copy of a long prayer that he delivered at the National Day of Prayer observance at the Florida Capitol. (The Herald article contains the full text of the prayer.) The FFRF letter argues that the e-mail "gives the appearance of government endorsement of Christianity."  A Department of Children and Families spokesman, however, said that the e-mail is merely "a continuation of the ongoing dialogue the Secretary has with employees to share details about public appearances and agency activities."