Leicester, UK - A Lord Mayor has banned councillors from saying traditional Christian prayers before meetings, slamming the proccess as 'outdated, unnecessary and intrusive'.
Colin Hall, first citizen of Leicester, announced that he was 'delighted' to be giving the short prayer the chop and vowed that the Christian practice would not continue during his term of office.
His decision to ban the prayer, which councillors have said before full council meetings for years, was one of Cllr Hall's first moves after being elected as mayor.
It comes days after he refused to attend a traditional cathedral service welcoming him to his new role, following a spat over how the service should be run.
But the decision has horrified Christian groups, who claim it showed Britain's traditional values were being eroded away.
Writing for the city's Secularist group's newsletter, Cllr Hal declared: 'I consider that religion, in whatever shape or form, has no role to play at all in the conduct of council business.
'This particularly applies in Leicester, where the majority of council members, myself included, do not attend any particular fath service.'
Christian Voice director Stephen Green said he was appalled to hear of the ban.
He said: 'This is just another example of Christian traditions and values being eroded.
'Prayers have always been said at the start of council meetings and I think this should continue.
'It's very sad that this has happened and I hope that the prayers can return to the meetings.
'Britain is a Christian country with Christian values and I think this should be reflected.'
Liz Hudson-Oliff, spokesman for the Diocese of Leicester, said she too was disappointed with the ruling.
She said: 'It is up to the Mayor to decide what he does and this is his right - but it is rather a shame.
'I think Councillor Hall has particular issues with religion and religious practices that has become more important than other things he is involved with.
'I believe he himself is an atheist and humanist. Our deputy Mayor Robert Wann might not agree with the decision and I'm hopeful he'll lead prayers when Colin is away.
'The church has always had a role in supporting the Lord Mayor for many years and we have had different faiths in the position before.
'This won't stop us praying for him, but I'm not sure what he would make of it.'
Secularist groups in Leicester, which is regarded as Britain's most multi-faith city outside of London, have welcomed the move.
Allan Hayes, president of the Leicester Secularist society, said: 'I think it's a good thing, because saying Christian prayers picks out one particular stance of people in the city.
'It's rather divisive in my view.'
Christian leaders in the city have said that they will continue to pray for the Lord Mayor.
Canon Barry Naylor, who is chaplain for Leicester's deputy mayor Robert Wann, said would carry on.
He said: 'Councillor Colin Hall was elected by the city council, who were aware of his views on these matters and I totally respect his right to hold these views.
"I will continue to pray for the city council, for its members, officers and staff, as always.'
A spokesman at Leicester City Council added: 'I can confirm that the Lord Mayor has taken the decision not to have Christian prayers at the start of council meetings.'