Town leaders plan to appeal a federal judge's decision that bars council members from mentioning Christ in prayers at council meetings, but the mayor says that the council will abide by the decision in the meantime.
"We're certainly disappointed in the decision, but we will comply," said Mayor H.C. "Speedy" Starnes Jr. The town's attorney has begun preparing an appeal, Starnes said.
U.S. District Court Judge Cameron McGowan ruled Aug. 21 that town officials can no longer invoke the name of Jesus or any other specific deity during prayers offered before town council meetings.
The ruling comes after Darla Kaye Wynne, a Wiccan high priestess, sued the town, claiming officials were violating the First Amendment by using the name of Jesus Christ in prayers offered before or after meetings.
Wynne proposed in late 2000 that prayers be limited to only mentioning "God" or that members of different religions be invited to give prayers, according to the ruling.
In February 2001, the Town Council decided to continue with the customary prayer. Starnes said on Aug. 23 that that had been the practice "ever since we've had a council." The town was incorporated in 1968.
In June, the council adopted new rules concerning prayer at meetings. In part, those rules stated no one would be required to participate in the prayers but that prayers could refer to a specific deity.