COLUMBIA, S.C. - The Great Falls Town Council has suffered another setback in its appeal of a court decision that prohibits the group from opening meetings with a prayer that mentions Jesus Christ.
In July, a three-judge panel of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled such prayers unconstitutional. The entire court refused to hear the town's appeal this week. The council now must decide whether to appeal to the Supreme Court.
"We're very disappointed at what's happened," said Brian Gibbons, legal counsel for the town of Great Falls. "We think we're right and the court's wrong, but we'll abide by the law."
Gibbons said he'll let the council know about the decision at the Nov. 15 meeting. Great Falls has 90 days to file a petition to the nation's highest court.
Darla Kaye Wynne, a Wiccan high priestess, sued the town after its leaders refused to open meetings only with nonsectarian prayers or to allow members of different faiths to lead the prayers. Wynne claimed she was ostracized for refusing to stand and bow her head during the Christian prayers.
The appeals court has ruled that such prayers amount to an unconstitutional government advancement of one religion.
The town has maintained the prayers did not violate the separation of church and state and reflected the beliefs of a majority of Great Falls residents. Prayers are still held before meetings, but they do not refer specifically to Jesus Christ.
Wynne said she was pleased with the federal court's decision, but concerned about being harassed by townspeople.
An intruder broke into Wynne's home in August and beheaded one of her parrots, according to police reports.
Town officials have indicated they would be willing to appeal to the Supreme Court. South Carolina Attorney General Henry McMaster has said he supports the town and would help the town take its case to the Supreme Court.