FORMAL PRAYERS at council meetings in England and Wales have been banned by the high court in London after it ruled in favour of a test case taken by an atheist councillor and the National Secular Society.
In its ruling, the high court said prayers at the beginning of the monthly meeting of Bideford town council in north Devon were not lawful because local authorities had no specific powers over them.
MORE: http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2012/0211/1224311623148.html
See also...
Bideford Town Council prayers ruled unlawful
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-16980025
Atheist wins lawsuit against council prayers
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/world/98179/atheist-wins-lawsuit-against-council-prayers
Atheists win UK case on council prayers
http://www.news24.com/World/News/Atheists-win-UK-case-on-council-prayers-20120210
Atheist victory on council prayers
http://www.stamfordmercury.co.uk/news/atheist_victory_on_council_prayers_1_3511051
Atheists' victory over council meeting prayers
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hJ1YTrqe4W8vwy7Bb7GnTxNpK6Hw?docId=CNG.02dc6e8d8209dc7a3920d3c887810f44.511
Dismay at council prayers ruling
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5gKm7j4l0WQbTz432bB0VuaTvBdZg?docId=N0446171328869171609A
Christianity under attack: Anger as major court rulings go against British worshippers
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2099300/Councils-BANNED-saying-prayers-meetings-sparking-fury-Government-church-leaders.html
UK Christian leaders warn religion is being pushed out of public life
http://blogs.reuters.com/faithworld/2012/02/10/uk-christian-leaders-warn-religion-is-being-pushed-out-of-public-life/
