Mark -
Call me. We had the same thing here at the groundbreaking for the new federal courthouse in Tuscaloosa. Joel Joel L. Sogol Attorney at Law 811 21st Avenue Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401 ph (205) 345-0966 fx (205) 345-0971 jlsa...@wwisp.com Ben Franklin observed that truth wins a fair fight -- which is why we have evidence rules in U.S. courts. From: religionlaw-boun...@lists.ucla.edu [mailto:religionlaw-boun...@lists.ucla.edu] On Behalf Of Mark Sabel Sent: Thursday, March 03, 2011 3:35 PM To: 'Law & Religion issues for Law Academics' Subject: sectarian courtroom prayer Dear List, Last week I attended a Black history Month program in a federal courtroom, apparently sponsored by the District Court here. Leaflets were handed out, likely paid for by a fund maintained by fees paid by all attorneys who practice in the District. The later lunch, which was directly connected to the immediately preceding program and located in the bankruptcy court, was also likely paid for by the same fund. The program began with an introduction by a bankruptcy judge. It was followed by a payer, which was listed on the program, given by a government employee of the bankruptcy administrator's office. The prayer leader began, "let's bow our heads." What followed was a sectarian prayer with repeated references to Jesus - e.g. - "you sent your son to die on the cross" - and a conclusion, "in your son Jesus's name, we pray." Many other judges were in attendance, including the Chief Judge of the Circuit. I intend to write a letter to the Court, but I am very interested in others thoughts on this matter. Thank you, Mark Sabel Montgomery, AL
_______________________________________________ To post, send message to Religionlaw@lists.ucla.edu To subscribe, unsubscribe, change options, or get password, see http://lists.ucla.edu/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/religionlaw Please note that messages sent to this large list cannot be viewed as private. Anyone can subscribe to the list and read messages that are posted; people can read the Web archives; and list members can (rightly or wrongly) forward the messages to others.
