The U.S. District Court this month ruled that the town of Greece can indeed hold an opening prayer before town meetings. The town was sued by Americans United for Separation of Church and State on behalf of two Greece residents — Susan Galloway and Linda Stephens — who believed the opening prayer was unconstitutional.
The ruling said the prayers do not violate the Establishment Clause of the Constitution, and Town Supervisor John Auberger called it a “victory for free speech.”
It may be a victory for free speech, but it has only served to blur the lines between separation of church and state. A tricky issue at every level, the divide between our government and our religious beliefs is always being patrolled, evaluated and reassessed.
There is, of course, a long-standing tradition of a religious presence in American government. Our children swear to God in the Pledge of Allegiance — or, at least they have since the words “under God” were added in 1954. Our currency says we trust in God. And our presidents take the oath of office while holding a Bible.
As long as the God in question is not specific, courts have ruled such practices are constitutional. The Greece Town Board prayers appear to follow suit.
And although the plaintiffs are expected to appeal the case, we wonder if such a strategy would be for the best. This two-year battle was certainly a distraction in a town that has had to deal with a number of troubling issues, not the least of which was corruption in its police department.
It is unfortunate that a community member may feel uncomfortable during the opening prayer, but the town has been ruled to be within its rights.
