Want do something to further the church/state separation and been frustrated because you didn’t know where to begin, this is an opportunity for YOU.
The Virginia Chapter is undertaking a study of government groups that open with prayer to determine whether sectarian prayer is encroaching on legitimate universal prayer that is all-inclusive. It may be that this is not a problem; we hope so. On the other hand, we will never know until we survey government meetings such as city councils or county governing boards to determine how they open their meetings. This is where you come in.
We’re asking you to observe a public meeting - via TV or in person. Be alert, pay especial attention to the prayer, and determine whether it fits the definition of acceptable prayer or is it an example of government promoting religion.
Use our survey to answer these questions. Below this message, you’ll find a survey form or click link watch survey form in an Adobe Acrobat version to print and mail. Note particularly the end to see if it is neutral or partisan. See if you can find the answers to other questions concerning who is invited to lead the prayer.
Note, also, that many cities and counties have access to their own television channel. It may be possible to monitor municipal and school board meetings from the comfort of your home or tape them to view at your convenience, in which case you could report on more than one session. In fact, you could base your conclusion on a month of observations and come up with a more definitive conclusion.
Return the questionnaire to me and we will tabulate the results, which we’ll share with you when the survey is completed.
Sincerely yours, Robert O. Clapp, project coordinator survey@au-va.org
Americans United Survey of Government Meetings
The purpose of this survey is to determine whether sectarian prayer is encroaching on non-sectarian prayer prior to Government meetings, in conflict with separation of church and state principles.
Those who participate as observers will attend a city or town council meeting—school board, planning dept., etc.—and determine whether there is need to make changes. Before you go, however, check to see if the meeting is televised on a local channel. You may be able to find your answers in the comfort of your home. For instance, Virginia Beach City Council meets on the 1st, 2nd and 4th Tues. and is televised on Cable Channel #48, at 6 pm.
Complete and return this form to Americans United, Virginia Chapter, P.O. Box 66163, Virginia Beach, VA 23466-6163—and thanks for your help or e-mail to survey@au-va.org
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Virginia City/County observed
Name of gov. body in session
Date Time
Are meetings televised? yes no
Did the meeting open with prayer? yes no
Was the prayer “generic” or did it refer to Jesus or some other religious figure?
As an Americans United member was there anything that offended you?
What can you tell us about the person who gave the prayer?
Name_
Religious affiliation
Is there a chaplain or is the job rotated? chaplain rotation
How are candidates chosen?
Who does the choosing?
Are other than Christian pastors or priests asked to participate?
Are non-Christians asked to participate?
Monitor's name
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