Alabama school will end tradition of pre-game prayer due to parent’s protest

This story comes from the city of Arab, Ala., which makes it all the more confusing, since it’s about religion, but not about Muslims. The Arab High School football team is ending its long-standing tradition of saying a pregame prayer, because one parent objected, saying that such a practice is illegal. Not wishing to enter into a prolonged legal battle that he probably wouldn’t win, Arab City Schools Superintendent John Mullins is reversing the policy and instead allowing students and players to observe a moment of silence before games. And no praying under the bleachers, you kids!

The Freedom From Religion Foundation prompted the change. The Wisconsin-based organization sent a letter to Arab City Schools on behalf of a parent of Arab City Schools. The letter stated the anonymous parent objected to the pre-game prayers.

“We don’t know who has been offended. We apologize if we have offended anyone. We were just trying to have Friday nights the way our community felt was best and live our life and community the way we try to live our life,” said Mullins.

Mullins started the game day prayers 10 years ago. He says at the time, two Arab High School students requested the public prayer.

“It’s clear, what we’ve been doing is not in compliance with the Constitution. We’re going to cease doing what we’ve been doing,” added Mullins.

A WHNT message board poster checks in with his opinion:

Prayer is what this nation was founded on and is the only thing that will get us through the trials of life. If we continue to take God, His Word and prayer out of our schools and public functions God will do exactly what we are asking Him to do. He will leave this country. It is time that we wake up and stand up for Jesus. — joeybeck33 at 12:39 PM September 21, 2011

But if God leaves the U.S., where will He go? Britain? Not with the Olympics coming up — what a madhouse. France? Definatley not. What a dilemma.

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Superintendent Of Arab City Schools Tosses Out High School’s Pregame Prayers [WHNT]
Alabama School Forced To End Pregame Prayer [The Dish]