We shouldn't be told to pray

Regarding the Nov. 30 article, "Can local governments pray?" The headline made me laugh, and remember a time when "banning prayer in schools" was in the news in the city where we then lived. My daughter, who was in junior high school, said, "That's silly. You can pray anywhere."

"Governments" might not have such an easy time, however, as group prayer, as is in discussion now in our region, is usually spoken for the group by someone. I fully agree with Annie Gaylor of the Freedom From Religion Foundation, that "bowing your head and being told what to pray is outside the purview of government."

As a practicing member of a minority denomination, I'm especially aware that America's nonestablishment of religion is a protection for the religious and the unreligious alike. I also agree with Barrington Village President Karen Darch that it's a way to "get centered and stay focused." When I gather with coreligionists, we customarily call on the Holy Spirit.

When I prepared a protocol for business meetings, I suggested opening with one or two minutes of silence to collect our thoughts and prepare to participate fully. Nowadays, that second minute can help people remember to silence their cell phones.

Edna E Heatherington

Glen Ellyn