Speaker Appoints Prayer Committee

Special Report - July 21, 2010
North Carolina House Speaker Joe Hackney (D–Orange) has formed a special committee to evaluate the chamber’s guest chaplain policy after a pastor’s invitation to offer the opening legislative prayer was withdrawn because he insisted on closing his prayer “in Jesus’ name.” Dr. Ron Baity, pastor of Berean Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, was invited to lead the House opening prayers during the week of May 31. See our previous story for the details of the disagreement over the sectarian content of his prayer, which resulted in him being told that his services were no longer required for the duration of the week.

After the incident, Speaker Hackney and minority leader Rep. Paul Stam (R–Wake) issued a joint statement to FOX News Radio explaining, “It has been our practice in the North Carolina House of Representatives for many years to request, but not require, that our guest chaplains deliver a nonsectarian prayer. This is intended as a show of respect for all the religions practiced by the members of the House and the people we represent.” The Speaker appointed Rep. Stam and Rep. Deborah Ross (D–Wake) to co-chair a special committee to consider the current policy and any necessary changes. The other committee members are Rep. Melanie Wade Goodwin (D–Montgomery), Rep. Grey Mills (R–Iredell), Rep. Garland Pierce (D–Scotland), Rep. Johnathan Rhyne, Jr. (R–Lincoln), Rep. William Wainwright (D–Craven), and Rep. Laura Wiley (R–Guilford).

According to a July 19 press release from the Christian Law Association, “Hearings are being scheduled and Dr. Baity, along with Attorney David C. Gibbs III of the Christian Law Association and Gibbs Law Firm, who is representing the pastor, have been invited to testify when the committee initiates hearings later this summer.” Dr. Baity stated, “I am very appreciative that the House is taking this important religious liberty issue seriously. I have received an overwhelming amount of support from the general public and also from some House members.”

Persons interested in contacting members of the committee to express their thoughts on the issue can find contact information for each by visiting the North Carolina House of Representatives Web site.

Related article:
Pastor Challenges Prayer Policy - July 12, 2010

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