By Fred Jackson and Jody Brown
March 7, 2002

(AgapePress) - In Colorado, staffers in the state legislature are writing new rules that pastors must follow when they give the traditional morning prayer. The move comes after an Assembly of God pastor apparently touched on some things in his prayer that several senators found offensive.

The Denver Post reports that on Tuesday this week, Pastor David Meek of Greeley apparently made the mistake of including in his prayer an appeal for God to make abortion illegal and to make the Pledge of Allegiance in public schools mandatory.

"I pray, Lord, help this great state of Colorado to be a leader, to be a real leader, Lord Jesus, and Lord, even to reverse the Roe v. Wade so we can stop the killing and murder of the innocent little babies," Meek said during his prayer.

According to the report, that statement -- and others -- sent about a half-dozen senators heading for the door.

The Post quotes Democratic Senator Stan Matsunaka who says prayers are supposed to be inspirational, not political -- and that he personally was offended. Pastor Meek apparently also urged lawmakers to accept Jesus.

The Republican senator who invited Meek, Dave Owen, is quoted by the Post as issuing an apology to anyone who was offended. A Senate staffer reports she informed Meek by phone he was to respect the diversity of beliefs and cultures represented in the Senate during his remarks, but that it never occurred to her to tell him to refrain from making political statements.

In an editorial today, the Post launched a somewhat personal attack on Meek for his remarks, saying he "showed an amazing lack of grace and common sense" and "needs to brush up on proper manners." At the same time, the editorial says if ever a government body needed praying over, it is the Colorado Senate.

© 2002 AgapePress all rights reserved.

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