Bob CollinsSen. Terri Bonoff, who is Jewish, says the numerous mentions of Jesus and Christianity at the invocation of the Minnesota Senate floor session on Monday made her uncomfortable, the Associated Press says.
Here is the prayer from Pastor Dennis Campbell of Granite City Baptist Church in St. Cloud:
Pastor Campbell quoted John 3 14:16: “I am the way and the truth and the life.” (No one comes to the Father except through me).” A non-Christian might disagree.
Sen. Bonoff said she wants Senate leaders to require prayers be non-denominational, but Sen. David Brown, R-Becker, says he believes chaplains who pray in the Senate should be allowed to say what they want.
Update 4:40 p.m. Here is the letter that is sent to invited pastors with the guidelines:
On the assigned day, come to the front of the Capitol, entering from Cedar Street on the east side. Pull up by the main steps (right below the golden horses) and tell the parking control person in one of the booths that you are the Senate Chaplain for the day. They will tell you where to park your car; there is no charge.
Go to the Senate chamber on the second floor, west wing, and introduce yourself to the Sergeant at Arms at the main door. He will direct you to the front of the chamber, where I will meet you. We will go over what you need to do at that time. Try to be at the Senate chamber 15 minutes before the start of session.
In preparing your prayer please keep in mind that there are women and men in the Senate. Also, in an effort to be respectful of the religious diversity of our membership (Christian, Jewish and possibly others among them), we request that your prayer be interfaith and nonsectarian, so it is inclusive of all Senators. Please keep your prayer brief, about a minute in length, and please refrain from addressing political issues before the legislature.
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