Shropshire Star

Prayers are scrapped at Bridgnorth Town Council meetings

Christian prayers have been scrapped at Bridgnorth Town Council's meetings because some members believe they are putting people off from attending.

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The town council has voted to scrap the prayers before meetings – because councillors said they fear they are putting off the public and discouraging new councillors from coming forward.

The council was split straight down the middle on the controversial issue when it was discussed at a meeting this week, with six voting for abolishing prayers and six voting against.

But the motion, put forward by former mayor Edward Marshall, was passed on the casting vote of current mayor Valerie Voysey, who said she was "willing to be unpopular".

Councillor Marshall said: "I have noticed that on occasions members of the public attending our meetings seem surprised that we say prayers.

"Over the last few decades Britain has become much more of a multi-faith society.

"A quarter of our population now class themselves as having no religion, while less than 60 per cent are Christian.

"This is a big change from what existed a few decades ago.

"By saying prayers at council meetings we are, as a group of people, essentially imposing our beliefs on others.

"It has no part to play in council meetings and takes up too much time."

"This council is exclusively Christian and I hope people are not put off by traditional prayers.

"I propose that we no longer say prayers before council meetings."

But Councillor David Cooper said he had had his "ear bitten off" by residents who thought it was "atrocious" such a move had even been considered.

"I think it would send out a very bad signal to the population of the town," he added.

And Councillor Ray Gill, a retired Baptist minister, added: "I think that many people who have come to see our meetings are more likely to have been put off by the way we behave towards each other, rather than by somebody saying a prayer at the start of the meeting.

"If we as a council are seeking to encourage as many people as possible, I don't think scrapping prayers should be at the top of the agenda.

"Behaving properly at meetings would be much more high up on my agenda.

"Hopefully by saying prayers before the meeting, our behaviour might be improved."

But the mayor, given the casting vote, said she was "going with her conscience" in voting to scrap prayers.

"I think prayers are a personal thing," Councillor Voysey said.

"I think priests have more important things to do than attend our meetings.

"I am willing to be unpopular on it. I am not anti religion, I just think its a private thing and I don't think it has to be part of our meetings.

"I am sure people will come and criticise me for it – it's upon my head."

After the vote, veteran councillor Connie Baines said: "I think that is a real retrograde step, and I would like that to be placed on record."

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