Readers' forum: Legislative prayer

Published: Friday, Jan. 13 2012 12:00 a.m. MST

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf says the prayer at the 2009 Utah Legislature's first session.

August Miller, Deseret News

Summary

With the Utah Legislature set to convene Jan. 23, a Mormons-and-politics issue — public prayer — will pop up right off the bat. The Legislature's home page contains journals for the past 15 years showing that in opening sessions, 30 prayers have been offered in the House and Senate, all by LDS Church leaders.

With roughly 40 percent of the state non-LDS, having 100 percent of opening session prayers offered by Mormon leaders may elicit frowns. Because Utah has been a state since 1896, 116 years, lawmakers could mathematically turn those frowns upside down by prohibiting LDS prayers in opening sessions for the next 77 years. In deference to nonbelievers, some years could go prayerless.

Steve Warren

West Valley City

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The Real Maverick

Orem, UT

What's wrong with other faiths giving prayers? I don't get it. What's there to be afraid of? Is it the competition? But I thought repubs loved competition!

I'm sorry Mike, but that pesky thing called THE CONSTITUTION ruins your agenda.
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3:56 p.m. Jan. 13, 2012
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Lowonoil

Clearfield, UT

Utah politicians understand that the prayer is a necessary part of reassuring your collegues and constituents that you are a member of the proper faith, just as is the campaign postcard you send out showing you posing with your full quiver.

10:04 a.m. Jan. 13, 2012
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Pagan

Salt Lake City, UT

'With roughly 40 percent of the state non-LDS, having 100 percent of opening session prayers offered by Mormon leaders may elicit frowns.' - Article

The majority dosen't care.

Because they continue to ignore that Utah is a More..

10:39 a.m. Jan. 13, 2012
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