RANGIORA BOROUGH COUNCIL

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27307, 25 March 1954, Page 12

RANGIORA BOROUGH COUNCIL

OPENING PRAYERS WILL NOT BE HELD

A decision of the Rangiora Borough Council that a form of prayer be adopted for opening council proceedings was rescinded last evening. Moving this in accordance with notice given, Cr. A. E. Whitehouse said that when the original motion was carried councillors were not unanimous in the matter, and since then unanimity had not been reached on the form of prayer to be used. Councillors of all creeds had sat at the table over the years and done good work without opening proceedings with a prayer, Cr. Whitehouse said. If members desired spiritual guidan :e they could ask for it themselves. In the circumstances he could see no reason to change the present procedure at meetings. Cr. W. L. Cate said he was still of the opinion that it was desirable to open with prayer, but he agreed that without unanimity this could not be done. “I see no reason to change my views, and I will therefore oppose the motion,” said Cr. L. R. King. He said he believed in a justice which was founded on a Christian belief. That was why the Bible was used in the courts of law.

Cr. Whitehouse said he wished it understood that he believed in God and in church, but he did not think the use of any set form of prayer would make his work better.