[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 112 (Wednesday, September 20, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1543-E1544]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                 A POWERFUL MESSAGE ON PRAYER IN SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ZACH WAMP

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 20, 2000

  Mr. WAMP. Mr. Speaker, one of the most troubling aspects of 
contemporary life is the continuing assault on values and morals. 
Nowhere is that effort more apparent than the determined drive to 
eliminate any voluntary prayer in our schools or at school events, such 
as athletic games. Recently, a distinguished citizen of my community 
spoke out on this subject. Jody McLoud is the principal of Roane County 
High School and has been for 11 years. He has spent 24 years as a 
professional educator. His comments summarize the situation about as 
well as anyone can. I am privileged to place them into the Record of 
the U.S. House of Representatives and urge everyone to read them 
carefully and pay heed. Here is what Mr. McLoud said.

       It has always been the custom at Roane County High School 
     football games to say a prayer and play the National Anthem 
     to honor God and Country. Due to a recent ruling by the 
     Supreme Court, I am told that saying a prayer is a violation 
     of Federal Case Law.
       As I understand the law at this time, I can use this public 
     facility to approve of sexual perversion and call it an 
     alternate lifestyle, and if someone is offended, that's OK.
       I can use it to condone sexual promiscuity by dispensing 
     condoms and calling it safe sex. If someone is offended, 
     that's OK.
       I can even use this public facility to present the merits 
     of killing an unborn baby as a viable means of birth control. 
     If someone is offended, no problem.
       I can designate a school day as Earth Day and involves 
     students in activities to religiously worship and praise the 
     goddess, mother earth, and call it ecology.
       I can use literature, videos and presentations in the 
     classroom that depict people with strong, traditional, 
     Christian convictions as simple minded and ignorant and call 
     it enlightenment.
       However, if anyone uses this facility to honor God and ask 
     Him to bless this event with safety and good sportsmanship, 
     federal case law is violated,
       This appears to be at best, inconsistent and at worst, 
     diabolical. Apparently, we are to be tolerant of everything 
     and anyone except God and His commandments.
       Nevertheless, as a school principal, I frequently ask staff 
     and students to abide by rules with which they do not 
     necessarily

[[Page E1544]]

     agree. For me to do otherwise would be at best, inconsistent 
     and at worst hypocritical. I suffer from that affliction 
     enough unintentionally. I certainly do not need to add an 
     intentional transgression.
       For this reason, I shall, ``Render unto Caesar that which 
     is Caesar's,'' and refrain from praying at this time. 
     However, if you feel inspired to honor, praise and thank God, 
     and ask Him in the name of Jesus to bless this event, please 
     feel free to do so. As far as I know, that's not against the 
     law--yet.

     

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