is it legal to pray out loud, imposing it on other people at an open to the public dinner ?
969721
lol.  Didn't get it right away.
268061
When it's a perfect stranger who knows nothing of me, yes I do.  Usually that's because it's "I'll pray you find Jesus" which irritates me to no end.  If it's a friend or family member, then they usually ask "Do you mind if I pray for you" and that's ok.   \n\nImagine it this way.  If I came up to someone of a different belief and said "I'll light a candle to Cerridwen or Odin for you", they would be offended and angry.  If I said "I'll cast a spell for you", they'd be offended and angry.  But, I'm supposed to be fine with people I don't know telling me they'll pray for me.   No, I don't like it.  Worry about the people who sleep in the streets with no food or warm clothing. They need your prayer way more than I do.
372121
let people worship as they want
887385
No. Any structured prayer in public schools will favor one religion over all others.\n\nThe Catholic Church agrees with the U.S. Constitution as currently interpreted by the U.S. Supreme Court and does not support "structured" prayer in public schools.\n\nIn the Vatican II document, DECLARATION ON RELIGIOUS FREEDOM, DIGNITATIS HUMANAE (Human Dignity), the Church states: \n\nThe human person has a right to religious freedom. This freedom means that all men are to be immune from coercion on the part of individuals or of social groups and of any human power, in such wise that no one is to be forced to act in a manner contrary to his own beliefs, whether privately or publicly, whether alone or in association with others, within due limits.\n\nChildren will continue to privately pray before tests just like they always have.\n\nWith love in Christ.
107968
Yes!  Your right to practice any religion you want is protectected by the first ammedment.  If any government agency (a pulic school system, for example) bans the practice of a certain religion, you can sue them big time!
758283
Yes, they have every right to condemn such a law. What a person wants to wear is up to a person's personal choices, as long as it levels to decency. That country is violating rights to religious freedom. No one has any right to interfere into other people's faith's.
1001932
Unless someone ASKS you to share your faith, or unless you ASK them and they honestly say its OK, its not right to share. Don't even talk about it. OK, please listen, because I'm not going with this where you might think ... Its not right to share a thing that others don't want. That's to force an issue, and NO ONE has that right. BUT, that DOESN'T mean you can't spread a truth that YOU honestly believe. It just means you do it in another way. You teach and you share in such a way as to make others WANT what you have. How do you do that? You live your truth. Your actions, your manner, your life style ... ALL of these things speak loudly. If they're good, if you lead by having set a good example, people will want what you have because they see the goodness of it, and not because you bugged them about it with words that might actually push them away. ~ Peace & Blessings ~
764474
Safety of the children takes precedence.  This is not a question of religious freedom, but a question of child safety.\n\nNOBODY goes to an elementary school, where parents trust that "strangers" will be kept at bay, without an appointment.  All else shall be escorted.\n\nThis guy, though his intentions may be good, should learn and back down.  Want to preach to the teachers?  Make an appointment. Want to preach to the kids?  Become a guest speaker, if the school will allow it.  Else that, stay away.
137434
Some people just enjoy praying so politely say Amen!\n\n(You are so FUNNY!)
86943
Free speech has some limitations, like not screaming fire in a closed theatre. Thus, it is not unrestricted, and whenever it goes against the basic morals of the country it should be deemed as detrimental. In these times of electronic communications, free speech needs to be reviewed and more limits imposed.\n\nThere are some 'cons' to restricting it, if it is done by irresponsible people or Satanists. For example, the left is trying to make it impossible for Christian people to voice their faith. So having public prayer is restricted in some institutions. That is a huge 'con' on restricting free speech, since the people who want to push religion out of our lives are the same who would benefit from a decadence in our moral values: homosexuals, pedophiles, communists, etc.
662520
yes, whatever two consenting adults do in their home is their own business. It is NOT anyones business, not the government and certainly not the churchs business
758714
I agree with you. If a person WANTS to say the Pledge before a meeting (game, class, etc) then they should be allowed to do so. No one is forcing others to join in and pledge -- they are perfectly within their rights to abstain. \n\nIt really p*sses me off when people try to claim that just "hearing" the pledge violates their rights. Well, what about my right to assert myself and my allegiance to my country?? I would think that would trump anything else.
478909
I really, really, really believe that there aren't rules as far as prayers go.  If you want to say something to God then go for it, I don't think God will mind what you say first as long.  I find it unfortunate in some organized religions that there is an "outline" for reflecting with God...or when one isn't even "allowed" to talk to God directly, but through a priest.\n\nI'm not overly religous but I do pray and find it soothing.  So if you want to ask for forgiveness, be thankful or as for blessing just go for it!   If you feel it in your heart and practice goodness (i.e don't be hypcritical! I can't stand that - have  a few of those in my life, ick) I think you're all set!!
413160
It depends upon the organization and who will be attending. If you don't know the religious persuasion (if any) of the attendees, make the prayer non-denominational so that you don't offend.  \n\nPersonally, I'm agnostic, so I don't see the need for a prayer.  Perhaps you could just do a welcoming message instead.
404747
That doesn't mean that you can't pray in schools or synagouges, you can pray in secret but also in public if it is sincere. That is what that verse means. Don't be as a hypocrite, praying for a show to the world and not being sincere.\nI think you misunderstand what that scripture means.
407478
Yes! Even though separation of church and state exists in this country we also have the freedom of religion. You don't have to pray if you choose not to but should allow someone his or her right to pray at any time or place. How could that interfere with anyone else's freedom?
298454
if either yourself, or one of your family, belongs to a church, that could be a nice wide open area. Most churches have an area for social gatherings. If you explain your situation, I'm sure something could be arranged for no, or a small fee. certainly less than chucky cheese type prices. then all you need is a couple packs of 99cent kool-aid for drinks, and ask all your family that's comes to bring a covered dish for food purposes. I hope this helps, me, my wife, and my mother all had a good ten min discussion on this question hoping to help a 7 yr old have a great birthday!!