RICHMOND, Va. — A federal appeals court ruled Monday that government officials have the right to begin public meetings with prayer.
State AG Patrick Morrisey celebrated what he called a crucial overturn of a North Carolina lower court decision in the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond.
“Legislative prayer is a proud tradition in West Virginia,” Morrisey said. “This free expression of faith has been a cornerstone for many leaders who seek guidance from above in helping our state endure its struggles and reach new heights.”
Lund v. Rowan County focused on a North Carolina county’s practice of opening county commission meetings with a prayer. A coalition of 13 Attorneys General argued that many governing bodies could not afford to hire a full-time chaplain or recruit volunteer clergy.
Morrisey said in a release that the decision would have affected West Virginia, which also falls under the 4th Circuit’s jurisdiction.
The decision was supported by AG’s in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Indiana, Michigan, Nebraska, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Texas.
The appeals court’s decision can be read HERE, along with Morrisey’s prevailing brief.