School Prayers and Freedom of Religion

Penetanguishene, Ontario
September 23, 1999

In 1999, Penetanguishene had a 100 year tradition of opening town council meetings with the mayor's recital of the "Lord's Prayer."

Henry Freitag, a concerned town citizen, felt uneasy about having to stand for a prayer to a god he didn't believe in. Furthermore, he had decided not to run for office precisely because the custom of reciting the "Lord's Prayer" ran contrary to his personal beliefs.

(He didn't agree with those like Councillor Robins, also a non-Christian, who didn't object to the tradition because they used the time for quiet reflection.)

Henry Freitag took his case to court arguing that the practice violated his right to freedom of religion under s. 2(a) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The Ontario Court of Appeal agreed with him. It ruled that although Freitag hadn't been forced to participate in the prayer, the act of reciting the prayer was a form of coercion; Freitag had been clearly stigmatized by his decision not to stand and recite the "Lord's Prayer."

The court made the town realize that it could achieve the same result and atmosphere by using a nondenominational prayer such as the one recited in the House of Commons.

As a result, an old tradition ended, and a new one began.

Parliamentary Prayer "Almighty God: We give thanks for the great blessings which have been bestowed on Canada and its citizens, including the gifts of freedom, opportunity, and peace that we enjoy. We pray for our Sovereign, Queen Elizabeth II, and the Governor General. Guide us in our deliberations as Members of Parliament, and strengthen us in our awareness of our duties and responsibilities as Members. Grant us wisdom, knowledge, and understanding to preserve the blessings of this country for the benefit of all and to make good laws and wise decisions. Amen.

We will now have a moment of silence for private reflection and meditation. Amen."

The non-sectarian prayer, read in English and French before the doors to the federal Parliament are opened to the public each day.

Quotable quote

"The purpose of the practice [prayer] is to have the council take a moment's pause to recognize the importance of our deliberations, the moral values that should be brought onto our deliberations and the fact that we are serving the public when we deliberate."

The Mayor of Penetanguishene, Ontario

Déjà vu

Zylberberg v. Sudbury Board of Education (Director) on prayer in schools

Want To Know More?

See:
Freitag v. Penetanguishene (Town)