TRUMBULL COUNTY Prayer service raises concern

The mayor said the city is not sponsoring the event.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- Mayor Michael O'Brien wants to unite the community with prayer, however, he may be running afoul of the U.S. Constitution.
A press release sent to local press Thursday from the mayor's office says the prayer service is scheduled for 5 p.m. Saturday at the Warren City Amphitheater.
"The city of Warren will be holding their first prayer service for citizens of our community," the press release states. "We are extending a special invitation to all of Warren's religious leaders and their parishioners. As we gather together from our different houses of worship, whether they are from churches or temples, let us all join in with the language that we all understand -- the power of prayer -- and the language all of us have in common."
Even though the press release also states "our first prayer service," the mayor stressed that the city is not sponsoring the event.
The press release was signed by the mayor, Doug Franklin, the city's safety-service director, and city police detective Jeff Hoolihan.
Asked to host service
O'Brien said he was asked by area churches to host the first prayer service.
"This will take place each month at different area churches, and next month the next host will send out the letters," O'Brien said. "We are just announcing it. It's being held at the amphitheater because it's a nice focal point."
In case of rain, the service will be moved to North-Mar Church of the Christian & amp; Missionary Alliance, 3855 E. Market St.
Greg Hicks, city law director, says he is concerned that taxpayer money was used to promote the event.
Hicks stressed that he is not against a prayer service.
"We can use as much prayer as possible, but when the government promotes it and encourages it, it's then an issue," Hicks said.
Gary Daniels with the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio agrees, saying the prayer service is "very problematic."
"It appears the city is crossing the line of the U.S. Constitution," Daniels said. "We are certainly interested in talking to anyone in Warren who objects."
Daniels noted the U.S. Constitution mandates separation of church and state.
Mayor's response
"In the times this country is facing, I feel we need prayer now more than ever," O'Brien said. "If there is a feeling that Mr. Franklin and I crossed the line by inviting churches and temples to pray together in our community because we used city stationery, we would gladly reimburse the city for stationery and postage used."
The mayor, however, said every public meeting he has attended for the past 23 years has started with a prayer or moment of reflection.
"We chose to do this because we are the leaders of the community," O'Brien said. "People from the churches suggested that we have this because if there is anything we have in common, it's the power of prayer."
sinkovich@vindy.com