Atheist groups protest prayers at Pa. meetings

Associated Press

GREENCASTLE, Pa.

Two atheists group are challenging a local school board’s practice of saying prayers before beginning meetings.

WHTM-TV reports that the push in Franklin County comes from Pennsylvania Non-Believers and American Atheists Inc.

Shortly after the Greencastle-Antrim School Board opened a meeting with the Lord’s Prayer on Thursday, two people spoke against the practice.

Carl Silverman of PA Non-Believers called it “a clear constitutional violation” and threatened legal action. He said he has gotten complaints from district residents who were too afraid to come forward.

Superintendent Greg Hoover said he had been attending board meetings for a quarter of a century and the meetings had always started with the Lord’s Prayer. He said “No one’s ever said a word.” Board members declined to comment.