Clergy to lead prayer vigil, rally in opposition of HB231 vote in Montgomery

Tomorrow faith leaders from Central Alabama will lead a prayer vigil and a rally to oppose the vote of HB231, an amendment to the state constitution requiring prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance in schools, at the Alabama State House in Montgomery. 

The bill states that, if passed, K-12 schools would be require prayers "consistent with Judeo-Christian values" and the Pledge of Allegiance to be recited at the beginning of each school day. 

"This bill would authorize violations of this amendment to be reported to the State Superintendent of Education and for investigation by the State Department of Education," the bill reads.

If found in violation a school district could have 25% or more of its funding withheld, said an email from the Interfaith Alliance. 

Clergy will gather at the Alabama State House on 11 S Union Street in Montgomery for the vigil and rally at 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. 

"They believe in the power of prayer, and that government-sponsored diminishes the independence and freedom of religious institutions," said the email. "Prayer is a deeply personal matter best left to families and faith communities, not government officials."