House wants preachers to tone it down
Some clerics have ignored guidelines
Friday, May 18, 2007
By Jim Siegel
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Excessive evangelizing.

Too many controversial topics.

And way too much Jesus.

Growing concern that prayers recited at the start of Ohio House sessions are potentially offensive to some members has pushed leaders to insist that all prayers be turned in for review at least three days in advance.

Too many guest ministers are invoking the name of Jesus during their prayers, a no-no under House guidelines, which, based on a 1983 U.S. Supreme Court ruling, requires such prayers to be nondenominational, nonsectarian and nonproselytizing.

Guidelines also say prayers should avoid contentious subjects. the rest