Item:
In a 5-4 vote, the court held that the town of Greece, in upstate New York, did not violate the Constitution by starting public meetings with prayers that were almost always Christian.
But
don't worry.
(In this case, the prayer givers rotated among local religious denominations, and the city apparently did not intentionally limit itself to some religions.)
From the minutes of the Town Council, Greece, New York:
May Arnold Frasier, First Episcopal Church:
"Heavenly Father, bless these, thy servants. Grant them wisdom that they may be good stewards for thy people and lead them to just decisions.
June Gerald Brooks, Greece AME:
"Dear Father, look down on us gathered here. Shower us with your blessing of grace and open our eyes to see your glory shine in every deed we do."
July Menachim Rosen, Temple Sinai
"Oh Lord. May these good people know your way as they lead their people. Grant us this mitzvah."
August Pranam Gupta, Satnam Temple:
"Jai Lakshmi mata, maya jai Lakshmi mata,
Tumko nishdin sevat, Hara Vishnu vidhata, Jai Lakshmi..."
September Ag Nan, Priest of Baal Karnaim:
"Oh, great Baal Karnaim, lord of two horns, bring rain to bless the earth and bring forth her fruits, lend the strength of your mighty legs that we may triumph over the enemies of our town and shatter their bones, even unto their children and their children's children. May this sacrifice be pleasing in your nostrils, great Baal."
October Atl, Temple of Xipe-Totec:
"Xipe-Totec, Youalahuan, Night-Drinker, swallow the flayed skins of our sacrifice and drink their blood. Swallow their hearts that we have cut out for your mouth, that the corn might grow and our foes be slain, their blood flowing in their own fields."
November People of Greece, New York:
"Oh, my god..."
We contacted James Madison for a comment to this diary, but he has not responded.