PRESS RELEASE
July 19, 2010
North Carolina House of Representatives Chooses
Special Committee to Consider Guest Chaplain Program in Response to
Charges of Religious Discrimination by North Carolina Pastor
North Carolina House of Representatives Chooses
Special Committee to Consider Guest Chaplain Program in Response to
Charges of Religious Discrimination by North Carolina Pastor
In response to a letter from legal counsel for Dr Ron Baity, pastor of Berean Baptist Church, Winston Salem, NC, the North Carolina House of Representatives has formed a Special Committee to consider its guest chaplain program. The current practice is to invite various North Carolina religious leaders to offer opening legislative prayers, but does not allow invitees to pray as their faith requires, such as prayer in Jesus’ Name or to Allah. Instead, the House mandates a prayer formula for guest chaplains that only permits the mention of “God.”
Dr. Baity’s invitation to pray was withdrawn on May 31 by House Speaker Joe Hackney when the pastor refused to use the government-mandated prayer formula and insisted on offering his prayer in Jesus’ Name as his faith requires in John 14:13 (a) “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do.” (King James Bible)
The special committee is composed of four Democrats and four Republicans. Hearings are being scheduled and Dr. Baity, along with Attorney David C. Gibbs III of the Christian Law Association and Gibbs Law Firm, who is representing the pastor, have been invited to testify when the committee initiates hearings later this summer. Dr. Baity said, “I am very appreciative that the House is taking this important religious liberty issue seriously. I have received an overwhelming amount of support from the general public and also from some House members.”
The public is invited to contact committee members to express their thoughts on this issue. The committee is being chaired by Rep. Paul Stam (Wake County), Republican Minority Leader. Co-chair is Rep. Deborah K. Ross (Democrat, Wake County). Other House members serving on the committee are:
Rep. Johnathan Rhyne, Jr. (Republican, Lincoln County)
Rep. Grey Mills (Republican, Iredell County)
Rep. Laura Wiley (Republican, Guilford County)
Rep. Melanie Wade Goodwin (Democrat, Montgomery and Richmond Counties)
Rep. William L. Wainwright (Democrat, Craven and Lenoir Counties)
Rep. Garland E. Pierce (Democrat, Hoke, Robeson and Scotland Counties)
