
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, December 18, 1994                   TAG: 9412190017
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-3   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: DAWN LOVING SHAWSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

ORGANIZED PRAYER SHOULD BE A RIGHT

Everyone in the United States today is allowed to pray. The First Amendment protects that right. No matter where you are, you should have the right to pray. So why can't students who want to take a minute of the school day to pray do just that? The U.S. Congress recognizes prayer is important by opening with a prayer.

Just because there are some people who do not want their children to take part in organized school prayer, the people who want to pray should not have their rights taken away. Many people argue that it is their right not to have to pray. This is true; however, by making a decision against organized prayer in school, other people's rights are being taken away.

If a moment of silence during the school day is allowed for prayer, not everyone has to take part. Students who do not want to pray could use this time to relax or catch up on homework. Also, a moment of silence before a sports game would be nice for players and supporters who want to take a moment to pray.

The problem today is not that people are opposed to a time for prayer in school, it is that they want God and anything that has to do with religion taken out of the schools.

Some of the same people who oppose prayer in schools support teaching evolution. This is also a form of religion because it teaches that there is no God, that man evolved from monkeys. So, if the theory of evolution is being taught in school, why can't teachers and students pray in school?

Many teachers would be willing to talk to students about religion and to pray with them if allowed to. Students are allowed to get together and have a prayer but teachers are not allowed to take part. How are we supposed to find a place to have a moment of silence for prayer if teachers are not allowed to be involved?

Public opinion polls show that 75 percent to 80 percent of Americans support voluntary school prayer. A small percentage of Americans are taking away our right to pray.

It is not right to push a certain religion on someone, but if everyone who wanted to participate gave their ideas and beliefs, then not just one religion would be covered and no one would be forced to accept a religion different from their own.

If we believe in a certain religion, it needs to be included in all parts of our lives. Those of us who believe in God need and want God with us no matter where we are.

Dawn Loving is a junior at Shawsville High School. She wrote this editorial with classmate Karen Ratcliff.

by CNB