A US appeals court has ruled that a Texas judge can continue to open his own courtroom proceedings with prayer.
The Freedom From Religion Foundation targeted Judge Wayne Mack over his custom of having community faith leaders start each court day with a few minutes of prayer.
In a split decision the Appeals Court rejected the view that the prayers could be viewed as prejudicial.
It ruled Judge Mack can continue allowing chaplains and ministers to pray at the start of hearings as long as he extends the invitation to leaders from different faith backgrounds.
The judge who is a former Pentecostal pastor said he is “eternally grateful” for the ruling.
Eight years ago, the US Supreme Court ruled that prayers before government meetings are constitutional.
Faithwire reports that court proceedings would presumably fall under that umbrella.
