Lodi stands tall in council prayer controversy October 6, 2009 Charlie Butts – OneNewsNow   Another California town is standing up to an atheist group over city council prayer. The Freedom from Religion Foundation had threatened Lodi, California, with a lawsuit if it did not stop the practice of praying in Jesus’ name. [Chaplain] Gordon …
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Lodi defends its public prayers October 3, 2009 Steve Chawkins — LA Times   Small cities in California are facing high unemployment, drained treasuries and now what some residents see as an assault on the only sacred moment in municipal affairs: the invocation at the start of city council meetings. Turlock, Tracy, Tehachapi, Lancaster — …
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Lodi mayor leans toward uncensored prayer September 30, 2009 Alex Murashko — The Examiner   Going into tonight’s Lodi City Council meeting designated to discuss the issue of allowing prayer before meetings, Mayor Larry Hansen said he has a workable solution. The Sacramento Bee is reporting that Hansen said, “I’m leaning toward having an opportunity …
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Victory for Jesus Prayers — Lodi CA Votes 5-0 to Defeat Atheist Complainers October 1, 2009 Christian Newswire — Christian Newswire   The Lodi City Council voted 5-0 last night to allow pastors to speak the previously forbidden words “in Jesus name” at the end of public prayers. The victory vote came after months of …
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Lodi City Council votes to keep prayer as ‘uncensored invocation’ (local reactions) October 1, 2009 Terri Fraracci — The Examiner   After months of debate, the Lodi City Council voted 5-0 late last night to keep prayer before council meetings. A draft will now be drawn up to invite members of all faiths, as well …
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Lodi Letdown: Calif. City Votes To Continue Official Prayers October 1, 2009 Rob Boston — Americans United   I wrote earlier this week about the increasing religious diversity of America and the rise of “nones” – people who say they belong to no specific religious group. As the face of American religion changes, it’s bound …
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Turlock puts ‘trust in God’ October 1, 2009 Patty Guerra — The Sacramento Bee   Residents of Oakdale, Lodi and Hughson argued for and against the policy of praying at meetings, but in the end the City Council opted to agree with a self- described “nobody special, just a chubby, gray-haired guy who’s lived in …
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Tracy clarifies prayer policy September 17, 2009 Jennie Rodriguez — Recordnet.com For years, City Council meetings have started with a prayer traditionally performed by a Christian leader. The prayers usually invoke the name of Jesus Christ. This week, the city will send letters to Tracy’s 65 churches of all faiths clarifying its policy on inclusive …
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