"Students, staff, guests and fans ...

This is a revision of what reportedly was said by Principal Jody McLeod over the
Roane County High School PA system in Kingston, TN (prior to a football game).

"In honor of God and country, it has always been our custom to first pray, then play the National Anthem prior to games.  Unfortunately, due to a recent Supreme Court ruling ... such praying is now a violation of federal law.

However, as I understand the laws, I am permitted to use this public school facility to approve of sexual perversion as an “alternative lifestyle”.  If it offends ... that’s okay.  I may also use it to condone promiscuity by dispensing condoms in the name of “safe sex”, and if that offends ... it’s okay too.  I may even use this tax-paid-for educational facility to present the merits of killing unborn babies as a “viable means of birth control”.  If someone is offended ... no problem.  Also, in the name of “ecology”, I may designate a school day as “Earth day”, involving students in what amounts to religious worship and praise of “Mother Earth”; the goddess Gaia.  Further, I may use literature and video presentations in our classrooms that depict people with traditional Christian convictions as simple-minded and ignorant ... under the guise of “enlightenment”.

However, if I were to use this educational facility to pay homage to God (the God of the Bible) or use it to ask Him to bless today’s event with safety and good sportsmanship, a federal law will have been violated.  Apparently we’re to be tolerant of everything and anyone — except our Almighty Creator and His commandments.  At best this is inconsistent and at worst, diabolical.

However, as school Principal, I am obligated to ask staff and students to obey rules with which they do not necessarily agree.  To do otherwise violates my employment contract.  In fact, it is illegal and I could be fined and/or imprisoned.  For these reasons I shall ‘render unto Caesar’ that which is his and refrain from praying (aloud) before today’s game.

However, if you would like to honor, praise and thank Him, or ask in the name of His Son Jesus, to bless this event — please feel free to do so.  As far as I know, that is not against the law ... yet.

What transpired next must have delighted God, angels and the Church of the Firstborn in heaven.  Spectators reached out to grasp one-another’s hands and then ... one-by-one, they bowed in prayer.  People prayed in the stands.  Players prayed on the field.  Others prayed at the concession stand and the announcer’s box.  Tragically, the only place they didn’t pray was in the Supreme Court of these United States ... at the seat of justice of “One nation under God.

Thank God for the faithful! Fortunately, a few in Tennessee remember what so many have forgotten: our Constitution grants freedom of religion ... not from it and Jesus’ words still hold true: "Whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven." (Mt 10:33)

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