Note: The Lawrence Times runs opinion columns and letters to the Times written by community members with varying perspectives on local issues. These pieces do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Times staff.
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Regarding the Kansas Reflector article “Kansas lawmakers ask for Godly influences during Statehouse prayer ceremony,” published May 4:
The prayers of the Kansas legislators to “sway journalists into Christian reporting” and the blaming of media for betraying trust and truth while creating turmoil among “God’s people” seem to present a sense of pride and arrogance that biblical scholars have deemed a source of all sin.
It follows that when these legislators are criticized for passing legislation that abridges certain rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, such as voting, equal protection under the law and free speech, they react with anger and spiritually petition for recourse.
Perhaps moments of silent reflection would serve the citizens better than deprecatory prayer.
— Tom Guba (he/him), Lawrence
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