Unexpected prayer policy tabled by Oak Harbor council

News of a new policy restricting what should be said during council invocations spread quickly over the weekend, upsetting many who argue a change would violated people’s freedom of religion and speech.

At least a dozen people attended Tuesday night’s council meeting to speak out on the issue; some said they are specifically upset the proposals state that speakers should not invoke the name of a deity.

“When I read the proposed resolution I was deeply disturbed to find wording that would dictate to which God I may pray when offering an invocation here in the council chambers,” said Ron Lawler, pastor for Family Bible Church.