A Clawson resident told the City Council during public comment on Aug. 19 that calling citizens and elected officials to Christian prayer at the start of council meetings is coercive and inappropriate for government proceedings.

Meredith Pelton said the Pledge of Allegiance originally omitted “under God” and argued the council’s routine of asking attendees to remain standing for a full Christian prayer signals that non‑Christians are outsiders. “When I hear our city government start public meetings with a prayer to our Lord and savior or heavenly father ... I am so deeply offended,” Pelton said during the public‑comment period.

Why it matters: Pelton framed the issue as a matter of government authority and inclusion. She asked the council to stop opening official meetings with prayer, saying the practice exceeds the government’s authority and pressures nonadherents.

Other residents spoke on related topics. Darlene McDaniel asked for schedule details about upcoming Elmwood construction affecting parking; later in the public‑comment period she said she appreciated seeing prayer because, in her view, Clawson is largely a Christian community. The council did not take a formal vote on changing invocation practice during the meeting.

City officers did not present a staff recommendation, and no member introduced an ordinance or motion to alter the practice that evening. City officials did note other agenda business and proceeded with scheduled votes. The matter may return to the council if members or staff place it on a future agenda.