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Council adopts procedural change limiting council‑member led opening prayers
Summary
R26-026 amended the council's procedural rule on meeting commencement to require a moment of silence at the start of meetings (allowing personal prayer/reflection) rather than council members leading prayer; council discussed court precedent and equal‑opportunity concerns before adopting the change.
New Castle County Council adopted Resolution R26-026 on Feb. 10 to amend procedural rule 4 governing the commencement of council meetings. The amendment establishes that the council shall observe a moment of silence at the start of meetings during which attendees are free to pray or reflect silently, rather than have councilmembers lead prayers.
Council members debated the policy. Supporters said the change preserves individuals' rights to pray while reducing the legal risk of public‑official‑led prayer. Mike Migliori (council staff) summarized U.S. Supreme Court precedent distinguishing communities that historically invited outside speakers from situations in which public officials themselves lead prayer. "The key distinction... is that in that case it was people being asked to come in. It was not being led by a public official," Migliori said.
Council members also noted community traditions and public commenters urged retention of prayer options. Dora Williams told the council that faith has helped the community through difficult times. The clerk recorded a roll of 10 yes, 2 no and 1 absent; R26-026 was adopted.
