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Council agrees to add a moment of silence (not a spoken prayer) to future meetings after discussion
Summary
Councilmember Sherry proposed a moment of silent prayer at the start of meetings; after legal counsel explained the difference between silent reflection and invocations, the council indicated by consensus it will include a moment of silence (without a spoken prayer) at future meetings to preserve neutrality.
Councilmember Sherry introduced a proposal in the work session to add a moment of silent prayer after the Pledge of Allegiance at future council meetings, citing U.S. Supreme Court precedent and Kansas law. Sherry read legal background and a scriptural passage in support of the practice, and asked the council for discussion. "I would like to bring forward a request for a moment of silent prayer after the Pledge of Allegiance at each of our future council meetings," Sherry said.
Several council members said they preferred a non‑sectarian option. One councilmember said a moment of silence allows individuals to reflect without imposing prayer on others; legal counsel clarified that both silent moments and spoken invocations are legally permissible for legislative bodies but that formal invocations can raise inclusion concerns and may require administration of speaker selection. By the end of the discussion the mayor stated he would accept a moment of silence and would not mention prayer on the agenda, and councilmembers agreed by consensus.
