Monday Prayer Vigil Comes After Atheist Complaint About Lincoln Elementary
WARSAW – A prayer vigil is planned for 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 6, at Lincoln Elementary one week after an atheist group complained about stories of Christianity being told at the school.
Northern Indiana Atheists sent Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert a letter on Dec. 30 complaining about the telling of Christian-themed stories and the showing of a film over the past two Christmas seasons. The group named two teachers involved and said they were alerted about the issue by some parents.
By reading the stories and showing the movie, the district has unconstitutionally endorsed a religious message, specifically a Christian message, the group said.
The school has not publicly responded to the letter. Hoffert did not reply to a phone message or email sent last week from InkFreeNews.
The letter has led to a backlash of sorts from some parents and church leaders. Several pastors are expected to attend Monday’s event.
“We have to do something. I’m absolutely appalled at the situation,” said Carolyn Bannon, who has a child in the school district.
Bannon said she thinks the vigil is an effort to show support for teachers and displeasure with the atheist group’s complaint.
Bannon said last year her son told her about what he learned about the basics of Muslim faith so it bothers her that there is a problem with a story about Christianity.
She said she’s unsure if the stories violate the church-state obligation under the constitution. She doesn’t think the teachers’ actions were malicious.
The gathering will take place on the sidewalk outside the school at 203 N. Lincoln St.
A Facebook page titled “Prayer for Lincoln School, the district & community” announced Monday’s event and included the following statement:
“In light of the Northern Indiana Atheists filing 1st Amendment Violations against Lincoln School, the body of Christ will be gathering on the sidewalk in front of Lincoln to pray over the school, school staff, the district & this community. We will begin prayer at 6 p.m. Bring your flashlights & invite your pray warriors!”