Debate on public prayer renewed after incident in Pennsylvania House
A controversial invocation took place just before the House’s first female Muslim representative was sworn in.
A prayer in Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives that mentioned Jesus 13 times in less than two minutes sparked extended debate among lawmakers and a wider discussion about how sectarian prayer can coexist with respect for religious diversity in public life.
“Jesus, we’ve lost sight of you; we’ve forgotten you, God, in our country,” prayed state representative Stephanie Borowicz, a Clinton County Republican who represents Clinton and Centre Counties, on March 25. “Jesus, you are our only hope.”
The prayer mentioned President Trump, Pennsylvania governor Tom Wolf, and Israel before closing with a reference to the New Testament verse that “every knee shall bow” at the name of Jesus.
