Personally I feel that as a group meeting on school grounds, with direct affiliation to the school, an opening prayer would not be appropriate. It only takes one person to take issue to blow this up and create problems for both you and your Principal. There are many different religions at public schools (assuming your school is public) and as such it would be difficult to ensure that all religions are being considered in an opening prayer.

Now the Pledge of Allegiance would be perfectly acceptible. Maybe even a moment of silence to provide a "moment of reflection". Even that would be pushing it a bit.

I would definitely recommend not opening this can of worms as you need to maintain the separation of church and state, especially since your group is there to benefit all of the students at the school, which would include all of the religions that they follow.

PresidentJim

I was thinking of prayer in our PTO meeting. I am going to announce at our first meeting of the year that I will open each meeting (10 min. before the "official" meeting with a prayer. Those who wish to come early can and those who do not, do not need to. I do not believe it needs to be done in the hall. After all there are Christian/Bible Clubs in some public schools.

They are separated under different categories as religious, mutual benefit, public benefit but are still all 501c3 --- ALL can qualify for all 3 depending on how your articles of incorporation and bylaws are written.

Ours specifically left out Parent Group affiliation because of a strong PTA presence in Los Angeles but in Ventura County we have PTA/PTO/parent group language in the incoprporation and bylwas

I'm not flaming (no malice meant) just stating it was incorrect and giving an example to back it up ( I try not to be derisive 9sp?) but have on occasion- this was not one.. no offense was intented- most states say as long as a majority of your resources arent tied to lobbying, propoganda, etc-- even an educational public benefit nonprofit CAN be religious, partisan, and profit (its only nonprofit to the board members and 'so called members)- non profit is such a misnomer- I still disagree with the business part (mainly because no one profits from its monetarily, you can't do a lot of other things related to business but too many too mention -- so lets agree to disagree on that one)

I would support prayer at a meeeting and would also support not having one (because it is divisive and not all religions or non believers are the same)

Again... No flaming intended.. Just the facts with proof to back it up.. was not meant to offend

[ 09-13-2006, 06:07 PM: Message edited by: Shawn ]

Whoa Shawn! Don't flame at me! Perhaps I made a mistake in saying 501c3 are required to be non-religious- however, groups are separated by purpose-yours is organized under Nonprofit Religious Corporation Law, parent groups would be under the category who's purposes are educational. I don't know what rules you all follow, but we are required to be non-sectarian, non-partisan and non-profit. As far as being a business, a corporation is a business. It may be not for profit, but it is a business nontheless.

Heres a sample of one of my corporation - edited down to now fill 10 pages (We are a Multi Faith-NonProfit 501c3)

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
I
The name of this corporation is The Lastinn
A. This corporation is a RELIGIOUS CORPORATION and is not organized for the private gain
of any person. It is organized under the Nonprofit Religious Corporation Law exclusively
for religious purposes.
B. The specific purpose of this corporation is to increase the social and economic goals of lower income families in Los Angles thru the use of common religious ideals and beliefs.
III
The name and address in the State of California of this corporation's initial agent for service of
process is:
Name Shawn Christopher Minton
Address XXXXXXXXX
City Los Angeles State CALIFORNIA Zip 91325
IV
A. This corporation is organized and operated exclusively for religious purposes within the
meaning of Section 501(c)(3), Internal Revenue Code.
B. No substantial part of the activities of this corporation shall consist of carrying on
propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the corporation shall not
participate or intervene in any political campaign (including the publishing or distribution of
statements) on behalf of any candidate for public office.
V
The property of this corporation is irrevocably dedicated to religious purposes and no part of
the net income or assets of this corporation shall ever inure to the benefit of any director,
officer or member thereof or to the benefit of any private person. Upon the dissolution or
winding up of the corporation, its assets remaining after payment, or provision for payment, of
all debts and liabilities of this corporation shall be distributed to a nonprofit fund, foundation or
corporation which is organized and operated exclusively for religious purposes and which has
established its tax exempt status under Section 501(c)(3), Internal Revenue Code.
Shawn Christopher Minton
(Typed Name of Incorporator), Incorporator