A complaint has been filed against a Michigan college for having a religious invocation at its commencement ceremony.
The Muskegon Chronicle reports that the the Michigan Association of Civil Rights Activists on Thursday sent Muskegon Community College a letter detailing the complaint. It was filed in response to a prayer said by college Trustee Ann Oakes at the college's May 9 graduation ceremony.
Posted at MCCs website is video of the event. The following is audio from the closing of the minute-and-a-half long invocation prayer.
“We ask O God for the wisdom of Soloman. We ask O God for the inner strength of Sampson. But above all we ask for a heart like of love likeYou. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.”
The Michigan Association of Civil Rights Activists letter cites two U.S. Supreme Court cases that ban invocations in schools and other public institutions.
College President Dale Nesbary says he's surprised by the complaint. He says Oakes has been delivering the commencement invocation for many years. Nesbary says the college will respond after reviewing the issue.
The association has filed several complaints in recent years regarding the separation of church and state.
Patrick Center, WGVU News.
