Student Prayers at Football Games

Re “Supreme Court Will Rule on Student Prayers,” Nov. 16: As if the Constitution were not enough of a stumbling block to having student prayers wafting over the public address system at high school football games, there is yet another problem to consider. If a Christian prayer is permitted, then naturally equal time must be given for a Jewish prayer, a Hindu prayer, a Muslim prayer, etc. When all the proselytizing is finally over, let us pray that there will still be time enough for the game.

STEPHEN C. LEE

La Habra

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Your article “half-quoted” the 1st Amendment. Your story said, rightly, that the amendment bans any law “respecting the establishment of religion,” but failed to note that it goes on to say “or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” This hints at inattention, at best, and bias at worst.

DAVID WILSON

Los Angeles

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I find it interesting that the only proponents of prayer at public events such as high school football games are Christians, whose messiah recommended only private prayer. Those groups and individuals would do well to avoid ostentation in piety and reflect on their contradictory need to obtain a reputation in piety.

There is something special indeed in following the inclinations of a master instead of praying publicly, risking his displeasure at a football game. Matthew, Chapter 6, is a good place for the hypocrites to begin reading.

DAVE MARESH

Yucca Valley