03 Mar 2025
The decision to end Christian prayers before meetings of St Albans district council has won the support of the National Secular Society.
The motion, proposed by Liberal Democrat councillor Sinéad Howland said the inclusion of prayers before the meetings “may inadvertently exclude or alienate individuals of different faiths or those without religious beliefs”.
She said this contradicts the council’s “commitment to equality and inclusivity” and “disrupts the start of the meeting”.
The motion noted that despite the intention to hold prayers in a separate session before the meetings, this separation “has not been consistently or effectively achieved”.
This had led to councillors of other religions and beliefs feeling “the need to wait outside, disrupting the process of preparing for the meeting”.
The motion also noted the Equality Act 2010 includes a Public Sector Equality Duty on public bodies to “eliminate discrimination and foster good relations
between people with different characteristics”, including both religious and nonreligious beliefs.
It said removing prayers aligns with these obligations and demonstrates “leadership in fostering a neutral, welcoming environment for all councillors and stakeholders”.
It added that modernising council practices to reflect changes in societal expectations “is essential to maintain public trust and relevance”. It said that across Hertfordshire, district councils have trended towards removing prayers from their meetings, and only three out of ten councils maintain this practice.
“This reflects a growing movement towards more inclusive and secular proceedings,” the motion said.
The motion, at Wednesday’s full council meeting, was passed 25-20 in favour.
At the mayor’s discretion, prayers may be replaced by a “brief and non-denominational” moment of silence for personal reflection or contemplation.
Cllr Howland said: “This motion ensures that our council meetings mirror the diversity of our community, allowing no councillor to feel like an outsider in their own chamber.
“Numerous councils have already implemented this change, recognising the necessity for a neutral and professional environment where all members can begin their work on equal footing. By supporting this motion, we modernise our proceedings and reaffirm our commitment to equality for all.”
The NSS campaigns for inclusive local democracy and opposes the imposition of acts of worship in council meetings.
NSS head of campaigns Megan Manson said: “It’s great news that St Albans council recognises the importance of an inclusive and secular approach to local government.
“We congratulate the council on its decision to remove prayers from the beginning of meetings, to ensure no one in attendance feels alienated or excluded.
“We urge all local councils across the country which still hold prayers to take heed and follow this example.”
The Bishop of St Albans, the Rt Rev Alan Smith, was less positive about the move: “As the Bishop of St Albans, I am saddened by the decision to remove prayers from the start of St Albans district council meetings, particularly as this appears contrary to the spirit of the Local Government (Religious etc. Observances) Act 2015, which allows for religious or philosophical observances at local authority meetings.
“In a city named after St Alban, Britain’s first Christian martyr, it is sad that this tradition, which has existed for many decades, is to be set aside. For many, prayer offers a moment of reflection, wisdom and encouragement as councillors prepare to serve their community.
“However, as Christians in St Albans, we remain committed to praying for our local representatives, as we do for all who hold public office. We will continue to pray that they are guided by wisdom and compassion.”
Rev Peter Crumpler, associate minister at St Paul’s Church in Fleetville, also does not support the decision: “I’m disappointed that the councillors of the city named after Saint Alban, England’s first Christian martyr, have taken this decision, but I’m sure the city’s Christians will continue to pray for all our elected representatives.
“When I’ve said prayers ahead of the council meeting, I’ve prayed that the councillors will have wisdom and mutual respect, and seek to represent all the people in our diverse community.
“That will continue to be my prayer, and feel sure many others, from across the city’s faith communities, would join with me in praying that.”
