ANNAPOLIS -- Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller tried today to quell a flap over a recent spate of prayers in the legislative chamber invoking the name of Jesus, but some senators disagreed with his approach.
At the morning meeting of the 47-member body, Miller distributed copies of a letter that senators are asked to give to members of the clergy whom they invite to say the prayer that begins the daily session.
The letter gives suggestions on how to lead a "public prayer in a pluralistic society," and asks the clergy to "remember that included among our Senate family are individuals who represent many different faiths and walks of life."
Miller described the prayer as a Senate tradition dating back to colonial times, and said about 90 percent of the time clergy follow the request to be ecumenical. However, the Senate president asked the lawmakers to be tolerant and forgiving of those who...
