Update: Military town no longer has freedom to pray in Jesus' name
Update 10/15/07: According to a local source, the mayor announced last week that this was not policy. It was a recommendation from the city and county attorneys who have an advisory capacity, but do not set policy. He said that prayers would continue to be made according to the person's faith that is invited to pray.
Fayetteville — Fayetteville and Cumberland County have taken an official stance on prayers by their employees at official functions: Not in Jesus' name.
In May, the attorneys for both Fayetteville and Cumberland County sent out memos to city and county leaders regarding prayers at public meetings. The rules applied to city council meetings, police graduations and memorials.
Fayetteville City Attorney Karen M. McDonald and Cumberland County Attorney Grainger Barrett both asked local-government employees to refrain from "frequent invocation of the name of Jesus."
"Who am I praying to, the wind?" asked Fayetteville Councilman D.J. Haire. "I think it's downright sickening what they want us to do."