Court ruling leaves Ryedale prayers in the balance (From York Press)

Court ruling leaves Ryedale prayers in the balance

5:22pm Friday 10th February 2012 in News By Dan Bean, dan.bean@thepress.co.uk

A LANDMARK ruling at the High Court today means a North Yorkshire Council may have to reconsider starting meetings with prayers from church ministers.

Mr Justice Ouseley today ruled that Bideford Council in Devon had no statutory powers to hold prayers during council meetings, following a complaint from a councillor who was a member of the National Secular Society.

Ryedale District Council faced a challenge to its prayers last summer and is now considering its next steps.

Last July, a council vote on whether to continue with the tradition, which has been in place since 1974, ruled by majority in favour of retaining the prayers.

The ruling at the High Court stated: "The saying of prayers in a local authority chamber before a formal meeting of such a body is lawful provided councillors are not formally summoned to attend".

Anthony Winship, solicitor for Ryedale District Council, said today: "We are carefully considering the judgement and need a bit of time to do so.

“We are also waiting for confirmation as to whether there will be an appeal, because I understand that leave to appeal was given [to Bideford Council].”

Councillor Tommy Woodward, who tabled last year’s Ryedale motion, praised the High Court ruling. He added: “My argument is they should have them before the meeting, then summon everyone. One of the councillors at the time argued no-one would come. Well that shows how important they are.”

Coun Woodward also said he would re-table the motion to have the prayers held separately at next month’s council meeting, if the council had not already decided to do so.