Issues@Hand

AFA initiatives, Christian activism, news briefs

December 2021 – For football players and cheerleaders in Putnam County, Tennessee, post-game prayer led by coaches was optional until Americans United for Separation of Church and State sent a written complaint to the district school board. In September, the district responded by acknowledging the importance of prayer in the lives of its students, then officially prohibiting prayer led by school personnel.

Athletes from across the district were undeterred by the ruling. Instead, they began to lead spontaneous prayer gatherings after their games and were joined by students, parents, and opposing players. On various social media sites, residents posted pictures of prayer gatherings on local football fields.

In one captioned photo, Putnam County Schools alum Bob Vicks wrote: “Satan’s power was defeated tonight, as the threat of a legal action to forbid prayer after the game was overwhelmed by player-led prayer supported by parents and fans in solidarity on Overall Field. God bless the Baxter and Stone players for their faith and courage.”

foxnews.com, 9/22/21; movieguide.org, 9/23/21