Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Ross Alexander

Abstract

Over the past 50 years, there have been numerous lawsuits regarding religion and government. However, there has been little analysis of invocation practices. Other case studies examined invocations of one agency which identified the actions and phrases that led to claims of establishing religion. Therefore, city councils lacked direction to avoid invocation litigation and ensure public participation. Most city councils within Orange County, California, began their public meetings with an invocation. The remaining cities did not have a prayer, and one city had a moment of solemn expression. This qualitative study explored the impact of legislative prayer on meeting participants at city council meetings in one Southern California County and whether the words or actions of the legislative body violated the Establishment Clause. Secondly, the study examined the type of prayer or practices that would violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. This multiple case study examined the invocation policies and practices of the County's 34 cities. A sample of seven council members from six towns and five community members representing four other cities were interviewed. The use of policy feedback provided the councils with public perception. All participants indicated that the invocation set the tone for the meetings. Therefore, the elected leaders must consider how their actions and words influence the meeting. The council members suggested that the prayer was routine, but the public believed that the prayers were divisive for a lack of diversity and should cease. This study may create positive social change through encouraging policymakers to examine recent court cases and obtain public feedback to determine whether and how invocations should continue.

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