Senator Ed Murray Censoring Prayer?

As the Washington State Senate launched its 2013 session, some are offended by the opening prayer. They say it made a negative reference to same-sex marriage.

Senator Ed Murray released a statement saying it was "regrettable that we begin the 2013 session on a divisive note."

So what part of Pastor Jon Sanne's prayer was "regrettable"? And "divisive."


Sen. Kevin Ranker, D-Orcas Island, joined Murray calling the prayer "polarizing language."

The "polarizing" and "regrettable" language that pastor Jon Sanne of Calvary Chapel of Olympia used was this phrase:

"Strengthen marriage as You ordained it for our good and Your glory."

Murray told the Seattle Times it was a "loaded phrase" and "has no business being included in a prayer before this institution."

Does Senator Murray feel the Senate or "institution" is above biblical truth or above freedom of religious expression by a Christian pastor?

Or is he simply so consumed with himself and his agenda and empowered with recent success to the degree that he can't be bothered by people who hold a different worldview than his own?

And does anyone think Senator Murray may be overreacting a bit?

This is only the beginning.

Sen. Murray and his homosexual activist colleagues in the legislature and the Governor's office have not hesitated to revise what Scripture actually teaches about homosexual behavior and stand against the teaching of their own church in order to affirm their sexual behavior. Why would we be surprised that he and others would try to censor prayers given by local pastors?

This same arrogance is playing out on a national level in regard to President Obama's upcoming Inauguration. A pastor who had been invited to give the benediction has now been asked to withdraw. Why? Because of his biblical teaching on the subject of homosexuality.

I will write about that tomorrow.

Be Vigilant. Be Discerning. Be Prayerful. Be Active. Be Blessed.