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PARLIAMENTARY PRAYERS

EDM (Early Day Motion) 1967A1: tabled on 17 January 2019

Tabled in the 2017-19 session.

This motion has been signed by 5 Members. It is an amendment to an existing motion.

This is an amendment to an existing motion

This motion was originally tabled by Crispin Blunt on 11 January 2019. This is amendment number 1.

View details of the original motion

Suggested amendment

Line 1, leave out from “House” to end and insert “recognises the importance of prayer to the work of Members, whatever their faith or beliefs; understands that prayers have been a central part of the work of this House since 1558, and that it has followed its present form since the reign of Charles II; commends the way in which the Speaker’s Chaplain leads prayers, which provide a time for reflection, perspective and calm ahead of the important work of the House; and recognises that Members are under no obligation to participate, should they object to such proceedings.”

Original motion text

That this House recognises that religious worship should not play any part in the formal business of the House of Commons; believes that parliamentary meetings should be conducted in a manner equally welcoming to all attendees, irrespective of their personal beliefs; further believes that Parliamentary Prayers are not compatible with a society which respects the principle of freedom of and from religion; urges that prayers should not form part of the official business of Parliament; and calls on the Procedure Committee to consider alternative arrangements.