Marine Corps veteran and football coach Joe Kennedy is well-loved by the students of Bremerton High School in Washington state. For the past nine years, the Christian coach has made it a tradition to offer a prayer to God after each game.
However, two atheists recently complained to the school about Kennedy's prayers. The coach was immediately told by the school administrator to stop this religious act or risk termination from his job, according to Atty. Rachel Alexander in an article she wrote for The Christian Post.
Kennedy defended his action, saying his prayers were optional. But one of the team captains rejected his explanation and pressed his complaint. Because of this, the school prohibited Kennedy not only from leading his team in prayer but from even bowing his head in prayer as well.
"The absurdity of this censorship can be seen when contrasting it with other situations where a student might find something offensive," said Alexander. "One student might be offended by a coach spitting. Or saying a swear word. Or rubbing him hard on the head. The possibilities are endless of what the coach might do, that one or two players might deem distasteful," she added.
Alexander said she could not believe that after nine years of praying after each game, the coach was suddenly prevented from performing a religious by two atheists, who were able to get the support of the school administrators. "It is frightening that such a simple thing — voluntary, un-coerced, after-game prayer — should be attacked so ferociously," she said.
However, Alexander said something amazing happened after Kennedy was barred from praying. After last Friday night's game, Kennedy gave a speech but did not pray because of the warning he received. However, to the coach's amazement, his supporters, including some members of his own team, surprised him by saying a prayer for him.
The team said The Lord's Prayer while other supporters met on the 50-yard line and sang four verses from the song "Amazing Grace."
