McDonnell reverses policy on prayers

Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) has quietly reversed a policy banning Virginia State Police troopers from referring to Jesus Christ in public prayers, according to reporter Anita Kumar.

McDonnell sent Col. W. Steven Flaherty, the State Police superintendent, Wednesday afternoon to tell the eight troopers who serve as chaplains about the change in policy.

"The Governor does not believe the state should tell chaplains of any faith how to pray,'' McDonnell spokesman Tucker Marin said. "Religious officials of all faiths should be allowed to pray according to the dictates of their own conscience, and in accordance with their faith traditions, while being respectful of the faith traditions of others.”

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