Florida Baptist pastor Ron Baker has agreed not to hold his traditional before-school prayers on school grounds after Clay County officials determined the gatherings may give the impression of a government endorsement of religion. Baker previously sounded ready to defy county officials' request to stop leading the prayers directly before school, but has since changed his tune.
A release sent from the Clay County School Board Monday afternoon stated that Reverend Ron Baker would no longer hold his prayer sessions on school grounds at Caly Hill Elementary, Lake Asbury Elementary, Shadowlawn Elementary, and Charles E. Bennett Elementary. Reverend Baker may still conduct his prayer circle on property in close proximity to the schools, so long as he is off Clay County School Board Property.
School officials sounds hopeful this decision will avoid lengthy expensive litigation over the prayers with the Freedom From Religion Foundation.
