Rucks Russell's 11 News report

Brazoria is bending no more when it comes to prayer in schools. The city council adopted a resolution the week that asks for public schools to reinstate prayer in the classroom.

“I want prayer in all the schools throughout the United States of America,” said Brazoria Mayor Ken Corley. “I think there is a greater majority of people who want prayer in our schools.”

The non-binding resolution is a new stand on an old topic, pitting separation of church and state advocates vs. those who think state sanctioned prayer in the classroom is essential for the community.

Corley expects opposition to the idea that there be a set aside time for a prayer in the classroom.

“To those family members that don’t want their children to be subject to prayer, turn deaf’s ear,” said the mayor.

The debate has raged in this area before at all levels including the U.S. Supreme Court that ruled in 2000 against the Santa Fe school district for promoting structured prayer at high school football games.

That will not likely deter city leaders in Brazoria who just a few months ago proposed outlawing the use of the “N-word” in the city. After much debate, that proposal failed, but there is plenty of support behind the latest resolution in the city.

Mainly because there are more than 70 churches in the area, packed with worshipers many who are potential backers.

“I hope they can see that this is the right thing to do and that we as a nation unify behind it whether we write it as a law or not,” said Rev. Dale Frankum of Brazoria First Assembly Church.

That was the sentiment of a number of parents of a local elementary school.

The same in Austin where it just so happens that lawmakers are considering a bill that would in affect reinstate structured prayer. Current law permits a moment of silence.