Edward M. Kennedy: “I think in a very short time the Senate will have an opportunity to express its view on the amendment of the Senator…”

“I think in a very short time the Senate will have an opportunity to express its view on the amendment of the Senator from North Carolina, and also an alternative view that will encourage individuals in schools to take time for meditation, reflection, contemplation, or perhaps even a silent prayer. I can remember back in 1962 when the Supreme Court actually made the decision on the prayer-in-school question. At that time, President Kennedy addressed the country and talked about the importance of prayer in the family and how important that dimension was in terms of individuals, in terms of families, and in terms of the spiritual well-being and life of individuals in this country. He also reminded the American people of the role of the churches and the synagogues across this Nation, how important it was that all of us as individuals support those efforts, and how important it was that those great institutions have a powerful impact on the lives of all of us.”