William F. Smith: “It is vitally important to express the sense of Congress that voluntary prayers before athletic contests are appropriate…”

“It is vitally important to express the sense of Congress that voluntary prayers before athletic contests are appropriate and even beneficial. This type of prayer is not an unconstitutional establishment of religion. Rather, it is an appropriate and constitutional exercise of our freedom of religion. It is altogether appropriate before a hard-fought athletic contest to allow individuals involved to offer a prayer that acknowledges the presence of a supreme being, a reminder of the presence of a deity more powerful than the players on the field. Such a prayer can lead to better sportsmanship, fewer injuries, and could even uplift and inspire both prayers and spectators. The offering of a prayer should not be feared. Those who do not wish to participate do not need to. However, we should not constrain the actions of those who do want to participate. Voluntary, unofficial prayers before athletic contests were allowed and even encouraged for decades prior to a mid-1960s Supreme Court ruling by the most liberal court of this century. We are overdue in again recognizing the rights of individuals to offer prayers that can do many people much good.”