ROCK HILL, S.C.  A federal judge ruled that Great Falls Town Council members cannot invoke the name of Jesus Christ or any other specific deity during prayers offered before council meetings, The (Rock Hill) Herald reported.
Judge Cameron McGowan ruled on a lawsuit filed against the town by Wiccan high priestess and Great Falls resident Darla Kaye Wynne, who claimed the council violated the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution by using the name of Jesus in prayers.
Mayor H.C. Starnes Jr. said the council will comply with the judge's ruling but will appeal. He said prayers mentioning Jesus have been offered "ever since we've had a council." The town was incorporated in 1968.
"This potentially could have a snowball effect for every city council, county council and school board around," said Brian Gibbons, town council attorney.
