Terri Bonoff slams Rev. Dennis Campbell's Jesus talk in Senate

By Hart Van Denburg Wed., Mar. 16 2011 at 9:40 AM

Terri Bonoff takes on a controversial pastor and prayer.

The Rev. Dennis Campbell was pretty straight forward about what he expected out of state senators when he offered an opening prayer at their Monday session: Fealty to Jesus.

"And we pray, Lord, that you help us to show reverence to the Lord Jesus Christ and the word of God today," he said

But that's a problem if you're Jewish, like Sen. Terri Bonoff, Democrat of Minnetonka.

She's raising a stink because Campbell's prayer violated the simple request made of all faith leaders when they are invited to offer an invocation at the Capitol: Be polite and have some respect for everyone in the chamber.

"In an effort to be respectful of the religious diversity of our membership (Christian, Jewish and possibly others among them), we request that your prayer be interfaith and nonsectarian."

And that's a problem for Sen. David Brown, Republican of Becker. Us poor Christians are being persecuted, he told the Pioneer Press, because "there just seems to be intolerance for the name of Jesus on the Senate floor."

That persecution complex carried over to Bonoff's Facebook page, where some commenters cast themselves as victims. [Note: The comments were removed on Wednesday.]

Facebook

Since Campbell didn't see fit to respect all faiths with his prayer, Bonoff wants the Senate rules amended to "require" rather than "request" that all prayers non-sectarian. That should be an easy sell in a Legislature whose Republican majorities were elected with a big assist from conservative Christian groups.

Campbell, meanwhile, insists he meant no harm. "Christians love Jews," he told the Star Tribune.

Tags:

Rev. Dennis Campbell, Terri Bonoff

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Kbakaian

Cut the Rev some slack, after all this is a Christian country and Jews the ones who killed Jesus

Colorado Viper

Actually it wasn't all the Jews that crucified Jesus. It was a few misguided Temple priests that crucified Jesus because they were afraid that His growing reputation with the people would take away their power and wealth. An entire nation cannot be blamed for an act done by a few, much like we cannot blame all Germans for the acts perpetrated by Hitler.

Colorado Viper

I will repost what I just posted to 100,000 people worldwide on my forum concerning your ridiculous outcry over a Senate prayer."I don't really care what your religion is, if you cannot grasp the fact that a devout atheist like Thomas Jefferson can say "Jesus without a doubt is the greatest man that has ever walked the planet" then your a damn freak of nature and need to be shuttled off to the land of Zot.

Take all the hoopla away from the Bible/Tora/Quron and you end up with one guy speaking the truth about how we as humanity should deal with each other. That was Jesus Christ. Whether or not you believe He was the Messiah or the Son of Man (Gods son) is irrelevant. What He taught to the world in His time is highly relevant. It is undeniable truth.

So here's where I stand with this moron from Minnesota. You don't like prayer in the Senate? Fine .. go do something else because anyone that does not believe in the teachings of Christ needs to go work at McDonalds. Your morals are in question. Your very being is at question and I do not want you anywhere near my government. Your a feckless agent for all things evil and your motivations are transparent. "

Continue on Senator. You are doing a great dis-service to the people of Minnesota and your also doing a great dis-service to the United States. While we are at it please show us all where in the Constitution of the United States it says there shall be a separation between church and state. There is no such clause and there is no such amendment. The Constitution is quite clear as to religion. It simply states we have the right to pursue any form of religion we choose. Sleep through 4th grade Civics class did you? About time we elected folks to the Senate that have actually read the damn document they tout they uphold.

Nick

There is no reason for a governmental body open with a religious ceremony of any kind. Companies don't start the day with a prayer. You want a religious service? Go to a house of worship. Otherwise keep religion out of government period.

Colorado Viper

The only reason they pray is to ask for guidance in deliberation. It would seem to me the government could use a little more of it, not less. The point of my comment is one of concern that a member of my government disregards another's profound knowledge of decency. If someone cannot embrace the moral teachings that Jesus brought to humanity then I feel they have no place in my government. If you wish not to pray that is your choice. No one is holding a gun to your head to pray. If you wish to ignore the teachings of someone, that in my opinion spoke very eloquently on the subject of common decency towards others, that is a serious flaw in your ability to lead others.

Katya

Totally agree. Likewise, if you can't accept the "undeniable truth" of my prophet Mohammed, get out of the government. And if you don't want to hear a prayer to Allah before the legislative session, go work at McDonalds.

Valerie

Let's see if she is saying do not say Jesus when she is judge by the God that made her.I don't think she will like her judgement or maybe that is where she wants to spend eternity.

Unclestupidhead

No stones till I blow the whistle..

This guy said Jesus in public! Stone him!

webcelt

Christians are the most persecuted ruling majority in history.

Andrew

Wow. This brings up a really interesting idea we should consider implementing: separation of church and state. What a thought...

John

Moslems (sic) support the gay agenda? Wow. News to me.

BahamaValF

Sounds right to me they are an evil bunch and want the world to live by what they want and their laws. Sad to see it happening too all over the world. Freedom will soon be a thing of the pass.