SPARTANBURG, S.C. - The Great Falls Town Council agreed Thursday to fight a decision by a three-judge panel of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that bars using the name of Jesus Christ in prayers before meetings.

The council agreed unanimously to ask for a rehearing at the court.

"I think we are doing what the majority of the people in our town would like for us to do," Great Falls Mayor H.C. Starnes said.

But legal experts say it's a long shot.

"Unless the decision is further reviewed or altered, this is the binding constitution rule in this region," said Andrew Siegel, an assistant professor of law at the University of South Carolina School of Law.

In 2001, Darla Kayne Wynne, who practices the Earth-centered Wicca religion, sued the Great Falls Town Council for invoking Jesus Christ during meetings. Wynne said council members used the prayers to draw attention to her religious beliefs and ostracize her.

Great Falls hasn't used the name of Jesus Christ in prayers since last August when U.S. District Judge Cameron McGowan of Rock Hill ruled the prayers violated the First Amendment's establishment of a religious clause.

"We are not using the name of Jesus in our prayers now because of a judge's decision," Starnes said. "But we want to."

The court decision has caused some local government leaders to deliberately disregard the decision.

Greer City Councilwoman Belle Mercado opened Tuesday's council meeting with a Christian prayer, knowing of the ruling. "I'm aware of it," Mercado said. "I was aware of it last night and I was aware of it before I did it."

Wellford Mayor Sallie Peake said she would not abide by the court's ruling. "Those atheists on the Supreme Court, don't they know the air they breathe comes from my Lord," Peake said.

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Information from: Herald-Journal, http://www.goupstate.com/