Manitoba legislature prayer may be changed to be more inclusive, premier says

Wab Kinew, the Premier of Manitoba, Canada, has expressed his openness to considering changes to the current prayer that is recited before each sitting of the Manitoba Legislative Assembly, with the aim of making it more inclusive. The current prayer invokes God's blessings upon the members of the assembly and the province.

Kinew, who is an Indigenous person and a practicing Catholic, acknowledged the importance of preserving the space for those who hold religious beliefs, including himself. However, he also expressed the need to make the prayer more inclusive of individuals who do not hold such beliefs or follow different faiths.

The call for change comes amidst growing discussions around inclusivity and diversity in various aspects of society, including religious practices. In recent years, there have been similar debates in other Canadian provinces, such as Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador, regarding the role of prayer in their respective legislative assemblies.

It is important to note that the current prayer is optional for members of the assembly. Those who do not wish to participate can choose to remain silent or leave the chamber during the prayer. However, some individuals have expressed their concerns about feeling excluded or out of place due to the religious nature of the prayer.

The Manitoba government has not yet announced any specific plans or timeline regarding changes to the prayer. The Premier has stated that he will consult with various stakeholders, including religious leaders and members of the public, before making any decisions.

It is worth mentioning that similar debates around legislative prayers have occurred in other jurisdictions around the world. For instance, in the United States, some state legislatures have adopted nondiscriminatory prayers or moments of silence, while others continue to recite Christian prayers. In the United Kingdom, the House of Commons has had a tradition of silent reflection since 2011, replacing the daily Christian prayer.

In conclusion, Premier Wab Kinew of Manitoba has expressed his intention to explore ways of making the current legislative prayer more inclusive while preserving the space for those who hold religious beliefs. The consultation process is ongoing, and no specific changes have been announced yet. The debate around legislative prayers reflects broader discussions around inclusivity and diversity in various aspects of society.