Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing

December 14, 2006

Mr. Henry Beissel
President, Secular Ontario

Dear Mr. Beissel

Thank you for your letter of November 17, 2006, regarding recitation of the Lord's Prayer at the opening of municipal council meetings.

I am aware of the 1999 court decision affecting the practice of reciting the Lord's Prayer at local council meetings in the Town of Penetanguishene.

Municipalities are responsible and accountable locally for interpreting and complying with court decisions. Out of respect for the local level of government, it has not been the practice of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing to advise municipalities of court decisions or to comment on them. I am aware of the 1999 court decision affecting the practice of reciting the Lord's Prayer at local council meetings in the Town of Penetanguishene.

Thank you for taking the time to share your views with me.

Sincerely,

(signature)

John Gerretsen Minister