Coach unjustly fired after letting football players pray

I'd like to express my concern on the issue about how Arizona high school football coach Gary Weiss was fired because he refused to stop his football team from praying voluntarily.

As a Christian, I'd like to give my opinion on this issue. Telling someone to stop their prayers is a violation of the First Amendment (freedom of religion). Gary Weiss was verbally attacked because he believed that his football team should pray if they choose to. Gary should not have to force his football team to stop praying.

Thomas Jefferson did not sign the Bill of Rights just to have his name on it. No. He signed the Bill of Rights so all could have the religious freedom to pray, to go to church, and to worship their God.

Therefore, Gary Weiss should not be persecuted for believing that he has this right to pray whenever he wants to pray. If a man chooses to pray and let his football team pray, then why stop them from doing so?

Yes, Gary had all sorts of players from different religious backgrounds, but they wanted to pray. They believed in their prayers, and had faith that they would win their football games.

Gary didn't force them to pray, they prayed voluntarily. I find that firing Gary was unjustified. Thomas Jefferson signed the Bill of Rights so not only Gary but others could have this religious freedom. I will continue to support Gary and the freedom of praying.

Jenny Serafino

Bradenton

This story was originally published November 20, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Coach unjustly fired after letting football players pray ."