It had long been the custom at Roane County High School to say a prayer and play the national anthem before school athletic events.

But several weeks ago, that practice ended. Principal Jody McLoud explained why to the crowd that had gathered for a football game.

In a few words, Mr. McLoud gave as good a summary as I have heard anywhere of the systematic effort to remove any trace of God and religion from our public life. That movement has, unfortunately, advanced steadily just as we see a continuing decline in morality in so many areas of American life.

Deeply impressed by what Mr. McCloud said, I had his remarks inserted in The Congressional Record. Here is what I shared with Congress and our nation:

MR.WAMP. Mr. Speaker, One of the most troubling aspects of contemporary life is the continuing assault on values and morals. Nowhere is that effort more apparent than the determined drive to eliminate any voluntary prayer in our schools or at school events, such as athletic games. Recently, a distinguished citizen of my community spoke out on this subject. Jody McLoud is the principal of Roane County High School and has been for 11 years. He has spent 24 years as a professional educator. His comments summarize the situation about as well as anyone can. I am privileged to place them into the record of the U.S. House of Representatives and urge everyone to read them carefully and pay heed. Here is what Mr. McLoud said.

"It has always been the custom at Roane County High School football games to say a prayer and play the National Anthem to honor God and Country. Due to a recent ruling by the Supreme Court, I am told that saying a prayer is a violation of Federal Case Law.

As I understand the law at this time, I can use this public facility to approve of sexual perversion and call it an alternate lifestyle, and if someone is offended, that's OK.

I can use it to condone sexual promiscuity by dispensing condoms and calling it safe sex. If someone is offended, that's OK.

I can even use this public facility to present the merits of killing an unborn baby as a viable means of birth control. If someone is offended, no problem.

I can designate a school day as earth day and involve students in activities to religiously worship and praise the goddess, mother earth, and call it ecology.

I can use literature, videos and presentations in the classroom that depict people with strong, traditional, Christian convictions as simple minded and ignorant and call it enlightenment.

However, it anyone uses this facility to honor God and ask Him to bless this event with safety and good sportsmanship, Federal Case Law is violated.

This appears to be at best, inconsistent and at worst, diabolical. Apparently, we are to be tolerant of everything and anyone except God and His commandments.

Nevertheless, as a school principal, I frequently ask staff and students to abide by rules with which they do not necessarily agree. For me to do otherwise would be at best, inconsistent and at worst, hypocritical. I suffer from that affliction enough unintentionally. I certainly do not need to add an intentional transgression.

For this reason, I shall, 'Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's,' and refrain from praying at this time. However, if you feel inspired to honor, praise and thank God, and ask Him in the name of Jesus to bless this event, please feel free to do so. As far as I know, that's not against the law----yet. We ought to obey God rather than men.