The pastor at Winter Park Christian Church upset some Senate Democrats during the morning prayer Thursday when he asked the Lord to give lawmakers the courage to vote “not according to cultural acceptance, but according to whatap right before you.”
Sen. Pat Steqdman (CGA)
Sen. Pat Steadman, who is gay, said the speech “crossed a line” but Republicans disagreed. Some said during the decade when Democrats were in charge there were some prayers they didn’t care for. If that were the case, Steadman said, Republicans should have said something at the time.
“The morning prayer,” the Denver Democrat said, “should not be something that divides us.”
Senate President Bill Cadman, R-Colorado Springs, said he didn’t see a problem with the prayer from Pastor Doug Toller.
“He said let your faith guide you,” Cadman said. “Isn’t that what we do, on good days and bad?”
Toller could not be reached for comment.
Senate President Bill Cadman lights the first of three candles during his open day speech Jan. 7 in the Colorado Senate. (Andy Cross, The Denver Post)
Cadman and Steadman have a strong working relationship. During Cadman’s opening day speech he lit a candle in honor of Steadman’s late partner, Dave Misner, who died of pancreatic cancer in 2013.
They pair met in Cadman’s office after the Senate adjourned to discuss Steadman’s concerns about the prayer.
“I’ve figured out my own solution,” was all Steadman said afterward.
In his prayer, Toller asked God to give lawmakers insight to “clearly understand” the bills before them, and foresight so they could see the impact of legislation on Coloradans now and for future generations.
“And Lord,” Toller said, “I pray for courage that they might vote in a way thatap not according to the culture acceptance, but according to whatap right before you so we can experience your blessing on us.”
Sen. Linda Newell, D-Littleton, said that comment offended her and others. She also said it was tantamount to “lobbying on the floor,” which is not allowed.
Steadman agreed. “He was telling us how to vote,” he said.
The Pledge of Allegiance follows the prayer, and Steadman loudly accentuated the final two words.”
“With liberty and justice FOR ALL,” said Steadman.
“And not just for some,” Newell loudly added.
