MEMBERS of Romsey Town Council debated if prayers still have a place in their proceedings, but could not agree after nearly twenty minutes of discussion.

Prayers were on the agenda at the latest Romsey Town Council meeting on Tuesday, November 12 as councillors debated whether or not they should still be said.

The Mayor, councillor John Parker, introduced the motion saying there had been concern amongst some councillors that prayers only benefitted the Christian community and excluded other beliefs.

Read more: Braishfield Flower Arrangement Society demo delights members.

Cllr Parker said: "I think there's a general feeling, particularly at the parish level, that prayers do not have a particular place on the agenda of parish, or town councils."

The council leader suggested that Romsey Town Council move to Hampshire County Council's style, which would be to hold prayers before meetings, should anyone want to hear them.

Councillor Cooper was amongst those who were critical of prayers but believed people should either be able to step outside or arrange a non-disruptive alternative.

Cllr Cooper said: "My personal feeling is that I'd rather they weren't there at all, I don't see that prayers and religion have anything to do with civics: they are distinct and separate things. Although, a religious person would tell you that their religion permeates everything they do in their lives."

The Mayor asserted Revd. Thomas Wharton, Romsey Abbey, would support the council's decision, following concerns it could receive backlash from Romsey's Christian community.

Cllr Janet Burnage was concerned about alienating Romsey's Christian, said: "I feel like we do a lot of work with the church and... as Thomas [Wharton] alluded to they'll respect our wishes, but I'm just not quite comfortable with it."

READ MORE: Post Office in Hampshire town at risk of closure with jobs put at risk

Cllr John Ray was worried about the loss of tradition and said: "We are losing our traditions and, if you don't like it, stand outside. This is a Christian country, we're forgetting this and I just think that it would be a shame to lose that."

Councillors John Critchley and Colin Burgess thought prayers should be removed from the summons altogether and supported Cllr Christopher Birkett, who wanted to see them modernized and made more inclusive.

Councillor Gidley said the church had a civic function, and a large role in the town and asserted Romsey did not have a diverse religious community.

She said: "We work with what we have which is, basically, a variety of different forms of Christian faith."