http://www.ktvb.com/story/news...ndu-prayer/24329503/
BOISE -- The Idaho Senate convened Tuesday with a Hindu prayer for the first time since Idaho acquired statehood in 1890, drawing objections from at least three lawmakers who refused to attend the invocation.
Rajan Zed, guest chaplain, gave a lengthy prayer in both English and Sanskrit that focused on selflessness and peace. Senators from both sides of the aisle shook his hand and thanked him for coming.
However three lawmakers, all Republican, only came back onto the floor once the prayer was over: Sens. Steve Vick, Sheryl Nuxoll and Lori Den Hartog.
Vick said he walked out of the Senate chambers before the prayer started because he opposes a "government endorsement" of Zed's religion.
"I chose to do a more vocal form of protest because I don't want to be seen as Idaho endorsing that," he said. "I don't want to be seen as our country moving away from our Judeo-Christian traditions toward Hindu traditions by elevating him and this religion in that way."
Nuxoll says she declined to attend because she believes the United States is a Christian nation.
Vick had announced his objections the day before, saying that he would ask his colleagues to join him. Hartog said it would've been disingenuous to her Christian faith to attend.
Zed said he had never seen anyone walk out of his prayer before. But the chaplain brushed off the slight, noting that most of the legislators welcomed him warmly.
"We all have different viewpoints, and that is wonderful, that is what makes our country great," he said.
Zed said he believed members of different religions can work together toward common goals, even if they do not share the same faith.
"It is good to know about others these days," he said. "We are all looking for the truth. If we can join our resources together, we can reach there faster."
