UK House of Commons disallows Hindu prayer

NEW YORK: The UK House of Commons has denied a request for reading the opening prayer by Rajan Zed, the Hindu chaplain who came to attention for reading the first Hindu prayer in the US Senate in July.

In a reply to Zed's request, Angus Sinclair, secretary to the speaker of the House of Commons, wrote, "Since 1660, and without exception, prayers have been conducted by the Church of England, a Protestant denomination with the Christian faith. The Church of England is the established Church of the United Kingdom and any change to the prayers could only occur after much parliamentary debate which would precede consultation with the Sovereign, Queen Elizabeth the Second."

"Please understand that there is no compulsion for members of Parliament to attend prayers," Sinclair added.

In another communication on the issue, Pamela Carrington, Rector's Secretary, St Margaret's Church, Westminster Abbey, said, "Canon Wright (Canon Robert Wright, the Speaker's Chaplain) asked me to say that, regrettably, this is not possible - Prayers in the Chamber are always said by the Anglican Chaplain."

Based in Reno, Nevada, Zed has also recited Hindu prayers in California State Senate, Nevada State Senate and Nevada State Assembly this year. He is active in interfaith dialogue in the region.