"invocation policy"

In 2016, after a resident ended an invocation with “hail Satan,” the assembly decided prayers before assembly meetings could only be delivered by leaders of recognized congregations that hold regular meetings in the borough.

Greece, New York, looks like your typical New England town: quiet tree-lined streets, modest ranch-style homes and a lot of churches. Nearly a decade ago, Greece made national headlines when two residents sued the city over the prayer that begins each town board meeting. They alleged the invocations, though technically open to all faiths, were almost exclusively Christian.

According to a memo from borough Mayor Mike Navarre’s office, the assembly has received “numerous comments challenging the legality” of the invocation policy.