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Spokesman Says Prayer At Public School Event Was A Mistake

SABILLASVILLE, Md. (AP) -- A Frederick County Public Schools spokesman says a prayer said by a local Methodist minister at an elementary school assembly was a mistake.

Michael Doerrer told The Frederick News-Post Tuesday that the invocation conflicted with a policy that forbids school employees from encouraging religious activities. In his invocation, the Rev. Bob Kells asked God to re-energize the school community.

Doerrer says the administration will ask the principal of Sabillasville Elementary School why Kells was asked to speak at the school's 50th anniversary celebration last week.

Principal Kate Krietz told the News-Post the invocation was included because it was a special event. She said Kells and members of his church volunteer at the school.

County schools Superintendent Terry Alban and school board President Brad Young attended the assembly.

(Copyright 2015 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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