Council BANS Christian prayers ahead of meetings as 50-year tradition axed to boost 'equality and inclusivity'

St Albans City and District Council in the UK has voted to abolish Christian prayers before meetings in a move supporters claim promotes equality and inclusivity.

Councillors voted 25-20 in favour of removing the traditional religious practice last week.

The decision ends the 50-year tradition of beginning council meetings with Christian prayers.

It comes despite Christians still forming the largest religious group in the area.

The motion was proposed by Liberal Democrat councillor Sinéad Howland, who argued that prayers before meetings "may inadvertently exclude or alienate individuals of different faiths or those without religious beliefs".

She said the practice contradicted the council's commitment to "equality and inclusivity".