By Dustin Gardiner | The Arizona Republic
A sharply divided Phoenix City Council voted 5-4 Wednesday to stop having an opening prayer at council meetings and instead observe a “moment of silent prayer,” a move that blocks a group of Satanists from giving the invocation at its next formal meeting.
But the decision sparked protests from some residents and city leaders, who said having a moment of silence is akin to banning prayer and gives the Satanists a victory.