City Might End Its Jesus Prayer Ban

Correction: A previous version of this story incorrectly described proposed changes to the city's holiday parade guidelines. Instead of deleting a ban on entries that proselytize for religious, political or social viewpoints, it adds such a ban. However, the proposal would allow non-proselytizing expressions. 

Jesus and other religious figures would no longer be banned from official city prayers under a proposal being considered Tuesday by Laguna Niguel's City Council.

Mayor Gary Capata and Councilman Robert Ming have asked the council to reconsider the city's requirement that invocations be religiously neutral.

Specifically, the council will discuss deleting the following rules from its invocation guidelines:

• Invocations should not mention "Jesus Christ" and they should not contain language to the effect the invocation is given "in the name of Jesus Christ."

• Invocations should not refer to or be in the name of any religious figures.

• Invocations may include general references to "God" or a deity.

• Presenters should be inclusionary of the entire community, and touch the spiritual nature of all residents, regardless of their particular beliefs.

The proposal would also alter the city's holiday parade guidelines. Instead of the current ban on entries that express any political, religious or social viewpoints, the new policy would allow such expressions as long as they don't proselytize or attempt to win converts.

The City Council meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the  at City Hall, 30111 Crown Valley Parkway.