LOUDON, Tenn. (AP) - A secular group has sent letters to the city and county school boards in Loudon County, demanding an end to invocations offered at board meetings.

American United, a Washington, D.C., organization whose website says it is dedicated to separation of church and state, contends the Loudon County the Lenoir City school boards are violating the First Amendment establishment clause by allowing prayer.

Lenoir City school board Chairwoman Rosemary Quillen said the board is following the law and said none of the school board members are praying. Americans United contends that by allowing others to pray, the board still violates the law.

County school board chairman Bobby Johnson Jr. said it is important to follow the law, but noted local people are telling the board to not back down.

Information from: The Knoxville News Sentinel, http://www.knoxnews.com

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