Councillors at Reform UK-led Kent County Council have proposed introducing the Lord’s Prayer at the start of council meetings. Humanists UK says this would be a step backwards, as introducing prayers would not be inclusive of those of different religions and beliefs.

The question of whether to introduce prayers was considered at the Selection and Member Services Committee on 7 May, and despite concerns raised by some councillors, the motion was passed for it to be considered by the full council at a future date. Notably, the motion was passed with an amendment allowing the prayer to be broadcast in its livestream despite the Council’s Monitoring Officer advising that the Council could not legally do so.

Census data shows that fewer than half of Kent residents identify as Christian, while over four in ten identify with no religion, and many others are from minority religious or belief backgrounds. Between 2011 and 2021, the proportion of Kent residents identifying as Christian fell significantly. The Census question itself is also likely to understate the non-religious population: Humanists UK has long warned that asking ‘What is your religion?’ is a leading question that measures loose cultural affiliation rather than active belief or practice.

Other indicators point in the same direction, with Church of England attendance in the Diocese of Canterbury (which covers much of east Kent but not the whole county) well below pre-pandemic levels and long-term decline predating Covid.

The Local Government (Religious etc. Observances) Act 2015 gives English councils a specific statutory carve-out allowing prayers in formal business. It does not apply to Wales. In both England and Wales, councils must still avoid coercion, exclusion, or discrimination on religious or belief grounds.

Karen Wright, Director of Human Rights and Advocacy at Humanists UK, said:

‘Introducing the Lord’s Prayer before Kent County Council meetings would be a step backwards for inclusive local democracy. Council business should not exclude people on the basis of religion or belief.

‘Kent is not a Christian county. The Council’s own Census analysis shows that fewer than half of residents identify as Christian, while more than four in ten have no religion, alongside significant Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jewish, and other belief communities. That diversity should be reflected in how the Council conducts its business.’