Hundreds of people met at a rally earlier this month to defend their right to pray inside a mall in Georgia after security officials stopped a women’s power walk group from praying at the venue in July. Dublin Girls Run had been meeting at Dublin Mall every week since November 2013 after their routine power walk, which began with a prayer each time. However, in early August, the group’s prayer was interrupted by a security guard who insisted that the women would have to discontinue their practice at the mall.
“The security guard came running toward us and said, ‘You are not allowed to pray at the mall. That’s against the policy.’ I told him we’ve been praying since last November and no one said anything about it. We’ve never had any problems,” said group leader Tammy Brantley.
The guard informed the women that the mall had objected to another group proselytizing shoppers, to which the women said that all they were doing was praying quietly in a corner. When they asked to meet with the manager of the mall, he reportedly affirmed the policy.
“The mall manager verified that prayer is not allowed at the mall because this is private property,” Brantley explained.
The issue started making headlines soon and that is when MCK Properties, owners of the mall, clarified that they take no issue with prayers at the location as long as those who are not interested in similar activities are not made to feel compelled in joining in.
“The mall at first has no issues or objection whatsoever with anyone of any religion denomination privately and quietly praying over their food before they eat or showing devotion towards their religion of choice, provided it does not impose itself on others or take away from the overall shopping experience.... The information might have been not communicated properly and we’ve certainly handled that internally with our management and we apologize for that,” said John Engler, vice president of MCK Properties.
Recently, a prayer rally was organized at Dublin Mall by those who wish to pray freely wherever they like. Approximately, 300 residents assembled at the venue. While some held up placards, others delivered speeches but in the end, everyone joined in prayer.
Brantley, who was overwhelmed with the support, said, “I’m just really just in awe, just amazed. And I just know that God is just so pleased with us, and for that I am touched.”
Photo Credit: Fellowship of the Minds
