THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Saturday, December 17, 1994            TAG: 9412160020
SECTION: FRONT                    PAGE: A12  EDITION: FINAL 
TYPE: Letter 
                                             LENGTH: Short :   28 lines

SCHOOLS FOR LEARNING, NOT PRAYER

Though prompted by good intention, introducing prayer into public schools would lead to misunderstanding, rivalry and intimidation. Individual and silent prayer will not promote respect for and insight into the beliefs of others, but will perpetuate intolerance.

Instead of personal prayer, why not dedicate the time to presentations on the world's religions and philosophies (to include agnosticism and atheism)? Isn't raising consciousness, morality and consideration more important than an opportunity to pray for an ``A'' on the next test or to win some athletic event?

Let schools be places for learning. Let our children know that another person's belief is special, that it should be respected and that separate mythologies can co-exist.

RICHARD JAMES DORN

Norfolk, Dec. 8, 1994 by CNB