Utoo Radio - April 11, 2024 - Manitoba's Premier Wab Kinew is seeking to update the prayer recited in the legislature to be more inclusive of people who practice faiths other than Christianity and those who hold no faith at all.

The current prayer, adopted in 1937, has only had minor changes since then. Kinew invited faith leaders and other Manitobans to rethink the words of the prayer, which the Speaker of the House recites at the start of every session at the Manitoba Legislature.

Any change to the prayer will require the consensus of other parties, and the decision will be left to the legislature's rules committee, which is chaired by the Speaker.

The Tories wouldn't reveal their stand on a revised prayer, but stressed a non-partisan process is needed for any changes.

Kinew believes that a refresh of the legislature's prayer could be an opportunity for Manitoba to rise to the challenge of becoming more inclusive.

He believes that the province has shown fit to let its democratic institutions evolve, and that a refresh of the legislature's prayer could be an opportunity for the province to rise to the challenge of becoming more inclusive.

The full text of the daily prayer:

“O Eternal and Almighty God, from whom all power and wisdom come, we are assembled here before Thee to frame such laws as may tend to the welfare and prosperity of our province.

Grant O merciful God we pray Thee, that we may desire only that which is in accordance with Thy will, that we may seek it with wisdom and know it with certainty and accomplish it perfectly.

 For the glory and honour of Thy name and for the welfare of all our people. Amen.”