To the editor:

Here we go again concerning prayer in school. This is in regard to a recent letter to the editor advocating this practice.

It has never been wrong to pray as stated in the aforementioned letter. It has only been required not to make a united display of prayer in public schools, where many and diverse beliefs exist.

I attended a Catholic school were we prayed several times a day out loud and together. As we were all of one religious denomination, this was fine.

It's totally different from prayer in public schools where some may not wish to pray at all.

A child's character is pretty much formed by first grade, and this sort of activity will do little to alter it.

It is high self-esteem which derives mostly from how much unconditional love one receives from parents that will be the most effective in curbing many of the ills of society like drug abuse.

Keep prayer out of public schools altogether or risk eliminating this society's freedom from religious coercion.

KAREN ROBERTS

Cape Girardeau