‘Tools of Satan’ prayer comment at Montgomery County Commissioners Court meeting offends residents, officials

From Conroe Courier By Catherine Dominguez | Posted: Monday, April 6, 2015 5:08 pm

The traditional prayer before the Montgomery County Commissioners Court meeting Monday was the focus of several audience members and elected officials after the prayer verbiage referred to those who oppose the $350 million road bond as “tools of Satan” and prayed for voters to pass the referendum on the May 9 ballot.

The prayer has historically been given by a volunteer in the audience at the request of the county judge before the pledges to the United States and Texas flags at the start of each meeting.Mary Hammer Menzel, who regularly volunteers to lead the prayer, used the verbiage that seemed to shock some audience members. However, Menzel said she stood by the prayer.

“That’s their problem, not mine,” she said of those offended. “I like to exercise my rights as a Christian.”

Montgomery County District Attorney Brett Ligon, who was on the agenda to recognize National Crime Victim’s Rights Week April 19-25, first addressed the court and said the prayer should not divide people but should bring them together.

Laura Fillault, who spoke during public comment, took exception to the prayer.

“I am not a ‘tool of Satan,’” she said. “I do not appreciate that part of the prayer. I believe that Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior as well and I am not speaking for or against him because I believe he is worried about other things besides a road bond.

“It’s a road bond, not a satanic ritual.”

However, Precinct 1 Commissioner Mike Meador said Menzel should not be criticized.

“She does a great job when she is called on,” he said. “To criticize a personal prayer is wrong; it’s offensive.”

It was not the first time Menzel mentioned the road bond in her prayer.

“Father, I want to lift up this road bond to you and just ask you to help the people realize this county has got to have ways to get around,” she said during the prayer before the commissioners’ March 24 meeting. “With 1,250 people coming to Texas every day, 90 percent of them coming to Montgomery County … we’ve got to have the ability to move traffic.”

County Judge Craig Doyal said he was surprised by Menzel’s prayer. He added that the county may look at a different system to find volunteers for future meetings.