As a barrister I’m dismayed prayer is being removed from my profession

There’s no room for grace. That’s according to Lincoln’s Inn, one of the UK’s oldest legal institutions, which has decided to replace a prayer before meals with a humanistic reflection. Imogen Hill says the decision risks erasing centuries of history

One of the UK’s oldest legal institutions, Lincoln’s Inn, have recently decided that they will no longer use a Christian grace at meals, except after chapel. Master of the Rolls, Sir Geoffrey Vos, explained that their decision signifies “the importance we place in providing a setting in which all feel welcome.” The decision follows that by Tiverton Town Council, who recetly announced a similar move to axe prayers before the start of full council meetings.

The grace previously used before meals at Lincoln’s Inn was: “Lord God, Heavenly Father, bless us and these thy gifts which we receive from thy bountiful goodness, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.” Now, this will be replaced by a non-religious reflection: “In this moment of silence, let us give thanks for all that we are about to receive and for the company of this Honourable Society.”