Lawmakers want to make Statehouse chapel permanent

A painting depicting Jesus in prayer is on display in a prayer

Several Kansas lawmakers are pushing a bill this year that would make a prayer and meditation room in the Statehouse a permanent fixture.

The House Federal and State Affairs Committee held a hearing Tuesday on H.B. 2075, establishing the “capitol meditation room.”

The room is located on the second floor of the Capitol, across the hall to the north of the governor’s office. In 2012, lawmakers considered a bill to set aside a room in the capitol for prayer and meditation. It passed the House by a vote of 107-17 but later died in the Senate. Instead, Gov. Sam Brownback made available a room that had been designated for part of his office staff.

Former Rep. Arlen Seigfried, a former Republican majority leader who sponsored the 2012 bill, testified in favor of the bill, saying it would place the designation into statute and ensure that a future governor could not dismantle the room simply by executive order. He said that setting aside time for prayer and personal reflection had been important to him as a legislator.

Committee chairman Steve Brunk, R-Wichita, also testified in favor, saying it would be the “easiest” bill the committee is likely to consider this year. And in response to a question from Rep. Stephanie Clayton, R-Overland Park, he assured committee members that the room was non-denominational and did not contain decorations that favored one religion over another.

But an inspection of the room later in the day revealed that it is, in fact, decorated with several paintings and other items depicting Judeo-Christian themes, including a painting of Jesus, bathed in a shower of light, kneeling in prayer; another depicting Moses before the burning bush; and still another depicting Moses beside the Ark of the Covenant. There is also a green and white flag with the words “appeal to heaven” over a pine tree.

No one testified in opposition to the bill. Brunk said he intends to bring the bill up for a vote in committee at a later date so it can be voted on by the full House.

A painting depicting Jesus in prayer is on display in a prayer

This painting depicting Moses next to the Ark of the Covenant is on display in a non-denominational prayer and meditation room in the Kansas Statehouse.