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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Guest ministers leading prayers in the Ohio House are violating guidelines by evangelizing and speaking on political topics, the House clerk warned.
The issue reached a tipping point Wednesday when the Rev. Keith Hamblen, pastor of Calvary Bible Church in Lima, referred to Jesus more than once, spoke favorably of church schools and mentioned bills up for debate that day.
Two lawmakers walked out in protest, and House Clerk Laura Clemens sent a memo reminding lawmakers of the rules. House guidelines require guest ministers' prayers to be nonsectarian and nonproselytizing. They are also supposed to be submitted three days in advance for review.
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