Tega Cay to restore controversial monument with officer's prayer after backlash

TEGA CAY, S.C. — A monument placed outside a new police department in Tega Cay will be restored after its controversial removal.

It contained a prayer often called “The Officer's Prayer,” which was initially edited by city leaders because some were offended by the word "Lord," Channel 9 reported Monday.

[PAST COVERAGE: Tega Cay removes controversial monument offering prayer for officers]

“After careful consideration and much conversation with people on both sides of the discussion, City Council has made the decision that the Police Officer's Prayer will be restored to its original condition and returned to the Fallen Officers’ Memorial located at the new police station,” the city of Tega Cay posted on social media.

The Women's Club of Tega Cay donated the 4-foot stone for the city's new police department. It is part of a memorial to fallen officers.

The city said it will put the monument back in its original location and condition, including the officer's prayer.

The monument will not be exactly as it was before, though. There was a Bible verse from Matthew on the front side of it, which has been removed.

Just in. Tega Cay will put the monument back outside of the police department in its original condition including the officers prayer. pic.twitter.com/qSZSnr81JN
— Greg Suskin (@GSuskinWSOC9) July 26, 2019

Full statement from Tega Cay:

After careful consideration and much conversation with people on both sides of the discussion, City Council has made the decision that the Police Officer's Prayer will be restored to its original condition and returned to the Fallen Officers’ Memorial located at the new police station. We want to thank everyone for voicing your opinion, as it’s not always easy to do so on such a sensitive subject.

As Mr. Dunn stated before Council on July 15th, none of what has transpired was an attack on our Police Department or anyone’s faith. Our City Council and citizens have always been strong supporters of the men and women in blue. We’d like to thank Mr. Dunn and the others who spoke before Council. The respectful exchange of ideas and opinions is truly what makes local government extraordinary.

This was a tough week in Tega Cay. It is our hope that we can now move forward together and continue to be the strong, welcoming community that we have always been known for. Regardless of our different viewpoints, our people are what truly makes this City such a wonderful place.

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