The National Secular Society this week applied to the High Court to have council prayers declared Â unlawful. If the society wins the case it would create a precedent that would be binding on other councils.

After weeks of exhausting preparation, the papers were lodged at the High Court for a “Judicial Review between the Queen (on the Application of the National Secular Society) and Bideford Town Council”.

The Council has until mid-August to decide whether to stop prayers or fight the case. Said NSS Executive Director Keith Porteous Wood:

We know that the Christian Institute and Christian Concern have been in touch with Bideford Council. So Bideford will be well supported financially, and the NSS is getting dug in for what could be a long and expensive fight – its initial budget is for Â£25,000 but this will rise with appeals, which are likely.

Even if Bideford do not fight, we will find quickly move on to a council that will – there are thousands to choose from. So the NSS is starting a fighting fund. We hope you will make a donation to the fund.

He added:

We would like to thank Brighton and Hove Humanist Society who unanimously voted for a Â£500 contribution to our fighting fund. We still have a long way to go towards our Â£25,000 target and would like to encourage other groups and individuals to match Brighton’s glowing example. This would be a tangible way of expressing your support for our work on this case which goes to the very heart of secularism in public life and, if successful will set a key precedent.Â We get numerous letters expressing admiration for, and appreciation of, our work; contributing to the fund would be a tangible way of expressing your thanks, and it would be very much appreciated.

Please make a donation securely online here, or by sending a cheque to NSS at NSS Fighting Fund, 25 Red Lion Square, London WC1R 4RL.

NSS President Terry Sanderson added:

We must grasp this rare opportunity to make public life more secular and do our very best to win. Your contribution will go to help ensure that.

Earlier this year, the Anglican Bishop of Shrewsbury strongly defended Bideford council’s “right” to say prayers before its meetings.

According to this report, the Rt Revd Mark Rylands said: