HARRISBURG -- Even though a Washington, D.C., group may sue the state Senate over its longtime policy of starting legislative sessions with prayer, Senate President Pro Tem Joe Scarnati is vowing to stick with the practice.

"Make no mistake about it, I will battle to protect the right of prayer as an integral part of our Senate proceedings," he said yesterday.

He has received a letter from Americans United for Separation of Church and State questioning the Senate's practice of opening each session with a prayer. The group threatened a lawsuit to stop the practice.

Mr. Scarnati, R-Jefferson, said in a news release he was "disappointed and appalled" that this "anti-religious" group would take such a stand.

"Perhaps 'appalled' is not a strong enough word to describe my concerns over such an unreasonable claim," he said. "I certainly believe in the longstanding tradition of prayer in the Capitol."

In a letter to Americans United, Mr. Scarnati maintained that the prayer "is entirely consistent" with state and federal constitutions.

"There is no compelling reason to discontinue a practice that many find uplifting and that adds needed perspective to our responsibilities," he said.

He said the religious leaders who give the prayers come from "all denominations and faiths." It's "a very diverse group of individuals," he said. For example, on Tuesday, the opening prayer will be given by Sensei Anthony Stultz of the Blue Mountain Lotus Society, a Buddhist group in the Harrisburg area.