A North Carolina county is asking the Supreme Court to overturn a ruling that bans prayer in Jesus name from its board members.

The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners had been opening its meetings with prayers that refer to Jesus Christ.

In July, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of two residents who said the prayers favored Christianity over other religions.

The Alliance Defense Fund, which is representing the county, said the High Court should decide whether public bodies are required to find out in advance what will be said in prayers that precede their meetings.

County Commissioner Vice Chair Debra Conrad said clergy of other faiths were also welcome to pray at the meetings.