Roman Catholic bishops in Missouri are urging voters to approve a state constitutional amendment in favor of public prayer.

The proposed "right to pray" amendment to the state's constitution would allow residents to pray in public as long as it does not disturb the peace.

The measure also says students may express their religious beliefs in school and cannot be compelled to participate in assignments that violate those beliefs.

The bishops say the amendment is needed because religious values are increasingly "becoming marginalized in our society."

A statewide ballot vote is set for Aug. 7.