KITTERY – When town councilors meet Monday for their weekly meeting, they will leave behind a controversial tradition.

Council members unanimously voted earlier this week to reword their opening prayer to remove any religious references.

The opening statement will be referred to as an “introductory” statement in the future.

“We, the Kittery Town Council, duly assembled, being ever mindful of the frailties of human judgment, seek guidance and direction as we enter upon our duties this evening,” the new statement will read.

The prayer read, “We, the people of Kittery, Maine, acknowledging with grateful hearts the sovereign ruler of the universe, and imploring God’s aid and direction, request that thou endue us with a competency of wisdom as we embark upon our work this evening.”

Every Town Council meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer, but a few phone calls from residents prompted Councilor Dennis Estes to question whether the practice should continue.