Do prayers belong at city meetings?
Unlike the city of Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga does not start its City Council meeting with prayer. But during the public comment portion of the meeting, residents are welcomed to lead the council in a prayer, as two people did tonight. One ended the brief prayer, "In Jesus' precious name, amen." Tomorrow, by the way, is the National Day of Prayer.
Because prayers are often made in Jesus' name at the City Council meetings in Lancaster, two residents are suing the city, according to the Times. Last month, Lancaster voters approved a measure that made the opening prayer city policy.
What do you think? Do prayers have a place in City Council meetings?
Because prayers are often made in Jesus' name at the City Council meetings in Lancaster, two residents are suing the city, according to the Times. Last month, Lancaster voters approved a measure that made the opening prayer city policy.
What do you think? Do prayers have a place in City Council meetings?
As long as I, as a citizen, am similarly welcomed to lead the council in prayer to the mythological deity of my choice (be it Zeus, Odin, Cthulu or Santa Claus), then fine.
I suspect some might be a problem with that. In lieu of that, I'd suggest the city stick with a secular form of governance.
Jeff, if you ever decide to lead a council meeting in prayer for Zeus, Odin, Cthulu or Santa Claus, alert me so I know to attend!