We used to pray before almost everything. In school, even, in the 1950's, along with the Pledge of Allegiance. Even our money has a designation, "In God We Trust". So, what's all the fuss about in Fillmore recently concerning having a non-sectarian prayer offered prior to official City meetings? I think as long as the prayer does not invoke any nonsectarian laws, First Amendment laws concerning separation of church and state, and that the prayer does not promote any particular faith, in some cases, it could be considered. Although I think no prayers should be said at all, let me continue.
In the Philippines, most of everybody knows, is a Roman Catholic society and culture, based on old Spanish ownership of this country, traditions, culture, religion and law. We hold prayers every Monday morning outside every municipality in every township, city, Province and country capitol as a mandatory rule, with representatives and employees from every department lined up like soldiers at morning muster. The prayers are non-sectarian, and although there are Protestants, Mormons, Muslims and a couple of other religions thrown into the mix, everyone says the prayers, which are not Roman Catholic based. All meetings held by these entities also have a pre-opening prayer. Even the Masonic, Rotary, Lions and other civic groups also hold a non-sectarian prayer prior to their meetings.
Under federal law, prayers must be non-denominational in effect. If someone began a pre-meeting prayer with a "Praise The Lord" scream, started jumping up and down, dancing across the floor...OR...had everyone issued a prayer rug and demanded everyone get down on the knees and bend forward at the start of the prayer...nobody would comply; I would not, and walk the hell out! No prayer can be in a sectarian mode. You can even make a prayer up! Who is to say the prayer has to be "SET" prayer; one that is already established by some proclaimed church, that is? Make the prayer up...I do not think God Himself would come off His Throne in shock if someone did that.
In my opinion, I would not hold meetings with any pre-meeting prayers. Period! If this is considered, how about everyone spending some time in silence before the meeting...pray or not...it is your choice. This pre-meeting prayer thing should be a non-issue. The City Council has enough to do with more than enough issues to contend with, and I feel that this pre-meeting prayer concept will raise too much havoc and throw another monkey-wrench into the gears of city government. Forget it.
John King
