Some may have seen the resultant local press coverage. It claimed "heated" debate and "deadlock" and tried to sensationalise what was a very polite, although robust discussion. This is unhelpful in building a positive perception of the Council and how well it works as a team.
Are they "Intimidating"
In calling for a halt to prayers the Councillor said he found them to be 'intimidating'.
Now that is wholly a personal opinion to which anyone is entitled, and whether you agree or not, in a society of tolerance his views should be respected.
He also pointed out that a High Court judgement has ruled that prayers were not to be part of Council Meetings; but is holding one immediately before the gavel falls acceptable?
Divisive?
I don't feel comfortable with this subject, not on any religious grounds, but because it has a high risk of being a divisive issue that polarises; and that cannot be good for harmonious working.
Emotive issue
I kept silent in the first discussion at the Council table because I considered it to be entirely a private and personal matter, but it clearly does go deeper. The final vote was split showing it to be emotive and needing further thought: with 3 for, 3 against, and 5 abstaining.
Hence it was deferred for a later decision.
One argument that resonated with me was that a pre-meeting message could focus minds on the purpose of the Council in serving the local community.
This point of focusing minds before a meeting starts is a certainly a good one. We may have had hard days at work or just rushed to the meeting after tea with the kids to feed, and so on...
A reminder of the role of Councillors can only, in my opinion, be beneficial – a reminder that decisions are for the community and not for ourselves is important.
Is the word the problem?
So perhaps it is that word 'prayer' that is the real problem as it implies being more than just a message; a prayer being 'a solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to God or another deity', while "Amen" with its meaning of 'so be it' strengthens the religious overtones that my colleague objects so much to.
Meanwhile words like 'contemplation' or 'reflection' lead towards the 'bowed-head' syndrome, so perhaps they should be avoided too. Conversely words like 'celebration' may result in whoops of joyful enthusiasm and the waving of arms, again maybe not appropriate. Isn't our language wonderful.
So do we need a neutral balance – something everyone can relate to?
A reminder? – A 'Declaration of Purpose'?
To this end, I would personally support a non-religious opening to the meeting, reminding us of our duties – and simply call it something like a 'Declaration of Purpose', avoiding that word 'prayer' and others with similar overtones.
Then let's move on and get on with serving our town and its people.
It will be interesting to see how this issue unfolds, though I am sure any resolution will be made amicably and in good spirit.
That is how Whitchurch works :-)
John, I think your idea of a declaration, or similar, is excellent. Despite being a practising Christian, it has always seemed odd starting these kinds of meetings with a prayer when the chances are a good proportion of those attending are not Christian. (A bit like asking people to swear on the bible in Court when they quite clearly aren't Christian. What is the point?) I also hate the idea of people feeling intimidated by the practice, as I think would a lot of Christians. (For what it's worth, many Christians would also feel uncomfortable praying publically in this kind of environment). But something to focus minds at the start of the meeting is a great idea and surely what the prayers were originally intended for (and those who are Christian can still pray in private for wisdom and guidance before the meeting).
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