The wonderful opinion article by Dr. Ellis West [Herald, Aug. 6] echoed similar thoughts I felt with the recent decision of the Henrico County Board of Supervisors to cease having invocations (prayers) before their public board meetings.
As a citizen of Henrico County I wrote the board a letter and thanked them for their decision. I felt they needed to hear from a citizen, specifically a Baptist citizen that supported this decision, especially given that they were probably going to have far more letters in opposition than support for this wise and prudent decision.
When I attend any public meeting I fully expect to engage in public business and discourse with those that are politically, ethnically, socially, economically and religiously diverse from me. By having a sectarian prayer led by a select religious practitioner it invokes one brand or version of religion. It also alienates those attending that believe differently or do not believe in a deity. Additionally, through the use of the invocation it implies that a public board accepts and endorses a particular brand of religion.
Recently much has been made of the growth of Islam in America and specifically in Henrico. I live near and fully support the recently approved mosque on Impala Drive and I am glad that the mosque on Hungary Road was approved. Why? Because of the First Freedom I hold near and dear to my heart and mind—my religious freedom and my ability to worship and practice my religious faith. I want and support for others the same freedom to practice their religious beliefs whether they are similar to or different from mine.
As a Baptist, I fully support not having invocations (prayers) before public meetings. I have always found it odd that prayers are delivered before public meetings. I am a person who supports the full separation of church and state. When I recite the Pledge of Allegiance I leave out “under God” as it was originally written by Frances Bellamy, a Baptist minister. I say this as an ordained deacon in my church and as someone who hopes to attend seminary someday to answer a call to religious ministry. And I believe this as a Baptist who fully supports religious diversity and the freedom to worship without restraint God or the freedom not to worship God.
For me this is what makes living in Henrico County, Virginia, or anywhere in America, wonderfully unique and uniquely challenging. Dare I say it—thanks be to God!
Raymond Cady, Richmond, Va.