Here's the story. Thanks Jamie:
http://www.pnj.com/story/news/2014/09/12/invocations-end-escambia-school-board/15538851/
Here's the link to the facebook post:
https://www.facebook.com/pnjnews/posts/10154630571865096
Here are my comments about the story:
This seems mostly fair, but misses a few points: 1) The ECSB has had ONLY Xtian prayers for years, with students almost always present. 2) Mr Bergosh asked me whether I was Xtian before rejecting my offer to deliver an invocation. 3) Mrs Hightower accepted my offer to deliver a Pagan prayer, then rescinded it at the meeting, basically because she was afraid some prayers would be 'offensive'. Unless another belief system offends you, mine would not. 4) Staff and SB members often lead prayers themselves, clearly endorsing Xtianity. 5) Several others from religious minorities have asked to deliver prayers, but none have been accepted as yet. Meantime, Mr Bergosh sought out a Jewish friend to deliver a prayer.
This kind of thing is happening at the County Commission and differently the City Council. I don't expect them to roll out the red carpet, but if they are going to have official prayers at government meetings, they may not legally refuse or stonewall religious minorities. A moment of silence respects ALL beliefs (and none at all) and doesn't start a meeting with a divisive tone.
Mr Bergosh has shown that he does social media well. For a good time, read his blog and the comments he allowed through: jeffbergosh.blogspot.com. My blog gives a lot of history and details, including my views, previous invocations and public comments on video: http://anapplebiter.blogspot.com
This kind of thing is happening at the County Commission and differently at the City Council. I don't expect them to roll out the red carpet, but if they are going to have official prayers at government meetings, they may not legally refuse or stonewall religious minorities. A moment of silence respects ALL beliefs (and none at all) and doesn't start a meeting with a divisive tone.
See for yourself. Here is video of the most recent exchanges at ECSB meetings:
http://youtu.be/W-Rc4_EqfIg
http://youtu.be/idkYZpBFKvo
http://youtu.be/mnA-cFaCmyE
No comments:
Post a Comment