BOCC Public Forum Comments, PLEDGE TO SIGN!!

There seems to be some confusion about the invocation prayer before each meeting.  Commissioner Robertson walked out before my recent invocation, saying this: “People may not realize it, but when we invite someone, a minister, to pray, they are praying for the county commissioners, for us to make wise decisions... and I’m just not going to have a pagan or satanic minister pray for me.”  I'm not sure why my gods are labeled satanic, but they deserve invocation just as much as yours.

Let's clear the confusion.  In a recent decision, the Supreme Court suggests a "prayer that is solemn and respectful in tone" and "invites lawmakers to reflect upon shared ideals <sic> before they embark on the fractious business of governing".  Unfortunately, leading the room in prayer is INHERENTLY fractious, as we do not all share the same belief.  Your policy does not help.

What policy?  None has been published.  We only know that each commissioner chooses whomever he wants to hear pray and may reject offers from those he doesn't.  Those rejections are commonplace.  I have the emails to prove it.
As a result, some Christian speakers pray here over and over - one 6 times in the last year, another 10 times in two years - while some minority believers are denied any opportunity, are ignored, or are generally stonewalled by MOST commissioners.

For months, I've been asking for a remedy in the form of a written and inclusive invocation policy.  Influenced by the Supreme court ruling in May, attorneys have suggested a fair system.  There has been no response.  So today, I'm proposing a small step forward:  I'm asking each commissioner to sign a simple pledge.  You may read it yourself.  Basically, I'm asking you to bring the invocation practice within the law by promising:

- not to discriminate in choosing speakers,
- to ask speakers not to denigrate other religions, proselytize or speak to issues before the board,
- not to repeat prayer-givers while requests to speak are pending,
- to welcome all offers and speakers equally,
- not to show favor among religions,
- to remain in the room for all prayers,
- OR (absent these actions), to invoke an inclusive moment of silence instead
IN SHORT, I'm asking that you treat others as you'd wish to be treated if you practiced a minority religion and wished to invoke its positive influence upon this body.

I pray that ALL our commissioners will sign AND HONOR this pledge, for the good of our County.  Absent that, I pray you'll publish your own welcoming invocation policy, thus protecting our County from the fractious legal challenges your current practice invites.

Thank you and I look forward to your response.

INVOCATION PLEDGE:

Whereas, the 1st Amendment of the US Constitution declares that our government "shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech",

Whereas, the US Supreme Court ruled in Galloway v Greece NY that sectarian invocations are allowed at local government meetings, as long "its leaders maintained that a minister or layperson of any persuasion, including an atheist, could give the invocation."

Whereas, the Escambia Board of County Commissioners welcomes all citizens to its meetings and wishes all to feel they may be heard and respected, regardless of their religious beliefs or lack thereof,

I,______________________ (name), County Commissioner for District ___ (number), wishing to represent all my constituents equally and inclusively, regardless of their religious convictions, do hereby pledge:

1) not to discriminate in any way in choosing who may offer an invocation or prayer before the County Commission.

2) to ask demand that each prayer giver not "denigrate, proselytize, or betray an impermissible government purpose", as required by the Galloway v Greece decision.

3) not to allow repetition of any speaker or congregation until all who have offered to deliver an invocation have been offered a chance to do so.

4) to welcome all offers and speakers equally, setting aside my own religious preference out of respect for every American's right of individual religious liberty, and

5) not to favor any religious tradition over others, remaining in attendance for all invocations, and respecting all traditions, treating each speaker as equal in the government arena.

If, for any reason, I am unable to choose a prayer giver meeting my pledge, I promise, instead, to invoke an inclusive moment of silent prayer and reflection, thereby welcoming all our citizens equally and asking none to pray against their beliefs.

I make this pledge freely and willingly, as an example that I treat citizens of all faiths (and none at all) equally and without prejudice, just as I would want to be treated when addressing my government.

Agreed and pledged this ________  day of _______________, in the year  ________.
Signature:  ________________________________________