“In God we trust” works well on national currency and “So help me God” is fine for federal oaths. But when it comes to deity acknowledging before government bodies, it still needs the imprimatur of the U.S. Supreme Court.
That was recently rendered when the Court ruled 5-4 that legislative bodies, such as city councils, can, indeed, begin their meetings with prayer, even if it plainly favors a specific religion. In effect, Christian prayers didn’t violate the constitutional prohibition against government establishment of religion, said the five Catholic, majority justices.
Call it a victory for history, tradition and common sense. Ceremonial acknowledgements are hardly religious endorsements, let alone establishments–even if atheists, agnostics or animists don’t quite agree.
Locally, this won’t change anything. Tampa City Council members have been using a rotation system to choose members from the religious community–typically priests, ministers and rabbis–to give the invocation prayer before Thursday meetings. They will continue to do so.
However, if any change were to occur–say, one occasioned by a 4-5 vote after the next Supreme Court justice opening–here are two suggestions.
First, let poet laureate James Tokley permanently preside. He always knows the right chord to strike. He also knows the difference between pertinent imagery and religious bromides.
Second, since each meeting begins with the Pledge of (“…One nation, under God…”) Allegiance, that could qualify as a deity-affirming, good-faith kick start. Then follow it with a post-pledge, pre-meeting moment of personal, silent reflection. One that provides members with a private moment to contemplate this city’s foremost priorities, the ongoing need for tolerance and diversity, and what it really means to take that oath of office.
And when it doubt, just pray for common sense to carry the day.