Mayor’s Note on Prayers Inspires Varied Reaction

The turmoil that has arisen in the media regarding my recent letter to Tustin ministers is unwarranted. To my knowledge, there has not been an invocation delivered at the beginning of a Tustin City Council meeting that has been improper.

The interpretation of what I said has been misconstrued to say that Jesus Christ could not be mentioned. I did not write that.

However, there is continuing escalation of court cases to the U.S. Supreme Court and courts at all other levels that refine the precise bounds as to what is acceptable and what is not. It is prudent to be informed of these facts and to conduct such invocations in accordance with appropriate court decisions. My letter was simply to provide such information.

The courts have ruled that invocations are permitted to open legislative bodies because they lend dignity to a public meeting and solemnize the proceedings. However, an invocation cannot be used to preach or to attempt to convert a listener to a particular religion.

A number of cities in Orange County have solved the problem by the elimination of invocations at City Council meetings. I do not intend to do that but simply to share with the clergy of Tustin that it is appropriate to be aware of court limitations when participating in the activity.

RICHARD B. EDGAR

Mayor of Tustin