Prayers at Public Meetings

Catlin’s enthusiasm for prayers at government functions seems misplaced. He seems to see religious involvement in government as “a force for the community good.” Let him travel to Northern Ireland, the Middle East or India, if he wants to see how much good comes from public religion. He states that bringing people together “is one of the guiding principles of most religions.” Religions are by their very nature intolerant, fostering an us-versus-them mentality, with “them” always in the wrong. Catlin says that the Fullerton City Council’s prayers call on God to give the members wisdom. Can he provide any evidence that this has happened? Perhaps if our government officials realized that our fate is in our own hands, with no hope of being rescued by some celestial puppeteer, they would take their responsibilities more seriously.

Half of all Americans do not bother with churches, showing that organized religious rituals are not central to this nation. Dump the prayers, Councilman Catlin, and get back to work.

STEVEN MORRIS

Wilmington