Clearview council resists ditching prayer
Councillors in Clearview are not convinced they should remove allocated prayer time at the beginning of each meeting just because a recent Supreme Court ruling found the practice violated the rights of council members in Saguenay, Quebec.
The court upheld a decision in April, that reciting a Catholic prayer at a council meeting was a violation of religious rights after a complaint by Alain Simoneau, an atheist who attended meetings.
At council’s June 1 meeting, Clearview clerk Pamela Fettes recommended the prayer at the beginning of the meeting be removed.
“In light of the recent Supreme Court of Canada decision concerning prayer at municipal council meetings, it is recommended that this item be taken out of the procedural bylaw,” reported Fettes.
“The mayor and clerk held a meeting with the chair of the Ministerial Association to discuss this matter. Clearview’s support of the churches as part of our community is still recognized and recommendations will be forthcoming at a later date as to how council can still show its support of our vibrant church community.”
It has been the township’s practice to allow time for a representative of the ministerial association to address council and offer a blessing and prayer.
Since the court ruling several councils have cut out prayers. The township did get a legal opinion on the matter in support of removing the prayer.
Councillor Shawn Davidson asked if it is necessary to cancel the prayer if Clearview hasn’t been challenged.
“It is the path of least resistance to say someone else got their hands slapped so we should stop,” he said, adding parliament opens with a prayer.
“If it’s good for Steve, why is it not good for us?”
Thom Paterson said he agrees with Davidson.
“We are jumping on this thing almost as a reflex,” said Paterson.
He said the Clearview Ministerial Association has been praying for council for nine years and “with tongue planted firmly in cheek, we need to give them a little more time.”
Others on council also agreed and said they look forward to hearing from the association on ways to incorporate the church community into meetings.
“This political correctness just drives you crazy sometimes,” said Deputy Mayor Barry Burton.
