Earlier this year, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners adopted a new policy that would turn the courthouse grounds into a public forum following a kerfuffle involving a Nativity scene on the property:
That controversy reminded Mickey Maurer, the former Indiana secretary of commerce, of a time around a decade ago when he gave a speech at Franklin College about the economic development in the area. His speech was fine, but what happened before and after his talk was a little unusual…
The luncheon opened with a prayer, and I remember thinking I had not experienced a chamber luncheon that featured opening and closing prayers; I had spoken to many chambers of commerce by that time. The prayer was delivered by a Franklin resident, Mike DuKate. I did not know DuKate but apparently he knew me or at least from my introduction determined correctly that I am of the Jewish faith. In an overly long, rambling and rude dissertation, he said with enthusiasm, “Our speaker today will burn in hell.”
Ah, Christian love…
That’s a strong an argument for why government bodies should just do away with sectarian prayers: There are people like DuKate who can’t keep it inclusive of everyone. Rather than give them the opportunity to spew their faith-based hatred of others, they should stick to a moment of silence. Or, better yet, skip the whole charade and just get down to business.
(Thanks to Brian for the link)
