[CSPS] The Letter

[Hugh]

Again, thanks to Krista May, Kate Kelly and Larry Oliver for their quick
work and creativity in coming up with this letter for the ad.  It was
nourished in some good discussion and hopefully it will meet group approval.
__________

In September, the College Station City Council decided to return to the
practice of opening each Council session with a prayer. We respectfully
request the College Station City Council to immediately reverse this action
in recognition of the uniquely American principle that separates church and
state in an effort to unite us in our common goal of liberty to believe as
we wish.  We encourage the council to support the power of this principle
that allows us to live as good neighbors - Baptist, Catholic, Muslim, Jew,
Atheist and Pagan.

One of the most important tasks of the City Council is to work together to
make our community a place that welcomes everyone, regardless of religious
affiliation. It is not appropriate for a mayor to determine which religious
beliefs will be sanctioned, and which will not. While the Mayor and Council
members did not likely intend to foster intolerance, their actions are
nonetheless creating that impression. The new formal invocations will not
necessarily result in wise decisions by the Council, but they are certainly
creating unnecessary discord and division in our community.