[CSPS] The Letter

[Hugh]

I am submitting the following revision for consideration.  With concern for
those who don't wish this flow of email, if you have further comments,
please send them to me and not the list.  I will share all further comments
with Krista, Kate and Larry and we will present a final draft.

Draft Letter:

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 people of all faith traditions and philosophies to live as good
neighbors.

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.