Prayer adds friction to city council meetings

Marion is a vibrant and growing community, so why add friction and divisiveness to City Council meetings by opening them with prayers? How can invocations be all-inclusive with the myriad religious dogmas, as well as the growing number of people with no religious affiliation or belief?

The current policy, in place for 175 years, seems to work just fine. Government should not be in the business of telling people when and how to pray.

My advice, especially after the cringe-worthy display of religiosity in GOP senatorial debate, is for pious politicians to forget the praying, pandering and proselytizing, and instead get up off their knees and get to work. It might also be a good idea for this group of Senate candidates to read and study the Iowa and U.S. constitutions.

Alan W. Remington

Cedar Rapids