Uneasy debate resurfaces about the role of religion in politics

The Lord’s Prayer will remain part of County council meetings. The sometimes bitter and emotional debate arose again last week in a review of the procedures and rules by which council holds meetings, hears deputations and generally conducts itself.

Lawyers for Hastings County recently recommended that council abandon the Lord’s Prayer. The lawyers concluded from an Ontario Superior Court ruling it was safest from a legal perspective to proceed without any prayer for the purposes of opening meetings.

“I say if it’s not broke, don’t fix it,” said Councillor Terry Shortt in support of keeping the prayer at the beginning of council meetings. “I say Merry Christmas and Happy Easter.”

Shortt added that since it was adopted for use at the beginning of council meetings, there have been no complaints or objections by residents or others that have stood before them.

But Councillor Janice Maynard admitted it made her uncomfortable.

“Religion and politics don’t mix,” said Maynard. “For those who say they haven’t heard concerns, you are hearing an objection right now.”

It was, as is frequently the case, up to Councillor Kevin Gale to put a populist, if somewhat irrational, point on the debate.

“I couldn’t give a rat’s ass about what the Ontario Superior Court says. It’s time to stand up for ourselves,” said Gale. “The Ontario Court shouldn’t dictate what we do.”

Councillor Bev Campbell offered a more sober analysis.

“It is time we looked at this. I feel uncomfortable when it is said before council meetings. I don’t believe what it says reflects my spiritual being. My own choice would be silent reflection.”

Councillor Dianne O’Brien didn’t understand why it was an issue.

“How can it hurt anybody?” said O’Brien. “The County was founded on Christian values.”

Councillor Jim Dunlop argued that the objection to prayer was another example the rights of a minority group trumping those of the majority.

“The prayer has a calming influence,” said Dunlop. “It’s a case of the minority changing the world.”

Councillor Nick Nowitski advised his colleague the world outside Shire Hall was changing.

“The minority is becoming the majority,” observed Nowitski. “Things are changing out there.”

Councillor Brian Marisett said it was his duty to represent all ratepayers, not only those who are inspired by the Lord’s Prayer.

Shortt suggested “a little mix of religion in the rest of our lives, isn’t bad thing.”

High standards

Council adopts Code of Conduct

How should council act? What are the duties and responsibilities of a member of council? Many of these concepts are covered under the Municipal Act. Many others are part of the tradition of Shire Hall and the municipal governments that have gone before. Still many others fall under the category of common decency.

But until now a code of conduct for members of the County’s council have not been written down.

“The public expects high standards of conduct from its council,” said Mayor Peter Mertens. “This affirms our commitment to uphold those standards.”

Most councillors found little to quibble with in the proposed document. Except Alec Lunn, councillor for Hillier.

“I don’t like this,” said Lunn with a twinkle in his eye. “I have a reputation for acting foolishly. You are not my idea of model citizens. I don’t think you drink enough.”

Despite the councillor’s desire for a more generous definition of acceptable conduct, or assurances he would not be constrained too greatly from his merry making pursuits—the document was adopted.