The Chesterfield County (Va.) Board of Supervisors
routinely opens its meetings with prayers led by Christian clergymen from
different denominations. A Wiccan – denied an opportunity to lead the prayer –
sued the Board on Friday, claiming religious discrimination.
The American
Civil Liberties Union of Virginia and Americans United for Separation of Church
and State are representing Cynthia Simpson in her lawsuit (Simpson v.
Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors).
In a joint statement, those groups criticized
Chesterfield County officials for refusing to add Simpson’s name to a list of
clergy called upon to lead the Board in prayer. [Full Story]
The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia and Americans
United for Separation of Church and State are suing to allow someone
to lead a prayer? What a bald face lie this is. They are not concerned with
any form of prayer but realize by forcing the issue the Board of Supervisors
will just eliminate any prayer before meetings. The Americans United for the
Separation of Brains and Reason have never been for any form of pluralism but
totally for elimination of any form of religious expression.
Now I am not to ecstatic about Wiccans leading prayers, but if you believe in
freedom of religion then you have to still believe in it when it is uncomfortable
to do so. These groups will use the prejudice of this board to be able to eliminate
all outward religious expression, they should call their bluff and allow it.
There will be a lot less new age religions if we all started to act like Christians
and showed true love of neighbor. I am not talking about false ecumenism or
syncretism, let us just demonstrate our faith and convert those with other beliefs
or are just set against us. Abraham Lincoln said “the best way to destroy an
enemy is to make him a friend.”
