DEFINE NON-SECTARIAN
Our city manager sent the following letter to the local ministerial association, which has been coordinating the invocation at city council meetings. I understand where he is coming from. We have a good group of community leaders and they're just trying to protect the city from litigation. I'm surprised that given the overall secular climate in California that they still want to have an invocation at the city council meeting -- period. So I'm not in the least bit unhappy with the city manager, attorney, or council. They all have my deepest admiration and respect.

But this does raise the issue of whether prayer to a generic God is really prayer at all. What is the point of praying to a God that can't be named?

Frankly, I don't think the court decision will set the Kingdom of God back an inch -- even if no one says a prayer at the city council meeting.

June 2, 2003

Turlock Evangelical Association of Ministers
Mr. Elton Nelson, Secretary
Turlock, California 95380

Re: Invocations at City Council Meetings

Dear TEAM Members:

It is with great regret that we inform you that the United States Supreme Court has let stand a California Appellate Court decision declaring that invocations for City Council meetings cannot constitutionally refer to "Jesus Christ" nor can they contain any other sectarian references.

The City of Turlock believes that invocations are an important part of City Council proceedings and wishes to continue them while complying with these new limitations. As a consequence, the City asks that any future invocations follow the new guidelines. The City hopes all of you will continue to participate but would understand completely if some members of your group were no longer able to because they could not, in good conscience, limit their invocations in this manner.

If you have any questions regarding this issue do not hesitate to contact me or City Attorney Dick Burton.

Very truly yours,
STEVEN H. KYTE,
City Manager