Long ago, Confucius (551-479 BCE) offered the world this rule to live by: Do not do to others what you do not want done to you. It is still the best guidance from my perspective.

There are over 4,200 religions in the world. You don’t want to have to listen to prayers from most of these at your public meetings? Don’t require others to listen to Christian prayers to begin a public meeting. Don’t demand to hear a prayer of your denomination. Public meetings are just that: Public, for all to experience. They are not to showcase your private religious perspective. It was Jesus who reportedly instructed that religious observance should be done in the closet, not obsequiously for all to see. Still good advice.

A moment of silence allows all to offer in silence what matters to them in the way of hope for a good meeting. Verbal prayers focused on a particular religious or political perspective have no place in a public meeting for a reason: They are disruptive and disrespectful of the diversity present. And diversity is not a dirty word.

The Declaration of Independence makes clear that diversity is part of the wonder that makes this country great. Protecting diversity is enshrined in the founding of this country. One cannot support the words “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness” without understanding that they support diversity. Everyone is different. If everyone is given the privilege of pursuing Life, Liberty and Happiness as protected goals, then diversity is automatically part of that experience. You have the right to pursue happiness as long as it does not interfere with the pursuit of happiness by others. You are not elevated in your pursuit above the person standing next to you. Will Rogers is quoted as saying, “We will never have true civilization until we have learned to recognize the rights of others.” Yea, verily. 

We have a lot to learn. 

Dorothy Crafts
Eugene

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