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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday May 7, 2008 - 7 Prayer debate packs room Continued from page 1 the beginning of council, and replacing it with a moment of silence were able to reach a compromise during Monday night's council meeting everyone could live with. The councillors voted unanimously to keep the prayer and also to add a moment of silence afterwards for those who do not wish to partake. The current prayer reads: `God, grant us understanding and patience, that justice, truth and honesty may be evident in our decisions. Make us mindful of the needs of the people throughout the Town of Oakville. Help us govern with the wider community in mind and so create in us a desire for progress and responsible action. We ask this in your name. Amen.' The issue arose in December when Ward 6 Councillor Tom Adams introduced a motion to change the prayer noting that a moment of silent reflection was more inclusive. The motion was deferred pending public consultation. On Monday night, more than 80 people packed Council Chambers, some wearing `Keep the Prayer' stickers, some not. Elka Enola, who was one of five people to address council on the issue, said the speaking of a prayer in a public institution excludes Humanist people like herself. "Retaining a verbal and official prayer as part of council proceedings gives a very clear message to Humanists like me that there is no point even contemplating running for office. I would not be welcome. I don't even know if there is a secular oath of office," she said. "Replacing oral prayer with silent prayer does not force anyone to accept or reject any religion. It does not force anyone to participate actively or passively in any religious activity." Enola noted that as a child she had to deal with similar exclusion as a Jew growing up in a place where Christian teachings were forced on her. "I attended my local public school in Montreal. The student body was more than 90 per cent Jewish, yet we were all required, by law, to spend the first 20 minutes of each day in Protestant religious instruction. In fact, the English public board was called The Protestant School Board of Greater Montreal," she said. "Requiring every student to participate in daily Catholic or Protestant religious activities is a tradition that, I am glad to say, has ceased." Carolann Hughes was at the other end of the spectrum. "The prayer is a non-denominational prayer in which there is mention of God, but not a specific religious ideal. It can be applicable in all theistic faiths," she said. "While I respect the comments made by those who do not believe in God I also value my right to freedom of religion, my freedoms of belief and expression and, just as important, my Pamper Yourself Here With A Free Trial Stay There's no better way to experience our hotel-style services. Discover a community of adults who don't want to act retired. Call Jill Votek for all the trial stay details. 905-469-3232 www.delmanor.com Or drop by 1459 Nottinghill Gate (just west of Dorval, south of Upper Middle) Proud recipient of the 2006/2007 Oakville Beaver Readers Choice Award for Retirement Community See Councillors page 10 KERR'S SPRING CLEARANCE 3 DAYS ONLY · May 8, 9 & 10 · BBQ SATURDAY! 2007s Below Invoice! All purchases receive FREE Financing Sunroofs On select models up to 72 months S500 % 0 Gas Card 2007 Pontiac G5 Automatic, air conditioning, CD. On select G5 & G6 models 2007 Pontiac G6 V6, automatic, air conditioning, power pkg. SAT. FREE HOT DOGS& BURGERS FREE GIFTS FOR THE KIDS! 2007 Buick Allure Power seat, aluminum rims. SPECIAL PURCHASES FROM GM *Payments based on 10% down/trade. 84 month, 8.7% APR. O.A.C. Biweekly price plus taxes, admin., lic., security/etching. $14,999* OR $122*bi-weekly On Sale Not a Lease. You Own It. $16,999* OR $136*bi-weekly On Sale Not a Lease. You Own It. $12,499* OR $99 *bi-weekly On Sale Not a Lease. You Own It. Just west of Dorval OAKVILLE 1.800.240.8592 Or 905.845.1681 SERVING THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITY SINCE 1971 SOUTH SERVICE ROAD kerroakville.com DORVAL 410 SOUTH SERVICE RD. W., 3RD LINE NO DEALERS OR WHOLESALERS PLEASE < BURLINGTON QEW MISSISSAUGA >