www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday May 2, 2008 - 3 Councillors split on keeping prayer Continued from page 1 About 30 residents, many wearing "Keep the Prayer" stickers, crowded into the committee room at Town Hall on Tuesday to urge politicians not to abandon their prayer tradition. "Unite the town's constituents in the words of the opening prayer...do not segregate us by offering a moment of silence to recognize our differences," urged one woman. However, councillors also heard from two residents, who identified themselves as atheists and suggested the prayer is inappropriate at a secular event like a council meeting and should be replaced by a moment of silence to allow everyone to "quietly and privately do whatever best suits them." Similarly divided opinion was received at the Town through the 51 e-mails and letters received on the topic. Of those, 29 people said they are in favour of keeping the current opening prayer, 16 would prefer no prayer at all, six said they favoured a moment of silent reflection and one person said the decision should be solely at the discretion of Town Council. Politicians on the committee "I reject wholesale that somehow saying a prayer, which is an individual communion with God, in anyway prejudices anyone else." Ward 5 Councillor Jeff Knoll offered a variety of opinions on the importance and appropriateness of the current prayer, which reads, "We pray for wisdom, 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. Amen." The non-denominational prayer was authored by a group involved with the Interfaith Council of Halton to replace the Lord's Prayer. Ward 6 councillor Max Khan suggested the moment of silence would allow councillors and the audience to offer a prayer that is more personally meaningful to them. But several councillors suggested the prayer was significant to them. "I take comfort in these words," said Ward 3 councillor Keith Bird. "And I don't think a moment of silence would have the same impact." Ward 5 councillor Jeff Knoll noted that council has no rules requiring anyone to participate by saying the prayer or standing for it. However, he suggested it might be a suitable compromise to allow the prayer to be conducted while people are sitting, to avoid singling out anyone who doesn't wish to participate. "I reject wholesale that somehow saying a prayer, which is an individual communion with God, in any way prejudices anyone else," he added. Mayor Rob Burton noted that council already begins eight of its 10 monthly business meetings without a prayer, which is only said to start the official Town Council meetings held twice a month. "I don't believe in show prayers. Nothing stops any of us from saying prayers before any meeting," he said. "I'm sure that a moment of silence will afford all of us more religious freedom and will improve the Lord's guidance." GLENLEVEN CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED DEALS OAKVILLE'S LONGEST SERVING NEW CAR DEALERSHIP!* 2006 GRAND CHEROKEE SRT-8 · 6.1L 425 HP HEMI V8 · Navigation System · Rear Seat DVD · Only 38,339 km 2006 CHRYSLER 300 SRT-8 · 6.1L 425 HP HEMI V8 · Navigation System · Rear Seat DVD · Only 37,000 km 2004 DODGE SRT-4 · 2.4L Turbo Charged 4 Cyl. · 5 Speed Manual Trans. · Custom 18" Wheels & Tires · Only 46,518 km Only $ Only * $ Only * $ 38,995 29,995 16,995* 2007 JEEP COMMANDER LTD · 5.7L HEMI V8 · Navigation System · Rear DVD System · 7 Passenger Seating 2007 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE OVERLAND · 5.7L HEMI V8 · Navigation System · Rear DVD System · Heated Leather Seating 2007 JEEP WRANGLER UNLIMITED · V6, 6 Speed manual · Dual Top Group · Power windows, Locks · Only 18,000 km Only $ Only * $ Only * $ 35,995 36,995 25,995* WINSTON CHURCHILL BLVD. Wise customers read the fine print! All prices are plus admin, security etching, license, and taxes. Odometer readings are accurate at time of printing. Glenleven Gold Membership is not available on SRT products. Serving the community for 47 years! TRAFALGAR RD. FORD DRIVE FINANCING PROVIDED BY GLENLEVEN CHRYSLER C H RYS L E R · J E E P · D O D G E ROYAL WINDSOR DR. Oakville's Choice 2388 Royal Windsor Dr., Oakville 905.845.7575 www.glenleven.com \SOUTHDOWN RD.