City Council Faces Controversy Over Invocation Prayer Rules

The Kennewick City Council Workshop on December 10, 2024, focused on the city's invocation prayer policy, with discussions highlighting the current limitations and potential changes to encourage broader participation. Council member John Trumbo initiated the conversation by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to revisit the invocation process, which has been in place since November 2022. He emphasized the need for better outreach and participation, noting that the current system has resulted in minimal engagement from local religious leaders.

Trumbo pointed out several restrictions within the existing policy, including a 60-second time limit for prayers, a requirement that invocation givers be residents of Kennewick, and a limit of two invocations per year per individual. He argued that these rules are arbitrary and discourage participation, especially when compared to the more flexible speaking opportunities available to other residents during council meetings.

City Manager Maurizio Sanguino provided context, explaining that the invocation policy is designed to comply with legal standards while ensuring a nondiscriminatory selection process. He noted that the city could consider modifications to increase participation, such as eliminating the residency requirement or extending the time limit for prayers.

Despite the discussion, Council member Anderson expressed skepticism about the need for changes, citing a lack of interest from the community. He pointed out that no residents had signed up for invocations recently, suggesting that the issue may lie more with community engagement than with the policy itself.

The meeting concluded without immediate decisions on policy changes, but the council acknowledged the need for further discussion on how to enhance participation in the invocation process. The outcome of these discussions could shape the future of public prayer at council meetings in Kennewick, reflecting the community's values and engagement with local governance.