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Dickinson County adopts voluntary invocation policy after brief debate over inclusivity
Summary
The commission adopted Resolution 011526 permitting voluntary, nondiscriminatory invocations at the start of meetings; supporters called it a reflection of local tradition while some commissioners raised concerns about inclusivity and publicity, and the chair said he will coordinate with the ministerial alliance.
The Dickinson County Commission adopted a resolution permitting voluntary invocations at the start of commission meetings.
During discussion a commissioner framed the proposal as a reflection of local tradition and comparable to legislative practice: "Many county governments pray before session... I think it's indicative of our culture," the commissioner said. Supporters proposed working with the ministerial alliance to rotate religious leaders and ensured the policy would be voluntary and nondiscriminatory.
Other commissioners voiced reservations about potential publicity or how the policy would be administered; staff referred commissioners to legal review. The county attorney was mentioned as having reviewed the proposed resolution and noting the concerns raised by commissioners. Ultimately, the commission voted by voice to adopt Resolution 011526. The chair said he will "work with the ministerial alliance to come up with a game plan on how this goes."
The resolution as adopted directs that participation be voluntary and that the chair will call on a religious leader, minister or priest to offer an invocation or blessing; commissioners emphasized the policy would not require anyone present to stand or participate.
