Calera council adopts invocation procedures; resident asks for non‑religious option

The Calera City Council voted to adopt Resolution 2026‑17 to establish procedures for invocations before city council meetings that, according to the resolution text, aim to respect both the Establishment Clause and the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment.

The council introduced the measure as a way to set clear procedures for invocations; the resolution passed on a motion and roll call with council members voting in favor.

Public comment followed adoption: resident Chris Nelson, who said he lives at 1910 16th Street and identifies as an atheist and member of the Freedom From Religion Foundation, gave the council a written statement and asked that the city open invocation opportunities to non‑religious speakers. "As an atheist, I ask this option to be opened up to other folks myself," Nelson said, citing the U.S. Supreme Court decision Town of Greece v. Galloway and urging equal treatment for non‑religious viewpoints.

Why it matters: invocation policies have been the subject of litigation and public debate in other jurisdictions; the resolution’s stated goal is to provide clear rules that respect constitutional protections but the public comment shows some residents seek explicit inclusion of non‑religious options.

Next steps: the resolution was adopted; the council did not immediately amend the text on the floor in response to the public comment. Nelson said he will make local non‑Christian and non‑religious communities aware of the policy and asked for an opportunity for a non‑religious invocation at a future meeting.