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NCFPD to consider eliminating invocation

The North County Fire Protection District board meeting Tuesday, March 23, will include a discussion whether or not to continue the invocation at the start of board meetings.

The Feb. 23 NCFPD meeting included a 5-0 board vote to replace the invocation with a moment of silence for the March 23 meeting and to discuss that day whether to discontinue the invocation.

Currently, an invocation follows the call to order and roll call at NCFPD board meetings.

“I am not quite sure why it needs to be an agenda item,” Jeff Egkan, NCFPD board member, said.

After Egkan was elected to one of the NCFPD board seats in November 2020, he reviewed the district’s policy manual.

“Inclusion of an invocation isn’t listed,” he said.

Egkan said that many residents attend church, engage in personal prayers and send their children to parochial school.

“They’re always based on a personal decision,” he said.

The North County Fire Protection District involves all residents and property owners who may have a need or desire to address the board.

“This is a public body and it’s open to all, and constituents may have a need to attend,” Egkan said. “This is a religiously diverse community. It’s impossible to have one prayer that would speak to all these faiths.”

Egkan cited a study that one in four Americans have no religion.

“I think by definition there isn’t a prayer that would satisfy them,” he said.

“It does create issues for a lot of people,” David Kennedy, NCFPD board member, said.

“Every constituent owns an equal share of their community regardless of their religious beliefs,” Egkan said. “I am just really opposed to the kind of stance of approval from our board.”

Egkan said he was supportive of a moment of silence.

“I think that’s perfectly reasonable,” he said.

Kennedy said he would also accept a moment of silence in place of an invocation.

“That would be something that I would appreciate,” he said. “That way we can all reflect what’s most comfortable for each of us.”

None of the water districts or community planning groups within the NCFPD service area begin their meetings with an invocation.

“We’re the only government body that does have a prayer at the start of their meetings,” board member Ken Munson said.

Munson added that the United States Supreme Court has allowed the use of an opening prayer at public meetings other than school district meetings where children are more likely to be present.

Board president John van Doorn noted that the district’s firefighters put themselves at risk during calls.

“There are some who may be compelled to offer an invocation,” he said.

Van Doorn noted that San Diego County Board of Supervisors meetings begin with an invocation. Munson referenced an Orange County agency which has an invocation.

“We need a policy here,” van Doorn said. “I think what we want to do is continue this discussion.”

The board of supervisors’ invocation is given by a guest pastor rather than by a county supervisor. Van Doorn brought up the possibility of a member of the public offering to provide an invocation.

“We do need to have limits,” he said.

The invocation would be as ecumenical as possible and would be limited to the needs of the community including health and safety.

“I’d be willing to serve on a committee to take a closer look at that,” Munson said.

“"Whatever we do, somebody out there is not going to be happy,” van Doorn said.

Joe Naiman can be reached by email at [email protected].

Author Bio

Joe Naiman, Writer

Joe Naiman has been writing for the Village News since 2001

 

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