In December, our thoughts naturally turn to religious holidays such as Christmas and Hanukkah. It is with this in mind that I address the topic of religious faith in our community.
Some would argue that religion should have no part in local governance. However, George Washington in his Farewell Address, stated that, “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.” In the 1830's, a young French
nobleman, Alexis de Tocqueville, traveling throughout the United States, connected the success of America’s democratic republic to the critical role played by America’s religious devotion. He observed that religion was essential to forming America’s democratic “habits of the heart.”
The Visalia City Council begins every council meeting with prayer. We invite representatives of all faiths to take a turn in offering an invocation, and certainly we need and appreciate such prayers and blessings. A while back we were criticized for allowing a person of the Hindu faith to pray at the beginning of one of our council meetings. However, in a country (and community) that practices religious pluralism, we exclude none and ask that all faith groups participate in making our community a better place. Legal scholar Quentin L. Cook stated “Under the constitutions of most countries, a religious conscience may not be given preference, but neither should it be disregarded. All voices need to be heard in the public square. Neither religious nor secular voices should be silenced.”
A recent study conducted by professors at Harvard and Notre Dame found that religious Americans are more generous with their time and money to both religious and non-religious causes. They are more civilly active, they are more likely to belong to community organizations, participate in local civic and political life, and work with neighbors to solve problems; and they are more trusting, altruistic and happy.
Let me list but a few of the many examples of how various religions make our community a better place:
1. Food and shelter are provided for the hungry and homeless by local ministries such as The Rescue Mission and The Bethlehem Center.
2. Local churches provide chaplains for our police and fire departments such as Steve Harms, of the Neighborhood Church, who was sworn in as a fire department chaplain at our city council meeting on September 19. These chaplains provide non-denominational and non-sectarian comfort and counsel to both believers and non-believers in emergency situations.
3. New places of worship were recently dedicated by local Catholic and Jewish congregations, along with a new campus for Grace Community Church. Not only do these facilities contribute spiritually and aesthetically to the community, but the construction of new places of worship provide local jobs, especially important in our current economy.
4. The local congregations of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints contribute hundreds of man-hours each year on Make a Difference Day and at other times, by planting trees, spreading bark and improving landscaping around community parks, and by cleaning the county museum in Mooney Grove. They also host the Crystal Apple Awards to honor local outstanding educators.
5. On September 11, a number of churches combined at First Assembly of God to host a commemoration of the tenth anniversary of the terrorist attacks of 9/11, and to recognize the heroic actions displayed by our public safety officers both then and now.
Many more examples could be given of the countless ways that local churches and their members contribute to our community. If your congregation has a special event planned, please let the Visalia City Council know, so that we can join in your celebration.
With these many contributions in mind, I wish “happy holidays” to all and a wonderful time as you celebrate your religious holiday traditions with family, friends and loved ones.
If you have questions or topics regarding the city which you would like to have addressed in future articles, please email Warren at wgubler@ci.visalia.ca.us, or call (559) 713-4400 x 3313. For past articles, visit directfromwarren.blogspot.com.
Warren Gubler
Visalia City Council Member
