The Separation

Marc J. Yacht

Commissioner John Altman sat at the head of the table. A lanky figure, he stood 6’4”, had a jovial temperament, and was known as a man with a vision. That vision had caused him much trouble with voters on more than one occasion. He chaired the meeting.

No other commissioners would be present due to the Florida in the Sunshine rule that required the public to be invited to meetings with more than one elected official present. To the left of the Commissioner and also at the head of the table was County Attorney, Robert Farnsworth. He was a heavy man with large jowls, bushy eyebrows, and slicked back white hair. He projected a chronic state of constipation. Most of his conversations involved the dangers of any decision and considering his usual advice, it was surprising that any county business got done.

Others in the room sat around the long varnished conference table. They were Father John Murphy the provost of the local St. Georges Catholic College, he was known for long winded diatribes against those who would not read the rosary upon waking and before bed. When he greeted parishioners he would single out those who were not in perfect attendance at his Sunday Mass. He had an uncanny ability to identify what he called Church slackers. Two stern faced nuns sat stiffly next to him and appeared more starched than a hard collar.

Also in attendance was The Honorable Reverend Charles Phillips, the Pastor of the largest Episcopal Church in Hopeville. A fierce opponent of choice, he had recently been escorted to the county jail for blocking the front door of what he labeled a women’s abortion clinic. Rev. James Hunter sat to his right, a Presbyterian and a staunch Calvinist, he espoused that the chief end of man was to glorify God, and enjoy him forever. The Rev. Hunter presented a handsome presence and was often invited to provide the invocation at various luncheons, dinners, and breakfast meetings. To his right sat Pastor E. Power Day, an evangelical Protestant. He claimed he brought more lost souls to Jesus than Billy Graham, an outlandish assertion. His bombastic oratory was known to shake table settings and chandeliers.

Across sat Rabbi Eli Lerner from Hopeville’s lone Synagogue. He appeared uncomfortable surrounded by nuns, priests and pastors of various Christian faiths. Madeline Van Diver was present, President of the local chapter of the National Organization for Women. A declared atheist, she sat next to the Rabbi. Next to her was Martha Ross a vocal pro-choice feminist who managed the Women’s Center, often targeted by the Reverend Phillips and other like minded citizens.

Also on that side of the table sat the Rev. Bo Jackson from the Black Baptist Church. As a boy, he held hands with his father and marched in Alabama with the Rev. Martin Luther King. He was beloved by all who knew him and was also known to near drown those baptized by his hand. To his right sat the Pentecostal Elder, Max Straight. He could be seen at every anti-abortion rally, was vocal in his support of guns, and was a no-tax, less government advocate. Also at the table was the Lutheran minister Rev. Earl Connors, the current president of the local Minister’s Association. He passionately professed the belief put forth by Martin Luther, God does not guide me he pushes me forward. The Minister’s Association had mixed support by the area churches. Abdul Khan, a Moslem cleric, completed the group and sat at the other end of the table.

Rev. Hunter spoke first. “We need to bless this meeting in His holy name.”

The two women smirked and glanced at each other. The nuns crossed themselves.

The Commissioner spoke. “As you know the topic of our meeting is that very blessing, and what is, and what is not acceptable. A local citizen, in a letter to the County Commissioners, felt invocations were often inconsiderate of religious diversity. We were invited to this committee to come up with language for a secular prayer that would be acceptable at local government functions.”

Attorney Farnsworth nodded in agreement.

The Pentecostal Elder Max spoke up. “We have, much to my objection, dropped Son of the Holy Father, and Holy Spirit from the invocation. We now offer Holiday greetings instead of keeping the Christ in Christmas, what else do the heathens want?

At that reference, Father Murphy fingered his crucifix eying Max. The nuns crossed themselves once more then returned quickly to their rigid posture.

Madeline, the Atheist, sat straight in her chair, her face bright red. “I resent being called a heathen that is exactly what these bible thumping hypocrites call people who don’t believe their delusional claptrap.”

Altman raised his hands to those present. “Let’s remember why we’re here. Our purpose is to hammer out a prayer that is acceptable to all.”

“We can’t call it a prayer then,” shouted Martha, “that is the whole point! If it is a prayer, than by its very nature, it is religious and thereby unacceptable.”

Father Murphy sat back and rolled his eyes. The two sisters crossed themselves but said nothing.

Farnsworth whispered into Altman’s ear. “This will never work. We’ll be lucky if we don’t have a killing.”

Altman raised his eyebrows and nudged Farnsworth with his knee.

Rev. Connors shook his head, “I cannot deny my displeasure of what appears to be the encouragement of a Godless government. A secular prayer is an oxymoron; it is simply not logical.”

The Black Minister looked up to the ceiling, “Oh Lord forgive them, for they no not what they do.”

Altman banged the gavel, “Enough, lets get back to the task at hand, a neutral –eh- can we call it an invocation and not use the word prayer?” Altman raised his eyebrows, sucked on his unlit pipe, and seemed pleased.

Rabbi Lerner spoke up, above much disorganized chatter among those present. “It is certainly a dilemma. Can a prayer be devoid of God?”

The two nuns crossed themselves. Father Murphy was attentive and listened to the Rabbi’s words.

The Rabbi continued, “I do not agree fully with Madeline who suggests that there be no spiritual meaning to the invocation or prayer. I do believe that what is said must not be offensive to those who hold other than Judeo-Christian beliefs. That to me is what the Commissioners are requesting.”

“Who among us can deny our Lord Christ is the Savior? How can we deny Christ in our invocation?” Rev. Phillips posed this question.

The nuns crossed themselves.

Madeline glanced at Martha who shook her head. The Rabbi raised his eyebrows and stroked his beard but said nothing.

Father Murphy spoke. I have to agree with my colleague Rabbi Lerner. Our task is not to question religion or to question the right path to salvation, but to appreciate the Creator in a manner that respects individual beliefs. Those beliefs may not be Judeo-Christian. Of course to answer your question Rev. Phillips, yes there are those who do not accept Christ as the Savior – a very difficult viewpoint for a non-Christian.”

Martha spoke, “Father Murphy, I heard you use the word Creator instead of Lord, or God. I would think that using the word Creator would be more acceptable to those of other beliefs.”

The Pentecostal Minister E. Power Day, flushed with emotion, spoke, “Jesus has empowered me to gather his flock. How can I deny Jesus from my prayer? How can any of us here at this table ignore Mary and Joseph, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit? It is a sacrilege.”

All were silent except Madeline who spoke gently. Reverend Day, you know I am not a believer, but I do not deny you the right to believe. No one here, certainly not I, would deny you the right to prayer based on your values. But Rev. Day, there are those who do not follow that dogma.”

“And they will rot in Hell for all eternity. They will live in purgatory. They will never see the Kingdom of God Almighty. It is my purpose on this Earth to save all I can from such damnation. There can be no denial of the Lord Jesus Christ.” E. Power Day stood bible in-hand, red-faced, shaking, with sweat pouring from his brow. He looked about the room, suddenly became silent, and took his seat.

The nuns sat back with eyes wide open. Father Murphy stroked his chin. Martha looked to Madeline who shrugged her shoulders.

Rabbi Lerner poured water from a pitcher to a glass that was passed to Rev. Day. Nothing was said until a nervous Attorney Farnsworth spoke. If one looked under the table they would have noticed the commissioner nudging the attorney with his knee.

Farnsworth articulated, “I have the utmost respect for Rev. Day but we are not here to discuss our beliefs. We have been charged with providing an invocation that will not offend those of diverse viewpoints.”

Rev. Jackson stood and spoke, Let me pose the following, “Oh, Heavenly Father…”

“Absolutely not,” Madeline cried out, “Heavenly Father is out of the question.”

Rev. Jackson’s jaw dropped and he became silent.

The Rabbi spoke, “The Talmud makes an argument for the creator which is inviolate. The question is not that there is or is not a creator, but how we define the creator? Because someone does not follow a religion should not suggest he does not believe in a creator. That is a very important point. Martha’s suggestion using the word Creator is a good one. The issue of heaven should not be part of this process.”

“I can accept the idea of a creator.” Martha responded.

“I agree with Martha,” The concept of a creator is not offensive. It is up to each of us to decide how that is meaningful.” Madeline continued, “I could never accept that one path to the creator is more or less valid than another.”

Altman spoke, “We are getting somewhere. Yes we are.” He glanced at Farnsworth.

Farnsworth nodded in agreement.

“Rev. Jackson,” Altman asked, “Would you take another try at it?”

The Reverend stood up with eyes heavenward and arms outstretched, “Oh heavenly - eh- Creator or perhaps, Oh, merciful Creator. That should not offend any one.”

The table remained quiet. Rev. Day remained red faced doodling on his pad.

“Merciful, suggests the spiritual but is more acceptable than heavenly. I’m okay with it.” Madeline sat back.

“Okay by me.” Martha added.

“Your thoughts Rabbi,” asked the Commissioner?

“I cannot see that as offensive, there is no reference to salvation through Christ, heaven or hell, concepts that are difficult for Hebrews and Moslems. Whatever the belief, though, there is always the sense of the Creator. What do you think Abdul Kahn?”

The Moslem Cleric nodded to the acknowledgement and spoke. “The Koran teaches love and peace for every living creature. Through Allah, blessed be he, we find peace and guidance, which is our way. The word Creator would not be offensive.”

Father Murphy added, “I must agree with the Rabbi and I would agree that Heavenly could be offensive to some. Let us remember that an invocation is not inevitably of religious meaning. It represents on behalf of those attending an opportunity to give thanksgiving. Thanksgiving can be viewed as secular might it not?”

E. Power Day erupted. “The invocation is another opportunity to seek salvation from the Lord. What value is the invocation to those present if it does not reach out to our Lord and Son of the Father, Jesus Christ. I cannot agree that such an utterance is secular. I call it a prayer, after all what does the speaker require but for us to bow our heads in prayer. A secular invocation is balderdash!”

The rumblings of Amen rippled throughout the room. Martha, Madeline, and the Rabbi remained silent. The nuns crossed themselves.

Reverend Phillips spoke, “I cannot disagree with Rev. Day’s concerns but understanding the purpose we have, I could support Oh, Merciful Creator, your hand is wide open-let me think-to satisfy the needs of.…hmm…”

Madeline spoke up, “We are on the right track. I am not happy with merciful- it has a certain spiritual implication but it is much improved over heavenly.”

One of the nuns spoke up. “Oh, merciful creator your hands are wide open to satisfy the needs of your poor flock. How’s that?”

“Very good Sister Margaret,” the other nun proclaimed.

Father Murphy smiled, “Why not include all living creatures. Oh, merciful Creator your hand is wide open to address the needs of every living creature…”

“Your thoughts Rabbi,” queried the Commissioner?

“It is taking shape. It is not an easy task to sit men of God together and construct an invocation that is disconnected from a house of worship. I sympathize with the concerns of Rev. Day.” The rabbi sipped from his water glass.

“Thank you Rabbi Lerner,” a distraught Rev. Day nodded his appreciation.

“Remembering what Father Murphy said,” injected Martha, “Thankfulness is the issue with an invocation; it does not require religious significance. Let me try. Oh, merciful creator, open up your arms wide to gratify the wants of every living creature. Make us thankful for your loving providence and grant that we…eh…remembering the account that we must one day give…Sound good so far?”

Madeline patted Martha on the back. “I’m impressed, what a surprise, next thing you’ll be dragging me to church.”

“Would do you good,” blurted Max Straight, the Elder.

Farnsworth whispered to Altman, “We could get this done. It appears they might even be getting along.”

Rev. Jackson stood. “If I may, let me try this. Oh, merciful Creator, your hand is wide open to satisfy the needs of every living creature. Make us thankful for your loving providence and grant that we, remembering the account that we must one day give, may be faithful stewards of your good gifts….Amen. What do you think?”

“I don’t know about the Amen, but the rest of it sounds good.” Martha nodded in the affirmative.

Father Murphy smiled broadly. Others looked around the room in agreement. Rev. Day doodled on his pad.

Rabbi Lerner was the first to speak. “Amen is much a part of reverence, not necessarily to God, blessed be He, but to life. It shows humility, it may be viewed as secular. It should remain.”

“I am satisfied,” exclaimed Father Murphy. “Did someone write it down?”

“I got it all on tape,” replied Farnsworth.

Others in the room agreed, Martha and Madeline clapped high fives, but Rev. Day showed no emotion and sat quietly.

“Attorney Farnsworth what do you think,” queried the Commissioner?

“I think it will fly.”

“Let’s have a vote,” Altman looked around the room, “All in favor of presenting this invocation to the Commission raise your hands.”

With great reluctance on the part of some, hands went up.

“Any opposed?”

The Rev. E. Power Day raised his hand high, picked up his bible and other materials and walked out.

“It passes.” Altman looked about the room. “Thank you. I mean that sincerely. This was a very difficult task that struck deeply into our hearts.”

Those present, nodded in agreement. The two nuns crossed themselves.

“Adjourned,” exclaimed Altman who stood and then sucked on his unlit pipe.

(Note, although the story is fictitious, the invocation was formally adopted by Pasco County Government October 3, 2003. It is to be used at commission meetings and other local government functions.)

End