Carlsbad City Council
May 16, 2023

CA Review CKM
Meeting Date: May 16, 2023
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Scott Chadwick, City Manager
Staff Contact: Sheila Cobian, Legislative & Constituent Services Director [email protected], 442-339-2917
Subject: Consider Approval of a City Council Policy Statement – Invocation at City Council Meetings
Districts: All
Reco
mmended Action
Adopt a resolution approving City Council Policy Statement – Invocation at City Council Meetings.

Executive Summary
Carlsbad Municipal Code Chapter 1.20, Section 1.20.060, outlines the order of business for all City Council meeting agendas. It lists an invocation as being the item of business immediately following the Pledge of Allegiance and before the approval of minutes. Although an invocation has routinely been listed as an item of business on the agenda, one has not occurred for several years.

A member of the City Council recently requested that an invocation be given at a future meeting. The City Attorney’s Office recommended the development of a City Council policy statement to address invocation requests. Based on that guidance, staff have established the attached City Council policy statement for the City Council’s consideration (Exhibit 1, Attachment A).

Explanation & Ana lysis
The proposed policy includes a non-discrimination provision, which will also be stated on each City Council agenda. The scheduling and selection of invocation leaders would be done on a neutral, first-come, first-served basis without regard to an invocation leader’s denomination or religion and without favoring invocation leaders based on their belief or non-belief in the existence of a god.

In addition, staff are recommending that the following guidelines be included in the policy and provided to each community member before they deliver an invocation at a City Council meeting:

The invocation leader shall:
• Address the City Council, not the audience
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• Avoid making political statements or discussing local policies or officials • Refrain from disparaging other faiths
• Avoid advertising their own place of worship, including the time and place of meetings • Limit remarks to two minutes
Staff are recommending that the invitation to offer an invocation at a City Council meeting be conducted in a similar manner as to when the City Clerk’s Office performs the annual advertisement for board, commission and committee vacancies. Following adoption of the City Council meeting calendar each year, staff would solicit interest from community members who would like to deliver an invocation at future meetings by advertising in the local newspaper, on the city’s social media platforms and via a notice on the city’s website.

Staff surveyed the cities in San Diego County to find out which agencies provide for a legislative invocation and if they have a formal policy in place. The following table reflects the survey results:

Survey results
City Allows invocation Written policy
Chula Vista Yes No
Coronado On agenda but not done No
Del Mar No No
El Cajon Moment of silence No
Encinitas No No
Escondido Yes (Moment of reflection)
Stated on agenda: “City Council agendas
allow an opportunity for a moment of silence
and reflection at the beginning of the
evening meeting. The City does not
participate in the selection of speakers for
this portion of the agenda, and does not
endorse or sanction any remarks made by
individuals during this time. If you wish to be
recognized during this portion of the agenda,
please notify the City Clerk in advance.”
Imperial Beach No No
La Mesa Yes No
Lemon Grove No No
National City Yes No
Oceanside Yes No
Poway No No
San Diego Yes No
San Marcos Yes No
Santee Yes No
Solana Beach No No
Vista Yes *Yes
*Policy attached as Exhibit 2
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In addition to conducting the survey, staff also obtained sample policies from the cities of Newport Beach; Coolidge, Ariz., Pensacola, Fla. and the Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska. (Exhibit 2).

City Council policy statements require a four-fifths vote for approval of all City Council policy revisions.

Fiscal Analysis
There is no fiscal impact from this action.

Options
Staff provide the following options for the City Council’s consideration:

Option 1 - Adopt the resolution approving the City Council Policy – I nvocations at City Council meetings
Option 2 - Do not ado pt the City Council Policy – Invocations at City Council meetings and direct staff to return to City Council with an ordinance amending Carlsbad Municipal Code Chapter 1.20, Section 1.20.060(E), eliminating the Invocation from the City Council agenda order of business.

Next Steps
The City Clerk’s Office staff will publish and post notices inviting community members to request providing invocations at the remaining City Council meetings for calendar year 2023 and will post the City Council policy on the city’s website to ensure that anyone wishing to provide an invocation at a City Council meeting is aware of the guidelines.

Environmental Eval
uation
This action does not require environmental review because it does not constitute a project within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act under California Public Resources Code Section 21065 in that it has no potential to cause either a direct physical change or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.

Exhibits

1. City Council resolution

2. Sample policies
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Exhibit 1

RESOLUTION NO. .

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING CITY COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT – INVOCATION

AT CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS

WHEREAS, Carlsbad Municipal Code Chapter 1.20, Section 1.20.060, outlines the order of business for all City Council meeting agendas; and
WHEREAS, an Invocation is listed immediately following the Pledge of Allegiance and prior to the Approval of Minutes; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to establish a Policy to address invocation requests in a legal, fair and impartial way.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, as follows:

1. That the above recitations are true and correct.

2. That the City Council approves the proposed City Council Policy Statement – Invocation at City Council Meetings (Attachment A).

PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Carlsbad on the __ day of ________, 2023, by the following vote, to wit:

AYES:

N AYS:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:
______________________________________
KEITH BLACKBURN, Mayor

______________________________________
SHERRY FREISINGER, City Clerk
(SEAL)
May 16, 2023
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Policy No.

Date Issued
Resolution No.

Subject:

Invocation at City Council Meetings

Purpose
To ensure that invocations at City Council meetings comply with the law and to develop a formal process and guidelines to address invocation requests at City Council meetings.

Background
Carlsbad Municipal Code Chapter 1.20, Section 1.20.060, outlines the order of business for all City Council meeting agendas. An Invocation is listed as being the item of business immediately following the Pledge of Allegiance and prior to the Approval of Minutes.

By formalizing the process for soliciting interest from community members wishing to provide a legislative invocation and establishing guidelines through a City Council Policy, City Council and community member expectations of the process will be clear.

Statement of policy
To formalize the process and guidelines for Invocations at City Council meetings.

Procedure
• Following the annual approval of the City Council Meetings Calendar, the City Clerk’s Office will prepare a notice and press release soliciting interest from community members in providing an invocation at future meetings. The notice shall be posted on the city’s website, in the local newspaper and on the city’s social media platforms. • Respondents to the notice shall contact the Office of the City Council to identify an available meeting date. Scheduling shall be on a first-come, first-served basis. • The respondent may only request to provide one invocation at a time, with subsequent requests made only after the date of a previously scheduled invocation has passed. • No respondent shall be scheduled to offer an invocation at consecutive City Council meetings or at more than four City Council meetings in any calendar year. (These limitations are intended to help ensure that a variety of speakers are given an opportunity to provide an invocation and that there is no appearance of City Council favor.)
• The Executive Assistant to the City Council shall schedule the Invocation on the Agenda Planning Calendar.
• The Executive Assistant to the City Council shall provide a copy of this City Council Policy to the community member upon scheduling.
• The following disclaimer shall be included on each City Council agenda:

Any invocation that may be offered at the beginning of the City Council meeting shall be a voluntary offering of a private person, to and for the benefit of the City Council. No member of the community is required to attend or participate in the invocation.

Attachment A
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City Council

POLICY STATEMENT
City Council Policy Statement
May 16, 2023

Invocation Guidelines
• No member of the City Council, city employee or person in attendance at the meeting shall be required to participate in any invocation that is offered. • The invocation shall be delivered by a clergy/religious leader or resident of the City of Carlsbad.
• The individual delivering the invocation shall check in with the City Clerk at least five minutes prior to the beginning of the meeting.
• The invocation shall be addressed to the City Council, not the audience. • The invocation may not disparage other faiths.
• The individual giving the invocation may not advertise their own place of worship, including the time and place of meetings.
• The invocation may not exceed two minutes.
• No invocation speaker shall receive compensation for their service.

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Exhibit 2
May 16, 2023
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200-03

PURPOSE

INVOCATIONS
Vista City Council Policy
To prevent discrimination in scheduling invocations at City Council meetings.

POLICY
The invocation at City Council meetings can be offered by a member of any church located in Vista.

HISTORY
Ado~edJune16, 1983.
200-03 (1)
A-19
1 GUIDELINES FOR INVOCATIONS
The Newport Beach City Council has a long tradition of beginning each City Council meeting with a pledge of allegiance and an invocation. Recently, the United States Supreme Court in Town of Greece v. Galloway 134 S.Ct. 1811 (2014) held that “absent a pattern of prayers that over time denigrate, proselytize, or betray an impermissible government purpose…” a prayer policy passes constitutional muster. The purpose of this Policy is to ensure that invocations comply with the law so that the City’s residents retain the right to open public meetings with words of inspiration and wisdom. The City Council has determined that invocations that comply with the guidelines in this Policy are consistent with the United States Supreme Court’s jurisprudence.

1. To solemnize proceedings of the City Council , Boards, Commissions and Committees, it is the policy of the City Council to allow for an invocation or prayer to be offered at its meetings for the benefit of the City Council, Board members, Commission members, Committee members and the community.

2. No member of the City Council , members of any City Board, Commission, Committee or City employee or any other person in attendance at the meeting shall be required to participate in any prayer that is offered.

3. The prayer shall be voluntarily delivered by a clergy/religious leader or other person in the City of Newport Beach. To e nsure that such person (“invocational speaker”) is selected from among a wide pool of the City’s leaders, on a rotating basis, the invocational speaker shall be selected according to the following procedure:
a. The City Clerk shall compile and maintain a database (“Congregations List”) of the religious congregations with an established presence in Newport Beach.
b. The Congregations List shall be compiled by referencing the listing for “churches,” “congregations,” or other religious assemblies [religious, atheist or agnostic groups or assemblies (collectively “Assemblies”)] in the annual Yellow Pages phone book(s) published for the City of Newport Beach, research from the Internet, and consultation with local chambers of commerce. All religious congregations and Assemblies with an established presence in the local community of Newport Beach are eligible to be May 16, 2023
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A-19
2 included in the Congregations List, and any such congregation can confirm its inclusion by written request to the City Clerk.
c. The Congregations List shall also include the name and contact information of any chaplain who may serve one (1) or more of the fire departments or law enforcement agencies of the City of Newport Beach or any nearby military facilities.
d. The Congregations List shall be upd ated, by reasonable efforts of the City Clerk, in November of each calendar year.
e. Within thirty (30) calendar days of the effective date of this Policy, and on or about December 1 of each calendar year thereafter, the City Clerk shall mail an invitatio n addressed to the “congregation leader” of each congregation listed on the Congregations List, as well as to the individual chaplains included on the Congregations List.
f. The invitation shall be dated at the top of the page, signed by the City Clerk at the bottom of the page, and read as follows:

Dear Congregation Leader,
The City Council makes it a policy to invite members of the clergy in the City of Newport Beach to voluntarily offer a prayer before the beginning of its meetings. As the leader of one of the congregations with an established presence in the local community of the City of Newport Beach, or in your capacity as a chaplain for one of the fire departments or law enforcement agencies of the City of Newport Beach, the City Council would appreciate if you would consider offering this important service at an upcoming meeting of the City Council, City Board, Commission, or Committee.

If you are willing to assist the City in this regard, please send a written reply via E-mail, fax or mail to the City Clerk. Invocations are scheduled on a first -come, first -serve or other random basis. The dates of the City Council’s scheduled meetings for the upcoming year are listed on the following, attached page. Please note, meetings of the City’s Boards, Commissions, and Committees are held throughout the year. If you have a preference among the dates, please state that request in your written reply.

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A-19
3 This opportunity is voluntary, and you are free to offer the invocation according to the d ictates of your own conscience. To maintain a spirit of respect and ecumenism, the City Council requests only that the prayer opportunity not be exploited as an effort to convert others to the particular faith of the invocational speaker, nor to disparage any faith or belief different than that of the invocational speaker.

On behalf of the City Council, I thank you in advance for considering this invitation.

Sincerely,
City Clerk
g. Consistent with paragraph 6 hereof and, as the invitation letter indica tes, the respondents to the invitation shall be scheduled on a first -come, first- served or other random basis to deliver invocations.
h. If the selected invocational speaker does not appear at the scheduled meeting, the Mayor (or board, commission, commit tee chairperson) may ask for a volunteer from among the City Council (or Board, Commission, Committee) or the audience to deliver the invocation.

4. No invocational speaker shall receive compensation for his or her service.

5. The City Clerk shall make every reasonable effort to ensure that a variety of eligible invocational speakers are scheduled for the City Council meetings. If others are waiting and have not had an opportunity to deliver an invocation , no invocational speaker shall be scheduled to offer a prayer at more than three (3) City Council, Board, Commission or Committee meetings in any calendar year.

6. Neither the City Council, Board, Commission, or Committee members , nor the City Clerk shall engage in any prior in quiry, review of, or involvement in, the content of any prayer to be offered by an invocational speaker.

7. This Policy shall be intended for all Boards , Commissions, Committees, or any other public event of the City of Newport Beach, California.

8. This Policy in not intended, and shall not be implemented or construed in any way, to affiliate the City Council with, nor express the City Council’s preference for, any faith or religious denomination. Rather, this Policy is intended to May 16, 2023
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A-19
4 acknowledge and express the City Council’s respect for the diversity of religious denominations and faiths represented and practiced among the citizens of Newport Beach.

History

Adopted A-19 – 1-27-2004
Amended A-19 – 4-25-2017
May 16, 2023
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May 16, 2023
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RESOLUTION No. 15-32

A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE

CITY OF COOLIDGE, ARIZONA, ADOPTING A WRITTEN

POLICY REGARDING OPENING INVOCATIONS BEFORE
MEETINGS OF THE COOLIDGE CITY COUNCIL.

WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Coolidge ("City Council") is an elected legislative and deliberative public body, serving the citizens of the City of Coolidge, Arizona; and WHEREAS, the City Council wishes to solemnize its proceedings by allowing for an opening invocation before each meeting; and
WHEREAS, the City Council now desires to adopt this formal, written policy to clarify and codify its invocation practices; and
WHEREAS, in Town a/Greece v. Galloway, 134 S.Ct. 1811 (2014), the United States Supreme Court validated opening prayers at meetings of the Town of Greece Board and recognized that it is constitutionally permissible for a public body to "invoke divine guidance" on its work; and WHEREAS, the City Council intends to adopt a policy that does not proselytize or advance any particular faith, or show any purposeful preference of one religious view to the exclusion of others; and WHEREAS, the City Council is not establishing a policy that defines the constitutional limits for permissible public invocations; rather, the City Council intends to adopt guidelines that are consistent with the guidance provided by the courts that have considered the validity of public invocations; and
WHEREAS, numerous courts have approved an invocation practice that incorporates a neutral system to invite religions leaders form the local community and/or volunteers to provide an invocation before public meetings. Town of Greece v. Galloway, 134 S.Ct. 1811 (2014); see also Simpson v.

Chesterfield Cnty. Bd. of Supervisors, 404 F.3d 276 (4th Cir. 2005); cert. denied, 546 U.S. 937 (2005); Pelphrey v. Cobb Cnty., 547 F.3d 1263 (11th Cir. 2008); Rubin v. City of Lancaster, 710 F.3d 1087 (9th Cir. 2013); and
WHEREAS, the City Council intends to adopt a policy that will not show a purposeful preference of one religious view over another by not permitting the faith of the person offering the invocation to be considered when extending an invitation or scheduling participation; and WHEREAS, the City Council accepts as binding the applicability of general principles of law and all the rights and obligations afforded under the United States and Arizona State Constitutions and statutes.

I
May 16, 2023
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and City Council of the City of Coolidge, Arizona hereby adopts the following written policy regarding opening invocations before meetings of the City Council, to wit:

1. Purpose
To establish a policy, criteria, guideEnes and procedures for allowance of an invocation at regularly scheduled City Council meetings.

2. Scope
This policy affects elected officials and the regular meeting schedule of the Coolidge City Council.

3. Responsibilities
The City Clerk is responsible for the implementation and update of this policy. The City Council is responsible for the enforcement of this policy.

4. Policy

4.1 It is the policy of the Coolidge City Council to allow for an invocation, which may include a prayer, reflective moment of silence or short solemnizing message. An invocation shall be offered before the regular City Council meetings.

4.2 No member of the City Council, employee of the City or any other person in attendance at the meeting shall be required to participate in any invocation that is offered, and their presence, or lack thereof, when the invocation is delivered will have no impact on their observation or participation in any aspect of the meeting.

4.3 The invocation shall be voluntarily delivered by an eligible member of religious/spiritual organizations in the incorporated limits of the City of Coolidge, Arizona. To ensure that such person is selected from among a wide pool of religious/spiritual organizations in the community, on a rotating basis, the invocation speaker will be selected according to the procedure in Section 5 .1.

4.4 No invocation speaker shall receive compensation for his or her service.

4.5 No invocation. speaker shall proselytize or otherwise openly seek to promote certain aspects of doctrine or faith; openly advocate or campaign for conversion of individuals or groups; or openly advance any faith, belief, doctrine or dogma. No invocation shall disparage the religious faith or non-religious views of others.

4.6 Invocation shall not exceed 3 minutes in length.
2 May 16, 2023
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4.7 Anyone violating this policy is subject to disqualification from offering future invocations and will be removed from the database of religious/spiritual organizations eligible to give the invocation.

4.8 This policy is not intended, and shall not be implemented or construed in anyway, to affiliate the City Council with, nor express the City Council's preference for, any faith or religious/spiritual organization. Rather, this policy is intended to acknowledge and express the City Council's respect for the diversity of religious and spiritual faiths represented and practiced among the citizens of the City of Coolidge.

4.9 Neither City Council nor staff shall engage in any inquiry, examination, restriction, review of, or involvement in the content of any invocation being offered.

4.10 If the selected invocation speaker does not appear at the scheduled meeting, the Mayor may ask for an adult volunteer from the audience to deliver the invocation or call for a moment of silence.

4.11 The written agenda document created for the City Council meeting will explain to the reader that the invocation is a voluntary expression of the private citizen and· is not intended to affiliate the City Council with, or express the City Council's preference for, any religious/spiritual organization.

5. Procedures

5.1 Selection Process
a. The City Clerk's office will compile and maintain a database (hereinafter, the "Religious/Spiritual Organizations List") of the religious/spiritual organizations that have an established presence in the City of Coolidge, and periodically assemble for the purpose of discussing or furthering their religious or spiritual perspective. The Religious/Spiritual Organizations List is intended to be all-inclusive of every diverse religious or spiritual organization serving the citizens of the City. Any such religious or spiritual organization can request or confirm its inclusion by specific written request to the City Clerk. Notice of how religious/spiritual organizations may request to be considered for delivering an invocation shall be prominently posted on the City's website.
b. The Religious/Spiritual Organizations List will be complied by referencing the listing for "churches", "congregations", "synagogues", "mosques", and other religious or spiritual organizations in the Yellow Pages or similar telephone directory published for geographic areas within the City, research from the Internet and consultation with the local chamber of commerce. The Religious/Spiritual Organizations List is compiled and used as part of the selection process for the purposes of logistics, 3 May 16, 2023
Item #11 Page 15 of 23
efficiency, and equal opportunity for all of the community's religious or spiritual organizations, which may themselves choose whether to participate in the invocation process.
c. The Religious/Spiritual Organizations List will also include the name and contact information of any chaplain who may serve the fire or police department of the City of Coolidge.
d. The City Clerk will make every reasonable effort to ensure that a variety of eligible invocation speakers are scheduled for the City Council meetings. e. In no event shall a speaker be scheduled to offer an invocation at consecutive meetings of the City Council, or at more than three City Council meetings in any fiscal year. Similarly, no speaker from the same religious/spiritual organization shall speak more than three times in any fiscal year.
f. The Religious/Spiritual Organizations List will be updated, by reasonable efforts of the City Clerk, in November of each year.
g. Within thirty (30) days of the effective date of this policy, and on or about October 1st of each year thereafter, the City Clerk will mail an invitation addressed to the "leader" of each religious or spiritual organization listed on the Religious/Spiritual Organizations List, as well as to the individual chaplains included on the Religious/Spiritual Organizations List.
h. The invitation letter will be dated at the top of the page, signed by the City Clerk at th.e bottom of the page, and will read as follows:

Dear Leader,
The City of Coolidge makes it a policy to invite the leader or a representative of religious or spiritual organizations in the City to voluntarily offer an invocation before the beginning of its regular City Council meetings.

As the leader of one of the religious or spiritual organizations with an established presence in the local community of the City, or in your capacity as a chaplain for the fire or police department of the City of Coolidge, you are eligible to offer this important service at an upcoming meeting of the City Council. If you are willing to assist the City Council in this regard, please send a written reply at your earliest convenience to the City Clerk's Office at 130 W. Central Avenue, Coolidge, Arizona 85128.
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Invocation speakers are scheduled on a first-come, first-served or other random selection basis. The dates of the City Council's scheduled meetings for the upcoming year are listed on the following, attached page. If you have a preference among the dates, please state that request in your reply.

This opportunity is voluntary, and you are free to offer the invocation according to the dictates of your own conscience; however, please do not exceed three minutes in your presentation. To maintain a spirit of respect and ecumenism, the City Council requests only that the invocation opportunity not be exploited as an effort to convert others to the particular faith of the invocation speaker, nor to disparage any faith or belief different than that of the invocation speaker.

On behalf of the Coolidge City Council, I thank you in advance for considering this invitation.

Sincerely,
Clerk to the City of Coolidge

1. The respondents to the invitation will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served or other random-selection basis to deliver the invocations. 5 .2 Authenticity of Religious Congregation
Should a question arise as to the authenticity of a religious or spiritual organization, the City Clerk shall refer to criteria used by the Internal Revenue Service in its determination of those organizations that would legitimately qualify for I.R.S. §501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this policy shall become effective immediately upon adoption by the Council.

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Coolidge, Arizona this 21st day of September, 2015.

APPROVED:

APPROVED AS TO FORM:
. 10· -=
~~ CiAttomey
5 RESOLUTION
NO. 17-14

A RESOLUTION
TO BE ENTITLED:

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA, REGARDING A CEREMONIAL, OPENING

INVOCATION AND RECITATION OF THE PLEDGE OF

ALLEGIANCE AT COUNCIL MEETINGS PRIOR TO OFFICIAL
POLICYMAKING AND LEGISLATIVE FUNCTIONS; ADOPTING A

POLICY OF NON-EXCLUSION AND SELECTION OF VOLUNTEER

INVOCATION SPEAKERS AND A DIVERSITY OF VIEWPOINTS
AND NON-EXCLUSION OF THOSE IN ATTENDANCE;
PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

WHEREAS, the City of Pensacola (the “City”) desires to preserve and maintain the tradition of solemnizing its City Council proceedings by allowing and inviting an opening invocation and the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance before each regular meeting of the City Council for the benefit of the City Council; and

WHEREAS, the City recognizes that our history is replete with official references to the value and invocation of Divine guidance in deliberations and pronouncements of the Founding Fathers and contemporary leaders as set forth in the holding of Lynch v. Donnelly, 465 U.S. 668, 675 (1984); and

WHEREAS, the United States Supreme Court and Eleventh District have consistently upheld the practice of delivering religious invocations before deliberative public bodies occurring prior to policymaking. See Town of Greece v. Galloway, 572 U.S. __, slip op., 134 S. Ct. 1811 (2014); Marsh v. Chambers, 463 U.S. 783 (1983); Atheists of Florida, Inc. v.

City of Lakeland, 713 F.3d 577 (11th Cir. 2013); and

WHEREAS, the City recognizes that our City and Nation is comprised of individuals with a diversity of viewpoints, including but not limited to, faiths, religions, beliefs, and non - beliefs. Accordingly, the City will make reasonable efforts to invite, locate, and welcome individuals with a diversity of viewpoints to offer the opening invocation for the benefit of the City Council, and the City’s policies shall not be intended, implemented, or construed in any manner to affiliate the City Council or the City with, or express any preference for or against, any faith, non-faith, belief, non- belief or religious denomination;

WHEREAS, in recognition of the diversity of faiths, ideas, viewpoints, and various beliefs as referenced herein, it is the policy of the City that sectarian prayer may be allowed that is solemn and respectful in tone that invites the City Council members to reflect upon shared ideals and common ends before embarking on the business of governing. However, invocation speakers are hereby requested to refrain from exploiting the invocation period with proselytizing or advancing any one belief, view, or religion; disparaging any other faith or belief; denigrating nonbelievers or religious minorities; threatening damnation; or preaching conversion; May 16, 2023
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WHEREAS, in further recognition of the diversity of ideas, viewpoints, and various beliefs and non -beliefs held within this Country, it is the policy of the City that the opening invocation and recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance be voluntary and allow participation from all that wish to participate, but otherwise allow non-participation and an opportunity to exit the City Council Chambers during the opening invocation and/or recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to any who do not wish to witness or participate in same; and

WHEREAS, the City Council intends that this policy and these procedures do not proselytize or advance any faith, or show any purposeful preference of one religious or non - religious view to the exclusion of others.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PENSACOLA, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. INVOCATION PROCEDURE AND POLICIES.

Intent. It is the intent of the City Council to formulate a policy that is consistent with the Supreme Court’s ruling in Town of Greece v. Galloway, Marsh v. Chambers and the Eleventh Circuits ruling in Atheists of Florida, Inc. v. City of Lakeland. Further it is the policy of the City Council that the procedures set forth in this Resolution concerning opening invocation shall occur at all regular meetings of the City Council. This policy and these procedures are not intended, shall not be implemented, and shall not be construed in any way, to affiliate the City Council or the City with, nor express a preference for or against any faith, belief, non - belief, opinion, religion, non-religion, or denomination. Rather, this policy and these procedures are intended to acknowledge and express the City Council’s respect for the diversity of religious and non-religious denominations and faiths represented and practiced among the citizens of the City and to express the City Council’s respect for its proceedings and the importance of government and local legislative functions. In no event shall these procedures be intended, implemented, or construed in any way to compel participation in the opening invocation or recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Neither the City Council nor the City staff shall require the public to participate in the opening invocation or recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance; single out dissidents for opprobrium; or indicate or allow in any manner the City Council’s decisions to be influenced by a person’s participation or lack of participation in the opening invocation or recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.

Timing. After the Call to Order of all regular meetings of the City Council, an opening invocation as described herein shall occur followed directly by the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. The opening invocation and recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance will occur and be completed during the opening, ceremonial portion of the City Council meeting and shall in no event occur, or be construed to occur, during the policymaking or legislative portions of the City Council meeting.

Speaker Selection. The City Council hereby invites and welcomes the religious leaders and other representatives of any and all local religions, denominations, faiths, creeds, and beliefs, including but not limited to, ministers, priests, chaplains, rabbis, deacons, and the like, to participate in providing opening invocations for the City Council. The opening invocation will be performed by a local volunteer selected in accordance with these rules.

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The local volunteer selected for leading the opening invocation shall be selected from a wide pool of local clergy and organization or group leaders as specified below, and he/she shall in no event receive compensation from the City for his/her participation or services. To ensure that such person is selected from among a wide pool of local clergy and organization or group leaders, on a rotating basis, the invocation speaker shall be selected according to the following procedure:

1. The City Clerk or his/her designee shall compile and maintain a database of the religious congregations, and other groups and organizations, with an established presence within the jurisdictional limits of the City of Pensacola. This list shall be established within 60 days of the passage of this resolution.

2. The database shall be compiled examining a broad and diverse pool of religious leaders and other representatives of any and all local religions, denominations, faiths, creeds, and beliefs, including but not limited to, ministers, priests, chaplains, rabbis, deacons, clerics, and the like. The database may be compiled through referencing the listings for “churches,” “congregations,” other religious and non-religious groups and organizations located, or with an established presence, within the jurisdictional limits of the City in the annual Yellow Pages telephone book(s) or comparable data sources, research from the Internet, consultation with local chambers of commerce or comparable organizations, and any other effective method in the discretion of the City Clerk or his/her designee. Any such church, congregation, entity, organization or group within the jurisdictional limits of the City not identified within the database for participation may request inclusion within the database by written communication directed to the City Clerk that references the opening invocation. If a resident of the City is a member of a church, congregation, other religious or non - religious group or organization which is located outside of the City, such shall be included in the database upon the residents’ written request to the City. This policy is intended to be and shall be applied in a way that is inclusive of diverse religious and non -religious congregations, groups and organizations. The database is compiled and used for purposes of logistics, efficiency, and equal opportunity for all religious and non- religious leaders within the jurisdictional limits of the City to choose whether to respond to the City Council’s invitation.

3. The database shall be updated by reasonable efforts of the City Clerk or his/her designee bi-annually.

4. Potential invocation speakers shall be selected from the database and be invited by the City Council on a rotating basis; provided, however, reasonable efforts shall be made to ensure that a variety of invocation speakers are scheduled for City Council meetings.

Notwithstanding the preceding, no invocation speaker shall be scheduled to offer an invocation at consecutive meetings of the Council, or at more than two (2) City Council meetings in any twelve (12) month period.

5. Neither the City nor the City Council shall engage in any prior inquiry, review, or involvement in, the content of any invocation to be offered by an invocation speaker. However, consistent with U.S. Supreme Court precedent, invocation speakers are hereby advised that the invocation should not denigrate nonbelievers or religious minorities; threaten damnation; or preach conversion.

May 16, 2023
Item #11 Page 19 of 23
Statements reflecting ideals relating to peace and security for the nation; safety of our armed forces, police, firefighters and emergency service personnel; wisdom for the lawmakers; and justice for the people are encouraged.

6. The City Clerk may add the name and affiliated organization of the selected invocation speaker for a particular meeting to the Council Agenda next to the “Invocation” item.

Notwithstanding the preceding, such entry or information shall not be considered or construed as an official agenda item for the public meeting or considered part of the public business to be transacted by the City Council.

7. In recognition of the transitional process relating to the policies set forth herein, including but not limited to the completion of the database, the City Clerk or his/her disgnee may invite religious or non -religious leaders, chaplains, ministers, rabbis or leaders of other groups or organizations with an established presence within the jurisdictional limits of the City to conduct the opening invocation until such time as the database is compiled, to offer a moment of silence, or to forego the opening invocation.

8. In the event an upcoming meeting of the City Council does not have a volunteer opening invocation speaker for that meeting, the City Council reserves the right to invite religious or non-religious leaders, chaplains, ministers, rabbis or leaders of other groups or organizations to conduct the opening invocation for that meeting, and in the event no such speaker is available, the City Council President may choose any speaker; offer a moment of silence; or forego the opening invocation.

Conduct of Proceedings. No member of the City Council, City employee or staff, or
any other person in attendance at the meeting shall be required to participate in any opening invocation that is offered or to rise and/or recite the Pledge of Allegiance. An opportunity to exit the City Council chambers and return upon completion of the opening invocation shall be afforded to those who do not wish to participate or witness same.

Persons in attendance at the City Council meeting are invited to stand during the opening invocation and are invited to stand and/or recite the Pledge of Allegiance. However, such invitation shall not be construed as a demand, order, or any other type of command. Such invitation constitutes a general invitation that a person in attendance may stand and/or participate if he/she wishes to do so for such observances. An opportunity to exit the City Council Chambers and return upon completion of the Pledge of Allegiance shall be afforded to those who do not wish to participate or witness same

Agenda Disclaimer. The following statement shall be placed at the bottom of City Council meeting agendas:

Any opening invocation that is offered before the official start of the Council meeting shall be the voluntary offering of a private person, to and for the benefit of the Council.

The views or beliefs expressed by the invocation speaker have not been previously reviewed or approved by the City Council or the city staff, and the City is not allowed by law to endorse the religious or non -religious beliefs or views of such speaker.

Persons in attendance at the City Council meeting are invited to stand during the
May 16, 2023
Item #11 Page 20 of 23
invocation and to stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. However, such invitation shall not be construed as a demand, order, or any other type of command. No person in attendance at the meeting shall be required to participate in any opening invocation that is offered or to participate in the Pledge of Allegiance. You may remain seated within the City Council Chambers or exit the City Council Chambers and return upon completion of the opening invocation and/or Pledge of Allegiance if you do not wish to participate in or witness the opening invocation and/or the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.

SECTION 2 : CONFLICTS/SUPERSEDE. This Resolution shall supersede any previous rules, policies, procedures, or resolutions to the extent of any conflict with this Resolution.

SECTION 3: SEVERABILITY. If any portion of this Resolution is finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, unconstitutional, unenforceable, or void, the balance of the Resolution shall continue in full force and effect.

SECTION 4: EFFECTIVE DATE. This Resolution shall become effective on the fifth business day after adoption, unless otherwise provided pursuant to Section 4.03(d) of the City Charter of the City of Pensacola.

Adopted: ______________________________

Approved: ______________________________
President of City Council

Attest:

__________________________________
City Clerk

May 16, 2023
Item #11 Page 21 of 23
Kenai Peninsula Borough
Office of the Borough Clerk
144 North Binkley, Soldotna, Alaska 99669 (907) 714-2160 ~ Fax (907) 714-2388

INVOCATION POLICY
Policy Effective November 20, 2018 per Resolution 2018-053

1. It is the intent of the assembly to allow a private citizen to solemnize the proceedings of the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly. It is the policy of the assembly to allow for an invocation, which may include a short prayer or a solemnizing message, to be offered at the beginning of its meetings for the benefit of the assembly to accommodate the spiritual needs of the public officials.

2. No member or employee of the assembly or any other person in attendance at the meeting shall be required to participate in the invocation that is offered and such decision shall have no impact on the ability of the person to actively participate in the business of the assembly.

3. No member or employee of the assembly will direct the public to stand, bow, or in any way participate in the invocation, make public note of a person’s presence or absence, attention or inattention during the invocation, or indicate that decisions of the assembly will in any way be influenced by a person’s acquiescence in the invocation opportunity.

4. The invocation shall be voluntarily delivered by a resident of the Kenai Peninsula Borough.

5. To ensure that the opportunity to give an invocation is available to a wide pool of representatives the invocation speaker shall be selected according to the following procedure:

a. The Clerk’s office shall keep a calendar for all dates of assembly meetings. A person wishing to give an invocation must submit a dated, written request for an invocation to the clerk’s office for only one invocation at a time.

b. The policy is intended to be applied in a way that is all -inclusive and diverse to represent the faiths of the residents of the Kenai Peninsula Borough. Should a question arise as to the qualification of a person requesting to give an invocation, the assembly president shall make the decision by referring to this policy, and may request clarification from the applicant if needed.

c. The respondents to the notice shall be scheduled on a first -come, first-serve basis to deliver the invocat ion, provided each respondent may only ask to May 16, 2023
Item #11 Page 22 of 23
provide one invocation at a time, with subsequent requests only made after the date of previously scheduled invocation has passed. In any event, no respondent shall be scheduled to offer an invocation at consecutive assembly meetings or at more than four assembly meetings in any calendar year. These limitations are intended to help ensure that a variety of speakers are given an opportunity to provide an invocation and that there is no appearance that the a ssembly favors or promotes any one faith over another.

d. In the event an eligible individual from the Kenai Peninsula Borough believes that the Clerk or President has not complied with the terms of this policy, the individual has the right to have the matter reviewed by the Assembly.

e. If an individual scheduled to offer an invocation is not in attendance at an assembly meeting when the invocation is scheduled to be given, the assembly President or an assembly member may be asked by the President to provide the invocation or the meeting may proceed without an invocation being offered.

6. No invocation speaker shall receive compensation for his or her service.

7. No guidelines or limitations shall be issued regarding an invocation’s content, except that the assembly shall request by the language of this policy that no invocation should proselytize or advance any faith, or disparage the religious faith or non-religious views of others.

8. No assembly member nor employee in the clerk’s office shall engage in any prior inquiry, review of, or involvement in the content of any invocation to be offered by an invocation speaker.

9. To clarify the assembly’s intentions, the following disclaimer shall be included on any printed assembly meeting agenda for a meeting during which an invocation may be provided immediately below the invocation:

“Any invocation that may be offered at the beginning of the assembly meeting shall be a voluntary offering of a private person, to and for the benefit of the assembly. No member of the community is required to attend or participate in the invocation.”

10. This policy is not intended, and shall not be implemented or construed in a ny way, to affiliate the assembly with, nor express the assembly’s preference for, any faith or religious denomination. Rather, this policy is intended to acknowledge and express the assembly’s respect for the diversity of religious denominations and faiths represented and practiced among the residents of the borough.

May 16, 2023
Item #11 Page 23 of 23
All Receive - Agehda ite m # ll
For the Information of the :

COUNCIL
From:

Date I 1.? CA_CC_ /
Vanessa Forsythe <[email protected]> CM_ ACM _Z_ DCM (3) _✓_ Sent:

To:

Subject:

Tuesday, May 16, 2023 11 :04 AM
City Clerk; Teresa Acosta; Priya Bhat-Patel; Keith Blackburn; Carolyn Luna; Melanie Burkholder
City Council Public Comment May 16 - Item 11
Dear Honorable Mayor Blackburn and City Council Members I firmly believe in the separation of church and state as written within our Constitution and Bill of Rights. I urge all members of the City Co_uncil to vote against supporting a council invocation.It is inappropriate and wrong to include an invocation at public governance meetings, including City Council meetings. I am a Christian and go to meet with my community of faith to pray in community with like minded individuals . I also attend interfaith and faith services with people of different faiths and respect their right to pray in the manner and places their community gathers. I do not believe it necessary for others to feel pressured in any way to adopt my beliefs or have to be part of my prayer community. I do not want to go to City Council meetings, a public place of governance, to recognize an invocation being iterated (whether it is directed to the city council or the public) .

Also it would not be possible to provide a means for all faiths and denominations to participa te in an invocation by simply indicating "a first come, first served basis". Adopting such a policy would not be inclusive of all faiths and those not practicing a particular faith or belief could feel excluded and not comfo rtable attend ing and participat ing in city council meetings.

In the information provided by staff most other communities do not have a written policy and very few actually have invocations at their public meetings. If members of the city council feel the need to have a moment of private reflection that could be incorporated at the start of the meeting. But aren't the city council meetings long enough? Submitted with Sincerity
Vanessa
Vanessa Forsythe RN MSN
2177 Vista La Nisa Carlsbad CA 92009
Pronouns: She/Her
CleanEarth4Kids
California Nurses for Environmental Health and Justice
"Is there no virtue among us? If there be not, we are in a wretched situat ion. No theoretical checks - no form of government can render us secure." James Madison ·
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1 From:

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Amy Davis <[email protected]>
Tuesday, May 16, 2023 11 :09 AM
City Clerk
Vote NO on Agenda Item #11
Dear Mayor and City Council Members,
I urge you to vote NO in rejecting approval of the invocation at City Council Meetings, Agenda Item #11. It is never appropriate for the convening of a governmental meeting to include a religious prayer, and/or "invocation".

The separation between church and state protects us all. It makes our country more fair, more equal, and more inclusive. Religious freedoms protect everyone's right to believe, or not to believe, as long as they don't harm others.

Religious freedom is for everyone. It protects the most devout believer, to the most committed atheist and everybody in between. It's a fundamental human right that our government should not violate, or misuse to discriminate or exclude.

There are at least 221 recognized religions in the United States according to the Armed Services, in a list released by the Department of Defense. It is unreasonable to suggest that the City Council of Carlsbad could include all of those recognized religions. Therefore, approving invocation at City Council Meetings creates an atmosphere of exclusion, preference and inequality.

The "wall of separation between church and state" is an American ideal, it is the first clause in the BIii of Rights. Keeping government completely out of religion protects every American's right to practice or not to practice according to their own beliefs.

It.is your duty as government officials to protect our rights.

Sincerely,
Amy Davis
Carlsbad Resident
refe re need: https ://www .dis patch .com/ story/I ifestyle/fa ith/2017 /05/12/ a-wide r-ra nge-bel iefs/985693007 / CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless 1 From:

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Hope Nelson <[email protected]>
Tuesday, May 16, 2023 11 :18 AM
Keith Blackburn; Priya Bhat-Patel; Teresa Acosta; Melanie Burkholder; Carolyn Luna; City Clerk
Regarding Agenda Item #11, Carlsbad City Council Meeting 05/16/2023 Imposing an invocation as part of a City Council meeting is an infringement of the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States which is the stated separation of Church and State.

I thought Carlsbad City Council did away with the invocation when former Council Member Packard retired. My personal experience was that whenever Council Member Packard did the invocation, my gut would · turn, as one never knew, due to his own beliefs, how unintentionally close to insulting he would come.

I encourage the current City Council to not go back to those times. You cannot control what someone might say. You also cannot control what someone might feel when the line gets too close to being crossed. You must show respect for all, religious or not, sectarian or not, practicing or not. An invocation clearly does not reflect that.

Please respect the First Amendment and all citizens of Carlsbad. Vote 'NO' on reinstating the invocation.

Res pectf u I ly,
Hope and Vince Nelson
Carlsbad Residents
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Stephanie White <[email protected]>
Tuesday, May 16, 2023 11 :36 AM
City Clerk
Opposition to agenda item 11- including invocations at the start of meetings I am firmly opposed to including invocations at any city meeting or event as it is a violation of the separation of church and state. We must keep our city inclusive of all religions and belief systems.

Sincerely,
Stephanie White
2060 Laurie Circle
Carlsbad, CA 92008
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Council Internet Email
Tuesday, May 16, 2023 12:46 PM
City Clerk
FW: Agenda Item #11
From: Bill Fowler <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 12:35 PM
To: Melanie Burkholder <Melanie [email protected]>; Council Internet Email <[email protected]>; Teresa Acosta <Teresa.Acosta@carlsbadca .gov>; Priya Bhat-Patel <[email protected]>; Carolyn Luna <Carolyn. [email protected]>; Keith Blackburn <[email protected]> Subject: Agenda Item #11
Council Member,
I am absolutely against the intrusion of any religious symbolism, direct or indirect, in any process of the Carlsbad City Council. Please vote against the proposal.
. William Fowler
D2 Resident
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Christine Smoczynski <[email protected] >
Monday, May 15, 2023 3:04 PM
City Clerk
Invocatio n
All Receive - Agenda Item # _ll_
For the Information of th e:

CITY COU/NCIL j
Date'1U13 CA cc~
CM _~_AcM }_ ocM (3) _
I support Carlsbad reinstating the Invocation at the beginning of City Council meetings.

Thank you,
Christine Smoczynski
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Christine Smoczynski <[email protected]>
Monday, May 15, 2023 3:05 PM
City Clerk
.Agenda 11
I support Carlsbad reinstating the Invocation at the beginning of City Council meetings.

Thank you,
Ken Smoczynski
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Dear Carlsbad Council Members,
Lela <[email protected]>
Monday, May 15, 2023 4:38 PM
City Clerk; Council Internet Email
Agenda Item 11: CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A CITY COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT -

INVOCATION CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
As a person of faith, raised in the church, I appreciate taking time each day to reflect in mindful prayer and meditation.

However, a prayer, or invocation, at a public government meeting is not appropriate even when all faiths and non-faiths are invited to participate.

If the Carlsbad Council Members are supportive of this motion (agenda no. 11), perhaps they can consider the alternative of replacing the phrase 'invocation' with 'moment of silence.' This pause, or silence, before a meeting can allow all members in attendance to center themselves and focus on the task at hand. Anything beyond that is not needed and inappropriate for a government meeting.

Regards,
Lela Panagides
District 2 Resident
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Dear City of Carlsbad.

Susan Clifford <[email protected]>
Monday, May 15, 2023 4:56 PM
City Clerk
Invocation at the beginning of City Council Meetings
We support the invocation at the beginning of City Council meetings .

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Mr. and Mrs.

Richard and Susan Clifford
7027 Cinnamon Teal St, Carlsbad, CA 92011
901237 7061
District 49
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Carlsbad City Council,
Barbara Diamond <[email protected]>
Monday, May 15, 2023 6:42 PM
City Clerk
#11
It's imperative that you vote NO to preserve the separation of church and state.

Respectfully,
Barbara C. Diamond
Barbara
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Mary Haupt <[email protected]>
Monday, May 15, 2023 7:24 PM
City Clerk
Asking the council to vote NO on the adoption of the resolution for the invocation.

Agenda 11 .

Separation of church (or the like) and state cannot be violated!

1. Appropriate and recommended wording for the presiding officer to Convene:

1. It is sufficient for the stated or appointed moderator/convenor to call the meeting to order with a simple statement like "Will the meeting please come to order." (Or wording to that effect.) The convening moderator then proceeds to the stated purpose, roll call, approval of the proposed agenda (if necessary), and other opening announcements.

2. Call to Order generally does not include additional statements and actions.

2. It is never appropriate or allowable for the convening of a governmental meeting to include a religious prayer, "Invocation," statement of belief, unbelief, or personal philosophy.

1. To include an invocation, statement of belief, or unbelief in the convening and conduct of a governmental meeting immediately creates a violation of the legal guarantees for equality/equity for all persons. With the myriad of denominations, churches, sects, associations, organizations, and privately held personal creeds, it is impossible to give equal opportunity and expression to each and everyone.

2. The governmental body in such a position would commit grievous error and legal jeopardy of favoring a particular reiigion or creed over the myriad of others by the inclusion of a prayer or invocation, whether by a clergyperson or anyone else.

3. While the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America does not precisely define the term "Establishment," to grievously err by including an Invocation, prayer, statement of belief or unbelief in governmental meetings on any level - federal, state, county, city, school · board, other boards and commissions - would inevitably imply an "establishing" or official recognition of that particular religion or other adherent responsible for the Invocation. Separation of church (or the like) and state cannot be violated.

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Stephanie Griffin <[email protected]>
Monday, May 15, 2023 7:42 PM
City Clerk
May 16 Agenda Items
Greetings! I'm writing in support of agenda items #11 and #12.

In particular, regarding item #12 for a budget workshop - I think this practice should always be in practice for approving budgets over $100K. The citizens of Carlsbad deserve transparency and strong fiscal responsibility.

Thank you!
Warm regards,
Stephanie Griffin
Carlsbad D2 Resident
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Dear Mayor and Council,
Nikki Faddick <[email protected]>
Monday, May 15, 2023 7:57 PM
City Clerk; Priya Bhat-Patel; Keith Blackburn; Carolyn Luna; Melanie Burkholder; Teresa Acosta
Agenda item #11: Invocation at City Council Meetings
I am writing to oppose the proposed addition of invocation at the outset of our council meetings. Such an invocation defies the American democratic principle of separation of church and state. It is not possible for this activity to be inclusive of all of the faith traditions practiced by our residents and is by default not inclusive of atheists. It was Ronald Reagan who said: "We establish no religion in this country, we command no worship, we mandate no belief, nor will we ever, Church and state are, and must remain, separate." Please reject this divisive idea and keep our council meetings free religious involvement as our Founding Fathers intended.

Sincerely,
Nikki Faddick
D3 Resident
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Dear Council
Judy Frankel <[email protected]>
Monday, May 15, 2023 8:17 PM
Keith Blackburn; Priya Bhat-Patel; Teresa Acosta; Council Internet Email; City Clerk; Melanie Burkholder
Agenda Item Re Invocation
As a concerned citizen committed to the principles of democracy and the separation of church and state, I firmly believe in the importance of keeping religious practices separate from governmental affairs.

Therefore, we urge all members of the City Council to vote against supporting a council invocation.

Let us maintain the cherished principle of the separation of church and state, fostering an inclusive and equitable environment where all residents feel valued and represented. Together, we can uphold the fundamental principles upon which our democracy was built and ensure a government that serves the best interests of all its constituents.

By voting against supporting a council invocation, we are not attacking anyone's faith or belief system. On the contrary, we are advocating for the principle of religious freedom, ensuring that everyone's rights and perspectives are respected and protected. We affirm our commitment to a government that remains neutral on matters of religion, preserving the integrity of our democratic proc~sses and upholding the rights of all citizens.

Our city council has a responsibility to prioritize the needs and concerns of all residents equally, regardless of their religious beliefs. Encouraging public prayer or religious invocations within the council chambers can create an environment that is exclusive, potentially making some individuals feel unwelcome or uncomfortable while participating in civic affairs.

Thank you, ·
Judy Frankel
Calavera Hills
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Tim and Mi sty O' Healy <o healytim.mi sty@g mail.co m> Mo nday, May 15, 2023 8:32 PM
City Clerk; Keit h Blackburn; Carolyn Luna; Priya Bhat -Pate l; Teresa Acosta; M elanie Burkholder
Agenda ite m #11 - CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A CITY COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT -

INVOCATION CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
Dear Mayor & Council Members,
As residents of Carlsbad since 2006 and concerned citizens committed to the principles of democracy and the separat ion of church and state, we adamantly believe in the importance of keeping religious practices separate from governmental affairs. Therefore, we urge all members of the City Council to vote against support ing a council invocation .

It is absolutely essential that we maintain the cherished principle of the separat ion of church and state, fostering an inclusive and equitable environment where all residents in our diverse commun ity feel valued and represented . Together', we can uphold the fundamenta l principles upon which our democracy was founded and built to ensure a government that serves the best interests of all its constituents.

We are not attacking anyone's faith or belief system by voting against supporting a council invocation . . It is quite the opposite as we are advocating for the princip le of religious freedom, ensuring that everyone's rights and perspectives are respected and protected. We are deeply committed to a government that remains neutral on matters of religion, preserving the integrity .of our democratic processes and upholding the rights of our diverse citizens It is our city council's responsibility to prioritize the needs and concerns of all residents equally, regardless of their religious beliefs. Encouraging public prayer or religious invocations within the council chambers creates an environment with the potential to make some individuals feel excluded, unwelcome or uncomfortable while participating in civic affairs . 1 Respectfully,
Tim and Misty O'Healy, 92011
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SG Anderson <[email protected]>
Monday, May 15, 2023 9:07 PM
City Clerk
VOTE NO on including prayer in City Council meetings Agenda #11 To Mayor and Council Members:

As a concerned citizen committed to the principles of democracy and the separation of church and state, I firmly believe in the importance of keeping religious practices separate from governmental affairs.

Therefore, we urge all member s of the City Council to vote against supporting a council invocation.

Let us maintain the cherished principle of the separation of church and state, fostering an inclusive and equitable environment where all residents feel valued and represented. Together, we can uphold the fundamental principles upon which our democracy was built and ensure a government that serves the best interests of all its constituents.

By voting against supporting a council invocation, we are not attacking anyone's faith or belief system. On the contrary, we are advocating for the principle of religious freedom, ensuring that everyone's rights and perspectives are respected and protected. We affirm our commitment to a government that remains neutral on matters of religion, preserving the integrity of our democratic processes and upholding the rights of all citizens.

Our city council has a responsibility to prioritize the needs and concerns of all residents equally, regardless of their religious beliefs. Encouraging public prayer or religiou s invocations within the council chambers can create an environment that is exclusive, potentially making some individuals feel unwelcome or uncomfortable while participating in civic affairs.

Thank you,

5. Anderson, District 1
920 Wind Drift, Carlsbad
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Joanne Goglia <[email protected]>
Monday, May 15, 2023 10:10 PM
City Clerk
Prayer at meetings
I'm opposed to introducing anything of a religious nature into a governmental proceeding. Seriously, how would you choose which religion the prayer would represent? Would the prayer be Buddhist, catholic, Greek orthodox, pentecostal, Jewish or what???? And now that 20% of the country are atheists why should they be subjected to any religious activity? Let's remember our founding fathers' admonition to keep church and state separate .

Respectfully submitted,
Joanne Goglia, age 77
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Tamara Dixon <[email protected]>
Monday, May 15, 2023 11 :25 PM
City Clerk
Support item #11
I am in support of Carlsbad reinstating the Invocation at the beginning of City Council meetings.

Thank you.

Tamara Dixon
D4
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Teresa DeZazzo <[email protected]>
Tuesday, May 16, 2023 12:42 AM
City Clerk; Keith Blackburn; Carolyn Luna; Priya Bhat-Patel; Teresa Acosta; Melanie Burkholder
Vote NO on Agenda Item #11, May 16, 2023
Greetings - I urge you to vote NO on agenda item #11 : Invocation at meet ings. I strongly believe that each of us holds our own values & beliefs in our own heads & hearts. An invocation is unnecessary, and it will exclude some and include others, at a place where all should feel their presence is equally important . Keep City Council meetings for City Council business. Thank you. Teresa Dezazzo, Encinitas resident and frequent Carlsbad visitor CAUTION: Do not o en attachments or click on links unless ou reco nize the sender and know the content i 1 From:

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Dear City Council members,
katrina olson <[email protected]>
Tuesday, May 16, 2023 6:22 AM
City Clerk; Teresa Acosta; Priya Bhat-Patel; Keith Blackburn; Carolyn Luna; Melanie Burkholder
VOTE NO on Agenda #11 at the May 16 City Council Meeting - Consider approval of a City Council policy statement re: invocation (prayer) at meetings.

I am a resident of Carlsbad who believes strongly in the separation of religion and government . I would ask that you vote NO on this item of holding an invocation (prayer) prior to your meetings . It is your job to represent the interests of all of the citizens in your districts- of all backgrounds and all faiths. By invoking religion as part of your government funct ions you would automatically create a sense of exclusion to those who have a different set of beliefs than you . We want all of our diverse Carlsbad citizens included, engaged and empowered to participate in our democratic processes.

Sincerely,
Katrina Olson
2051 Cima Ct
Carlsbad, CA 92009
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Good Morning,
ejehan turker <[email protected]>
Tuesday, May 16, 2023 8:02 AM
City Clerk
Opposed to Agenda Item #11
As a resident of Carlsbad, I'm writing to oppose the implantation of an 11 invocation" (ie. prayer) at the onset of City
Council meetings. The City of Carlsbad is a wonderful, inclusive place where all people should feel a part of a community.

The attempt by one of the city council members, who is publicly known as a religious extremist, to inject this polarizing act into our public space is unacceptable.

Vote NO on prayer at the Carlsbad City Council meeting.

Thank you,
Ejehan Turker
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Jason Fackler <[email protected]>
Tuesday, May 16; 2023 8:40 AM
City Clerk
Agenda #11
Dear Mayor & City Councilmembers,
I encourage you to vote NO on the invocation. I am a firm supporter of keeping state & church separate.

There is no place for religion in our publicly funded meetings.

Thanks,
Jason Fackler
D3 Resident
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Sam Ward <sam_m_ward@yahoo .com>
Tuesday, May 16, 2023 8:42 AM
City Clerk
Council Docket Item 11
Dear Mayor and Councilmembers:

An unnamed Councilmember has apparently suggested that the City of Carlsbad begin allowing faith-based invocations at the beginning of each council meeting. The majority of community members who have written to the council regarding this proposal urge the Council to vote no. I stand with these neighbors .

As of Tuesday morning, the only two community members who has spoken in favor of this item in and detail highlight the goals of the proponents of the invocation , one decrying a "godless society," and another decrying her neighbors who "neglect to praise the creator of this beautiful land - creator god" and quoting a statement that "no human laws should be suffered to contradict " the "divine law" that can be "found only in the holy scriptures. " These community members make clear that the goal of the supporters of this proposal is to use our government as a means of impressing their faith upon our community.

The Council must recognize that while the adoption of an invocation may be red meat for the extremes of the political spectrum, the goal of its proponents is to drive unnecessarily divisive debates in our community and to undercut the separation of church and state that is a bedrock of our union . Carlsbad doesn't need culture wars driven by those bent on putting their faith in front of our Constitution.

The 2020 U.S. Religion Census (https ://www .usreligioncensus .org/), prepared by the Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies , tracked affiliation with 3 72 different faith groups , seeking to identify what percentage of Americans identified themselves as adherents to particular faiths or any faith.

Significantly, the 2020 U.S. Religion Census showed that just 41.2% of San Diego County residents identified .themselves as having any religious affiliation. The largest single faith in San Diego County represents less than 23% of our rieighbors . Thus, adoption of any invocation, will, by its very nature, exclude , and ignore the values of, the majority of our neighbors. Rather than building our community, this proposal will divide it further.

For the above reasons, I encourage the City Council to reject this proposal and avoid investing any further staff time or taxpayer dollars in considering this issue.

Rather, I would encourage the Council , and my Council representative , to focus on issues that impact the health and safety of our community in District I every day, such as traffic calming throughout District I ; expediting the Barrio lighting improvements ; securing the remaining funding necessary to restore the Buena Vista Lagoon; improving access to the beach from the Barrio; adopting a long term plan for the funding of train track trenching; adopting coherent development standards in the Village and Barrio. Please, rather than bringing culture wars to our town, focus on improving our community focus on the work that needs to be done in our community
Sam Ward
2438 Jefferson Street
Carlsbad, CA 92008
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Toni Rudden <[email protected]>
Tuesday, May 16, 2023 8:49 AM
City Clerk
Item #11 on agenda tonight 5/ 16/23
I am opposed to an invocation (prayer) at the beginning of the city council meetings, saying the pledge to the flag is enough, we already are divided politically, don't cause divisions with religious beliefs. Church and state should be separated. (As stated in our Bill of Rights) Thank you Marie Rudden District 1 Resident (2790 Wilson St, Carlsbad) Sent from my iPhone
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Attachments:

Kasha Cohen <[email protected]>
Tuesday, May 16, 2023 9:24 AM
City Clerk

NO ON INVOCATION
THE CARLSBAD CITY COUNCIL-Agenda May 16.pdf
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Council Internet Email
Monday, May 15, 2023 10:07 AM
City Clerk
FW: Please vote NO
From: Priya Bhat-Patel <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 9:47 AM
To: Council Internet Email <CityCouncil@carls_badca.gov> Subject: Fwd: Please vote NO
Dr. Priya Bhat-Patel
she/her/hers
Council Member, District 3
City of Carlsbad
1200 Carlsbad Village Dr.

Carlsbad, CA 92008
www.carlsbadca .gov
442-339-2830 (o) I 760-473-8726 (c)
[email protected] ·
Begin forwarded message:

From: Geri Ingram <[email protected] >
Date: May 15, 2023 at 9:42:56 AM PDT
To: Priya Bhat-Patel <[email protected]>
Cc: Geri Ingram <geriingram@gma il.com>
Subject: Please vote NO
Dear Priya,
All Receive - Agenda Item # J.L
For t he Information of the:
~ Fffif OUNCl,L
Date ~ CA ✓ CC j
cML AcM _)__ ocM (3)l
As a neighbor and supporter of your office on the City Council, I am writing to let you know that I am surprised and dismayed at the suggestion that the Council is considering changing City policy to include an "invocation" at City Council Meetings.

The Constitution's protection of religious freedom ensures that everyone's rights and perspectives are respected and protected. I am committed to a government that remains neutral on matters of religion, faith, spirituality as well as agnosticism, atheism and pantheism. In order to preserve the integrity of our democratic processes and uphold .the rights of all citizens, olir city council must protect the concerns of all residents equally, Encouraging public prayer or religious invocations within the council chambers will eventually create an environment that is exclusive, making some individuals --such as myself--feel unwelcome or uncomfor table while participating in civic affairs.

Thank you,
Geri Ingram
1 I I , I
District 3
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Peggy <peggybart [email protected]>
Monday, May 15, 2023 11 :35 AM
To: City Clerk
Subject: Agenda 11
I support Carlsbad reinstating the Invocation at the beginning of City Council meetings.

We are experiencing what a Godless society looks like:
• lack of respect for all authority
• violence
• theft
• property damage
• drugs
• suicide
• alcohol
• broken/fatherless homes
• genderdysphoria
• sexual immorality : STDs, unwanted pregnancies, abortion Sincerely,
Margaret L Bartley
District 49
"Though liberals do a great deal of talking about hearfng other points of view, it sometimes shocks them .to learn that there are other points of view ." William F. Buckley
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[email protected]
Monday, May 15, 2023 11 :59 AM
City Clerk
Subject: agenda 11
I support Council Member Burkholder's request to reinstate the Invocation.

Thank you,
Carole McKee D1
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Krisha Markowicz < krisha2700@yahoo .com >
Monday, May 15, 2023 12:24 PM
City Clerk
Support agenda 11
I support Carlsbad reinstating the Invocation at the beginning of City Council meetings.

Thank you,
Krisha Wolter
District 3
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kelly.leberthon [email protected]
Monday, May 15, 2023 12:37 PM
City Clerk
Subject: Agenda 11
Dear Mayor Blackburn and Council Members :

Please support reinstating the Invocation to the City Council meetings .

As elected officials in our local government you might benefit from a brief reflection on the formation of our country's government and who you serve. "The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Right~, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness .--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness ... " https://www.archives .gov/founding-docs/ declarat ion-transcript Sadly, some of our citizens seem to reject the founding principles of our country; they reject the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence upon which the Constitution is based! In their frenzy to declare man all powerful, they are rejecting Natural Law which properly places the Creator of all above the created . They worship at the altar of praising Indian tribes on the land, but neglect to praise the Creator of this beautiful land - Creator God . "Man, considered as a creature, must necessarily be subject to the laws of his creator, for he is entirely a dependent being .... as man depends absolutely upon his maker for every thing, it is necessary that he should in all points conform to his maker's will . ... This law of nature, being co-equal with mankind and dictated by God himself, is of course superior in obligation to any other. It is binding over all the globe, in all countries, and at all times: no human laws are of any validity, if contrary to this ... The doctrines thus delivered we call the revealed or divine law, and they are to be found only in the holy scriptures .... are found upon comparison to be really a part of the original law of nature ... Upon these two foundations, the law of nature and the law of revelation, depend all human laws; that is to say, no human laws should be suffered to contradict these ." Blackstone's Commentaries on the Laws of England https://ava lon .law.ya le.edu/18 th century/b lackstone intro.asp #2 Thank you ,
Kelly Le Berth on D 1
1 1
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Deborah Forman <[email protected]>
Monday, May 15, 2023 1: 10 PM
City Clerk
Proposal regarding invocation
I am opposed to adoption of this resolution. Invocations are typically religious in nature. I believe strongly in the separation of church and state as protected by the Constitution. • As a public body, the City Council should not be engaging in any practice with religious overtones. If members of the council wish to make an invocation or blessing, they can do so privately, without bringing religion into their official business. Carlsbad is a wonderful city, and I have been quite happy with the work of the council overall. Please do not adopt this unnecessary and divisive resolution.

Deborah Forman
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Diana A <[email protected] >
Saturday, May 13, 2023 12:52 PM
All Receive - Agend.i Item # Ji
For t he Inform atio n of the :

City Clerk; Priya Bhat-Pate l; Keith Blackburn; Carolyn Luna; M elanie Burkholder ; Teresa Acosta
Agenda ite m #1 1: CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A CITY COUNCIL POLICY STATEM ENT­

INVOCATION CITY COUNC IL MEETINGS -
Dear Mayor & Council Members,
As a concerned citizen committed to the principles of democracy and the separation of church and state, I firmly believe in the importance of keeping religious practices separate from governmental affairs. Therefore, we urge all members of the City Council to vote against supporting a council invocation.

Let us maintain the cherished principle of the separation of church and state, fostering an inclusive and equitable environment where all residents feel valued and represented. Together, we can uphold the fundamental principles upon which our democracy was built and ensure a government that serves the best interests of all its constituents .

By voting against supporting a council invocation, we are not attacking anyone's faith or belief system.

On the contrary, we are advocating for the principle of religious freedom, ensuring that everyone's rights and perspectives are respected and protected. We affirm our commitment to a government that remains neutral on matters of religion, preserving the integrity of our democratic processes and upholding the rights of all citizens
Our city council has a responsibility to prioritize the needs and concerns of all residents equally, regardless of their religious beliefs. Encouraging public prayer or religious invocations within the council chambers can create an environment that is exclusive, potentially making some individuals feel unwelcome or uncomfortable while participating in civic affairs . 1 Thank you,
Diana Aguirre, District 3 Resident
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Curtis Wilbur <[email protected]>
Saturday, May 13, 2023 1 :33 PM
City Clerk
"'
Subject: Item 11 on the upcoming May 16th City Council meeting To Whom It May Concern,
With all due respect, I think having a prayer at a city council meeting is wildly inappropriate. We elect a council and mayor to solve problems and plan for changes in the city. Having an invocation event as part of the meeting process is at the very least a waste of councilmembers' time, and looks very much like a form of religious bullying to some of those who are likely in attendance . The purpose of these meetings is to better the physical lives of Carlsbad residents. If a member of this governing body cannot put that goal in front of a personal mission to proselytize city residents, then perhaps that member should stand down and let someone else take the job who is better able to separate their faith from their governmental functions (as indicated by by the First Amendment of the Constitution).

Have all the invocations you want outside the council meetings. But please don't force the rest of us to lock step with your own spiritual journey.

Curtis Wilbur
Carlsbad, City Council District 3
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BuffaloGal60 < [email protected]>
Saturday, May 13, 2023 1 :37 PM
City Clerk
Agenda 11
I support Carlsbad reinstating the Invocation at the beginning of City Counci l meetings .

Thank you,
Maril Adrian
District 2
and then the people said "no"
the end ...

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Carlsbad City Council Members:

Mary Jean Tibbels <[email protected]>
Saturday, May 13, 2023 1 :54 PM
City Clerk
Invocation
We support Carlsbad reinstating the Invocation at the beginning of City Council meetings. Our country definitely needs guidance that humans alone cannot provide.

Thank you,
Terry & Mary Jean Tibbels
3991 Scott Dr.

Carlsbad, CA
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Chih-Wu Chang <chihwu [email protected]>
Saturday, May 13, 2023 2:10 PM
City Clerk; Priya Bhat-Patel; Keith Blackburn; Carolyn Luna; Melanie Burkholder; Teresa Acosta
Pei-Tei Chang
Agenda #11 (of May 16 City Council Meeting) - CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A CITY

COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT - INVOCATION AT CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS Dear Mayor and City Council Members,
It is our greatest concern that the City of Carlsbad is considering approval of invocation at City Council Meetings. We urge you to vote No in rejecting approval of the invocation at City Council Meetings.

It is never appropriate or allowable for the convening of a governmental meeting to include a religious prayer, "invocation," statement of belief, unbelief, or personal philosophy.

Firstly, to include an invocation, statement of belief, or unbelief in the convening and conduct of ·a-governmental meeting immediately violates the legal guarantees for equality/ equity for all persons. With the myriad of denominations, churches, sects, associations, organizations, and privately held personal creeds, it is impossible to give everyone equal opportunity and expression.

Secondly, the governmental body in such a position would commit a grievous error and legal jeopardy of favoring a particular religion or creed over a myriad of others by including a prayer or invocation, whether by a clergyperson or anyone else.

Thirdly, while the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America does not precisely define the term "Establishment," to grievously err by including an Invocation, prayer, statement of belief or unbelief in governmental meetings on any level - federal, state, county, city, school board, other boards, and commissions - would inevitably imply an "establishing" or official recognition of that particular religion or other adherent responsible for the Invocation. Separation of church (or the like) and state cannot be violated.

It is sufficient for the stated or appointed moderator/convenor to call the meeting to order with a simple statement like "Will the meeting please come to order." (Or wording to that effect.) The convening moderator then proceeds 1 to the stated purpose, roll call, approval of the proposed agenda (if necessary), and other opening announcements.

Sincerely Yours,
Pei-Tei and Chih-Wu Chang
6488 Paseo Vuelo
Carlsbad, CA 92009
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Dear Mayor & Council Members,
Narima Lopes <[email protected]>
Saturday, May 13, 2023 3:47 PM
City Clerk
Priya Bhat-Patel; Carolyn Luna; Melanie Burkholder; Keith Blackburn; Teresa Acosta Agenda item #11: CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A CITY COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT­

INVOCATION CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS -
I am concerned about Agenda lten #11. I firmly believe in the importance of keeping religious practices separate from governmental affairs (separation of Church and State). Therefore, I urge all members of the City Council to vote against supporting a council invocation .

Let us maintain the cherished principle of the separation of church and state, fostering an inclusive and equitable environment where all residents feel valued and represented . Together, we can uphold the fundamental principles upon which our democracy was built and ensure a government that serves the best interests of all its constituents.

Our city council has a responsibility to prioritize the needs and concerns of all residents equally, regardless of their religious beliefs. Encouraging public prayer or religious invocations within the council chambers can create an environment that is exclusive, potentially making some individuals feel unwelcome or uncomfortable while participating in civic affairs .

Thank you for your consideration
Narima Lopes
Carlsbad Resident (District 3)
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Dear Mayor & Council Members,
Stephen Bartram < [email protected] >
Sunday, May 14, 2023 12:29 PM
City Clerk
Priya Bhat-Patel; .Melanie Burkholder; [email protected]; Carolyn Luna; Keith Blackburn
Subject: Agenda item #11 : CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A CITY COUNCIL POLICY

STATEMENT - INVOCATION CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS -
Agenda Item #11. Keeping religious practices separate from governmental affairs is fundamental to our republic. The founding fathers were clear in their writing to ensure there is clear separation of Church and State . Therefore, I urge all members of the City Council to vote against supporting a council invocation.

Our city council has a responsibility to prioritize the needs and concerns of all residents equally , regardless of their religious beliefs. Encouraging public prayer by a religious invocation within the council chambers will create an environment that is exclusionary.

Sincerely,
Steve Bartram 7964 Grado El Tupelo, Carlsbad, 92009
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Dear Mayor & Council Members,
Lynda Daniels <[email protected]>
Sunday, May 14, 2023 12:41 PM
City Clerk
May 16 CITY COUNCIL MEETING Agenda item#!!
I am concerned about Agenda lten #11. I firmly believe in the importance of keeping religious practices separate from governmental affairs (separation of Church and State). Therefore, I urge all members of the City Council to vote against supporting a council invocation.

Let us maintain the cherished principle of the separation of church and state, fostering an inclusive and equitable environment where all residents feel valued and represented. Together, we can uphold the fundamental principles upon which our democracy was built and ensure a government that serves the best interests of all its constituents.

Our city council has a responsibility to prioritize the needs and concerns of all residents equally, regardless '
of their religious beliefs . Encouraging public prayer or religious invocations within the council chambers
can create an environment that is exclusive, potentially making some individuals feel unwelcome or uncomfortable while participating in civic affairs.

Thank you for your consideration,

LYNDA DANIELS
4547 Picadilly Court
Carlsbad, CA 92010
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Dear Mayor & Council Members,
[email protected]
Sunday, May 14, 2023 1:35 PM
City Clerk; Priya Bhat-Patel; Keith Blackburn; Carolyn Luna; Melanie Burkholder; Teresa Acosta
Agenda item #11: CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A CITY COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT­

INVOCATION CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS-
As an American Muslim I am offended regarding this Agenda Item #11 . Furthermore I will take this as direct attack to my religion and will file a complaint if not corrected and a censure against a person propos ing it. I firmly believe in the importance of keeping religious practices separate from governmental affairs (separation of Church and State).

Therefore, I urge all members of the City Council to vote against supporting Agenda Item #11 council invocation .

Let us maintain the cherished principle of the separation of church and state, fostering an inclusive and equitable environment where all residents feel valued and represented.

Our city council has a responsibility to prioritize the needs and concerns of all residents equally, regardless of their religious beliefs . Encouraging public prayer or religious invocations within the council chambers can create an environment that is exclusive, potentially making some individuals feel unwelcome or uncomfortable while participating in civic affairs.

Thank you for your consideration
Naz Weigley
Carlsbad Resident (District 2)
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Dear Mayor and Council,
Stephanie Wells <[email protected]>
Sunday, May 14, 2023 2:09 PM
City Clerk
11 . CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A CITY COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT- INVOCATION AT

CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
I am writing to express my concerns regarding the inclusion of invocations at the start of the council meetings .

As an engaged and concerned citizen within our community, I firmly believe that it is essential for our city council to promote inclusivity, neutrality, and respect for diverse religious and non-religious beliefs.

While invocations may have historically served as a tradition to bring a sense of solemnity and unity to the proceedings, it is crucial to consider the potential ramifications and implications of such practices in our modern and diverse society. Inclusive governance necessitates that all community members, regardless of their religious or philosophical affiliations, feel respected , valued , and represented within the public sphere.

The inclusion of invocations at the start of council meetings can inadvertently marginalize or exclude certain religious or non-religious groups, creating an environment that may be perceived as endorsing a specific belief system over others. In a multicultural and pluralistic society like ours, it is crucial for our city council to uphold the principles of religious freedom, neutrality, and the separation of church and state.

By refraining from including invocations at the start of council meetings, we can ensure that our government remains neutral and does not favor or prioritize one particular religion or belief system.

This approach will foster an environment of inclusivity, where individuals from all walks of life can participate in local governance without feeling marginalized or disenfranchised.

I kindly urge you to consider the concerns raised by citizens like myself and vote against the inclusion of invocations at the start of city council meetings. Instead, let us focus on fostering an atmosphere that encourages diverse participation, respects all viewpoints, and upholds the principles of religious freedom and inclusivity that are the cornerstone of our democratic society.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I trust that you will carefully consider the views expressed by concerned citizens like myself and make a decision that reflects the best interests of our entire community.

Sincerely,
Stephanie Wells
01 resident, 92008
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Manek Dustoor <[email protected]>
Sunday, May 14, 2023 3:09 PM
City Clerk
Priya Bhat-Patel; Carolyn Luna; Melanie Burkholder; Keith Blackburn; Teresa Acosta CArlsbad City Council Agenda Item #11
To The Mayor & City Council of Carlsbad:

We are concerned about Item #11 on your current Agenda that refers to "Invocation at City Council Meetings". What exactly is this "invocation"? Is it a religious prayer or an odd mix of religious sentiments woven into an invocation? Is it a request to a higher power that the participants are infused with enlightenment? Without further clarity as to what exactly this invocation represents we strongly recommend that the City Council reject supporting a Council Invocation.

Sincerely,
Manek & Meher Dustoor
6977 Ammonite Place
Carlsbad, CA 92009
phone: 760.448.6668
email: [email protected]
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Dear Mayor and City Council,
Mike McMahon <[email protected]>
Sunday, May 14, 2023 4:27 PM
City Clerk
City Council Comment for May 16, Agenda item 11 - Invocation at City Council Meetings
An invocation by definition (Merriam-Webster) is "the act or process of petitioning for help or support , specifically a prayer of entreaty (as the beginning of a service of worship). " We need to maintain our democracy's principle of separation of church and state and not introduce guidance and support of religion, no matter how subtle, in any form to our city's governmental process. We need to encourage community participation for all citizens and provide an inclusive and welcoming environment at city council meetings .

Please, Do not adopt the City Council Policy- Invocations at City Council meetings and direct staff to return to City Council with an ordinance amending Carlsbad Municipal Code Chapter 1.20, Section 1.20.060(E), eliminating the Invocation from the City Council agenda order of business.

Thank you for your consideration
Mike McMahon
2645 Sutter St
Carlsbad, CA 92010
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Sharon B <exclusivesportst [email protected]>
Sunday, May 14, 2023 4:53 PM
City Clerk
Opinion on agend a # 11
Dear Mayor and City Council Members,
I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item #11 - Consider Approval of City Council Policy Statement - Invocation at City Council Meetings.

When citizens who hold a wide variety of religious beliefs or hold none at all attend a government meeting, how is it considered appropriate to subject them to official prayer? Prayer offered as part of a public proceeding will make some listeners feel excluded. That runs counter to the 1st Amendment's prohibition of an "establishment of religion." Religion is a very personal private thing between individuals and their deity, and to put it on blatant broadcast at a PUBLIC meeting is simply an attempt to portray an image of "Godliness" for political gain - which is absolutely the opposite of being so. We have so many other important issues and the fact this is even on the agenda is taking away time and energy from things that actually matter. May I suggest that those who want to pray at meetings, do so individually, as Scripture even asks them to do:

Matthew6
"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street comers to be seen by men . I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen."
Sharon Bodon
2604 B El Camino Real
Carlsbad, 92008
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Kasha Cohen <[email protected]>
Sunday, May 14, 2023 6:03 PM
City Clerk

INVOCATION
Dear County Clerk and City Council Members .,
I HOPE IT IS IN HEBEW!
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Monday, May 15, 2023 8:17 AM
City Clerk
Subject: FW: Agenda Item #11
-----Original Message-----
From: Simone Maclellan <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2023 12:56 PM
To: Council Internet Email <[email protected]> Subject: Agenda Item #11
Dear Mayor and Council Members,
I oppose Agenda Item #11 because the separation of Church and State is fundamental in our country's Constitution which prior itizes diversity and inclusion of all people regardless of their faiths . Religious practice of one's faith is a private matter and not to be brought into the workplace out of respect of others' faiths.

Our City Council shou ld lead the way to make all residents feel welcomed and well aappreciated without the narrow barrier of religions to divide our diverse comm unity .

Thank you for your consideration of my appeal to vote No on Item 11.

With warm regards,
Simone Maclellan
6389 Paseo Aspada
Carlsbad, CA 92009
We
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Howard Hsu <[email protected]>
Monday, May 15, 2023 9:42 AM
City Clerk
Agenda Item #11
Dear Mayor and Council members;
We would like you to vote no on Agenda #11. It is critical to separate government policy from religious beliefs and avoiding favoring one religion over other beliefs .

Sheila and Howard Hsu
1301 Bulrush Ct
Carlsbad, _ca 92011
3 CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless 1 Sheila Cobian, Legislative & Constituent Services Director May 16, 2023
Consider Approval of a City Council
Policy Statement – Invocation at City
Council Meetings
{ City of
Carlsbad

BACKGROUND
• CMC Section 1.20.060 governs the
o
rder of business for Council Meeting
Agendas
• Invocation follows Pledge of Allegiance
Item 11: Invocation at City Council Meetings
{ city of
Carlsbad
SURVEY
Item 11: Invocation at City Council Meetings
Survey results
City Allows invocation Written policy
Chula Vista Yes No
Coronado On agenda but not done No
Del Mar No No
El Cajon Moment of silence No
Encinitas No No
Escondido Yes (Moment of reflection) Stated on agenda
Imperial Beach No No
La Mesa Yes No
Lemon Grove No No
National City Yes No
Oceanside Yes No
Poway No No
San Diego Yes No
San Marcos Yes No
Santee Yes No
Solana Beach No No
Vista Yes Yes

SURVEY RESULTS
City Allows invocation? Written policy
Chula Vista Yes No
Coronado On agenda but not done No
Del Mar No No
El Cajon Moment of silence No
Encinitas No No
Escondido Yes (Moment of reflection) Stated on agenda
Imperial Beach No No
La Mesa Yes No
Lemon Grove No No
National City Yes No
Oceanside Yes No
Poway No No
San Diego Yes No
San Marcos Yes No
Santee Yes No
Solana Beach No No
Vista Yes Yes

PROPOSED POLICY
• Advertise Invitation Annually
• First-C ome, First -Served Basis
• Coordinated through the City Council’s
E
xecutive Assistant
• Agenda to include disclaimer
Item 11: Invocation at City Council Meetings
{ city of
Carlsbad

PROPOSED POLICY
Invocation leader shall:
• Address City Council
• Avoid making political statements
• Refrain from disparaging other faiths
• Avoid advertising own place of wo rship
• Limit remarks to two minutes
Item 11: Invocation at City Council Meetings
{ city of
Carlsbad

OPTIONS
Item 11: Invocation at City Council Meetings
Option 1 - Adopt the resolution approving the
City Council Policy – Invocations at City Council
meetings
Option 2 - Do not adopt the City Council Policy
and direct staff to return to City Council with
an ordinance amending Carlsbad Municipal
Code Chapter 1.20, Section 1.20.060(E),
eliminating the Invocation from the City
Council agenda order of business.

RECOMMENDED ACTION
Adopt the resolution approving City
Council Policy Statement – Invocation at
City Council Meetings
Item 11: Invocation at City Council Meetings
{ City of
Carlsbad
Thank you
Item 11: Invocation at City Council Meetings

QUESTIONS & COMMENTS
{ City of
Carlsbad