This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Some issues just keep percolating. In 1992, I submitted, and The Salt Lake Tribune published, a letter suggesting a statement of common purpose that could be used to open public meetings. In light of the recent Supreme Court decision conditionally approving the use of prayers at such meetings, I think it would be worthwhile to repeat it:
"Ladies and gentlemen, may we pause for a moment to reflect upon our common goals before we begin the business of this meeting. We are privileged to gather here together in a system that gives us freedom to participate in our own governance. Whether from within or through the strength provided by our personal faiths, we seek wisdom, understanding, fairness and resolve in the fulfillment of our duties and in the pursuance of our goals. May our differences be respected and our common aspiration of promoting the public good be our guide in carrying out the tasks we are about to undertake. Thank you."
The statement is a good guide and should not offend anyone.
Clayton Parr
Draper