In 2024, the many city councils in Utah that require prayer to begin their meetings would be well-advised to follow the commendable example of Tremonton. There, the mayor politely invites those who don’t favor government-sponsored prayers to get up, get out and stay out until the prayer is over.
This considerate invitation is routinely recorded in the meeting minutes with the notation that the mayor “asked anyone who may be offended by listening to a prayer to step out into the lobby for this portion of the meeting.”
A hidden benefit is that this approach allows the mayor and council to detect who are the unbelievers in their midst. Nevertheless, many unbelievers likely remain seated. Why? Because they fear that in walking out they’ll get dirty looks or that the council will act unfavorably toward any requests by them due to their godlessness. Remaining seated is quite dishonest on their part.
Prayerful city councils know that Utah is God’s and Trump’s country. There’s a good reason why “In GOD We TRUST” appears directly beneath the American flag on many Utah license plates.
It’s because the “We” means that unless you trust in God, you’re not a real American — or a real Utahn.
Gimme an amen.
Steve Warren, West Valley City
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