The city of Redmond should not follow Charles Baer’s objection and abandon prayer to start meetings. He says he believes in freedom of religion, but instead he really appears to mean freedom from religion. He insults all believers of any faiths by classifying those faiths as fairy tales.

The city of Redmond leaders are not “establishing a religion” when starting the meeting with prayer — they are freely practicing their faith. Both are protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Freedom of Fairy Tales is not a protected right, but if Mr. Baer wishes to believe in fairy tales no one will stop him. If he wishes to believe in God, or in gods or no gods, no one will force him to stop.

The city is not forcing him to pray. He can ignore what they are saying. It makes no sense to require city officials to leave their faith and beliefs locked outside when they step through the door.

I urge the city to continue to seek guidance from higher powers when starting the meetings.

Gary Sedivy

Redmond