Jewish community member backs prayers
PRAYERS at the start of Torbay Council meetings have been defended by a non-Christian.
Council chairman Matthew Phillips rejected a call from a member of the public to end prayers, and now Freeman of the Borough Ernest Freed, a member of the Torbay Jewish community, has supported his decision.
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Mr Freed, who is also the Herald Express weatherman and a retired businessman, said: "I am amazed that in a Christian country apologies have to be made when a council conducts religious activities.
"If someone who lives in this country doesn't like Christian ways they should go and live somewhere else.
"I don't know why British people should have to apologise for their way of life. I am pleased to see the council is to carry on as normal.
"About 10 years ago I was asked to stand in when someone could not make the meeting and I conducted prayers in English and Hebrew. It was very well received."
Mr Freed was made a Freeman of the Borough a year ago in 'recognition and appreciation of his eminent services to the borough for many years as a meteorologist promoting Torbay and his unceasing work for local charities and organisations'.
He said prayers were conducted at the start of the ceremony when his honour was bestowed, and added: "I had no problem with that whatsoever. That is the reaction of every Jewish person I have come across."
Mr Freed was responding after Cllr Phillips said he would not countenance the ending of prayers at the start of Oldway meetings.
Richard Ryl, of Parkham Road, Brixham, had asked the council why prayers were still held after watchdogs had questioned the appropriateness of the tradition.
Cllr Phillips rejected any suggestion of change while he is chairman, and said it was up to other councillors how they responded to prayers.
He said freedom to practice religion was one of the basic tenets of a free society and there was nothing that forced councillors or officers to remain for prayers.
Mr Ryl, a baptised Polish Lutheran, said: "I am just asking for modernisation. I am not anti-religion."
6 Comments
by Kevin, Torre
Saturday, June 12 2010, 11:02AM
“"If someone who lives in this country doesn't like Christian ways they should go and live somewhere else."
Those those of us who object to the Christian domination of the Council are not foreigners or outsiders.
We are locals who want our Council to represent us all equally.
We just want a level playing field for all faiths and beleifs.”
by Spud Basher, Torbay
Friday, June 04 2010, 4:55PM
“If someone who lives in this country doesn't like Christian ways they should go and live somewhere else.
This is the kind of comment we get from those governing the state of Isreal.
Do I need to say more”
by Mosschops, Paignton
Friday, June 04 2010, 4:33PM
“Religion should be kept in churches and places of worship for various religions. Councils serve the whole community and by using Christian prayers, are hardly following equality and diversity guidelines.”
by Nick, Plymouth
Friday, June 04 2010, 3:21PM
“What an appallingly intolerant remark. He should be ashamed of himself ¿ and Torbay should pick its Freemen with more care.”
by HazelF, Dartington
Friday, June 04 2010, 1:17PM
“Mr. Freed needs to be reminded that although Britain may ostensibly be described as a Christian country, an increasingly large proportion of the population has little interest in religion. Churches are being sold off or sometimes retaining their place in the community by adding cafes or even rural post offices to the services they offer.
People may pay lip service to religion but see it more as a cultural aspect of their lives than as relating to spirituality.
There is no reason why all religions should not have a place in this country - what an intolerant remark about going and living somewhere else if somebody doesn't like Christian ways - and as a Humanist I see no objection to people believing what they like as long as it is kept out of the shared public area.”
by R, TQ1
Friday, June 04 2010, 1:04PM
“It surprises me to hear that there are prayers at the start of council meeting because the behaviour of the council could not always be called "Christian."
Also how very narrow minded it is of Mr Freed when he said, "If someone who lives in this country doesn't like Christian ways they should go and live somewhere else."”