On reddit, someone asked:
Hello, newbie here. I am studying for my test, and just connected with my local group. Everyone was really nice and helpful. But. They have a “club chaplain ” who began the meeting with a convocation. It was short and mumbled. And I can’t be sure what he prayed for, buy as a non-Christian this made me uncomfortable. I said nothing, as a guest there, but I wanted to know if this is a common thing.
I replied:
I don’t think that having a club chaplain is very common, but your club is probably not the only club with one. If I were you, I’d have a chat with the club officers about this. Chances are you’re not the only one who’s turned off by this, and speaking up might just get them to reconsider this practice. If you’re shy about doing this yourself, email me the name of the club or the officers, and I’ll contact them.
The Ann Arbor (MI, USA) Rotary club that I belong to used to offer a prayer at the start of each meeting. Some time ago–before I joined in 2005–they realized that that practice was not very inclusive, and could actually be a a reason for someone to quit the club or not join in the first place. So, to be welcoming to all, they replaced the prayer with a non-religious “inspiration.” And, our membersip includes Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, and even agnostics like myself.
I suppose that there are some cases where you might not care about the diversity of a club. For example, if a church wanted to start a club open only to church members, then being exclusive and praying at meetings would be acceptable. I’d say, however, that most clubs should strive to be as inclusive and diverse as possible. Attracting and retaining a diverse membership will not only attract and retain members, but make the club more interesting and fun for everyone.
I don’t think having a club champlain is appropriate, unless, as you mention, the club is directly connected to a religious entity or the club is specifically religion-oriented. If one wanted to perhaps have a moment of silence at the beginning of a meeting where attendees could say their own silent prayer or inspirational saying, great. We should not be promoting any particular religion in connection with amateur radio, or any religion at all, for that matter. Amateur radio is a scientific endeavor, pursued by those of all religions, or even, no religion at all.
I have a somewhat different view on this.
https://paul.butzi.org/inclusion
Any “agreement to set aside religious disagreements” (which you cite in your blog post) tends to go out the window once Secular Humanist, Satanist, or Flying Spaghetti Monster folks arrive. An invocation is undoubtedly intended to inspire attendees. But think of how uninspiring it is for someone to have to hear a plea to an entity by a group that directly opposes their own beliefs. Even worse, in the case of someone from the LGBTQ community, such religious groups often oppose their very lifestyle and relationships. What could be worse at a meeting than having to smile while wondering if someone talking to you about 40 meters believes you should burning in eternal hell? This is all a bit much, for someone who just wanted to learn and play on the radio.
Well, since you don’t allow replies on your blog, Paul, I guess i’ll have to respond here….
You say, “And on the other hand, we have a club consisting of members who are all ok with this opening invocation practice.” First of all, you don’t really know that. My guess is that there are members who aren’t OK with this practice, but just don’t’ speak up about it. Secondly, even if they are OK with that practice, you have no idea how many didn’t join that club because of the practice.
You are correct in saying that the invocation could have been non-sectarian. If so, I have less of an objection, I’m still not sure that’s a great practice for an amateur radio club, though.
My old club (and I moved, that’s the only reason I left it) had a brief prayer at the start of each meeting. There was no chaplain per se, but more of a loose round-robin between a handful of members who were from various Christian denominations.
I didn’t really have a problem with it, and it certainly wasn’t up in anyone’s face. However, several prospective members I brought to meetings just didn’t come back, and this was one of the reasons they gave. I understand their point. There was also recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance at the start of the meeting. The overall effect was a kind of musty conservatism, not in the political sense (though there was a fair bit of that), but more in the “this is how we’ve done things since way back” way. It goes more to the larger question of why ham radio can’t attract more young people.
So overall, I’ll say no on the chaplain question, and to anything else that clutters up a meeting.
Our club uses the Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. flag at every meeting. We have members and visitors who aren’t American citizens, but they don’t feel as coerced by this practice as non-Christians might feel about Christian prayer. Many of the Americans who attend the local NHL games sing the Canadian national anthem.
That said, I’ve been asked to open QCWA Chapter meetings with prayer. I try to do so in a manner that is broadly acceptable and minimizes discomfort.
Interesting question.
As a Catholic priest and radio amateur (I became a radio amateur long before I was ordained a priest) it seems a bit too much to me that a club should have a chaplain, but especially that he should introduce the meetings. I understand and also share the discomfort this can create for those who do not belong to a certain denomination (or are agnostic/atheist).
In my group no introductory prayers (we are not at the parish catechesis).
But everyone knows who I am so if I can be useful to someone just have to let me know.
I think it is only fair to let those who run the club know about this effort.
Now let’s say a prayer together (no, I’m joking!).
73 de Fabry – IW2ILQ
LOL my goodness grown individuals whining about an invocation of prayer to the God who created the radio waves. I am not surprised hat a priest would find it odd as well. Get over yourselves. The guy was new and wants everyone conform to his tastes. Why not just find another group or even better yet all who object to prayer need to possibly consider moving to a communist country where prayer is banned. Please read some history and read the Constitution. Our country is based on Christian faith and ideals. You don’t have to participate but you don’t have the right to silence Christians.