Michael Dzik, of the Jewish Federation of Greater ChattanoogaFour members of three faith traditions say the Hamilton County Commission should be able to reach a middle ground regarding prayers before weekly meetings.
“We appreciate the work of our elected officials,” said Michael Dzik, executive director of the Jewish Cultural Center of Greater Chattanooga. “And, with such diversity in Chattanooga, we encourage the inclusiveness of all faiths and cultures.”
Local residents Tommy Coleman and Brandon Jones sued the County Commission last month, saying the commission’s invocations, which often close with the phrase “in Jesus’ name,” violate the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause against the government endorsing any particular religion.
U.S. District Court Judge Harry S. “Sandy” Mattice has set a July 26 hearing to consider whether to grant a preliminary injunction to halt the prayers until he can rule on the lawsuit.
Jerry Harwood, executive pastor of First Presbyterian Church, said he can appreciate the tension of elected officials trying to balance their personal beliefs with respecting people who may not agree with them.