Editor:
The case for Christian prayer at these meetings by James Martinez and his pastor is based on two erroneous assumptions, one implicit and one explicit.
The explicit assumption that he is representing all his constituents with such prayer. However, many of us are of other faiths or none at all, so in praying a Christian prayer he is being exclusive not inclusive.
The implicit assumption is that he is bearing witness to his faith that he arrogantly views as the only way. Finally, maybe he should read some of the prayers said by chaplains in the U.S. Congress that are inclusive of persons regardless of their faith position.
If James Martinez continues to exclude us in his Christian prayer in a public forum then we will exclude him in the next election.
Cedric Johnson
Dixon