City Blesses Religious Involvement at Dedication Of New PD Building – Why?

Dear Editor, It’s great to know that Gilroy now has an official
city-government approved religion!
City Blesses Religious Involvement at Dedication Of New PD Building – Why?

Dear Editor,

It’s great to know that Gilroy now has an official city-government approved religion!

Case in point: the cornerstone ceremony conducted at the dedication of the new police station by the Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of California on Saturday, March 17. Anybody in attendance will attest to the fact that this “traditional” ceremonial act contained religious elements: the invoking of the Masonic deity to bless the new building, and two public Masonic prayers offered to that deity.

Um, what happened to the concept of the separation of “church” and state? Is Gilroy exempt? If anybody denies that fact that Masonry is a religion (under which other religions and churches are subservient), then let them consider that any organization that: (1) invokes and believes in a deity, (2) prays to that deity in its ceremonies, (3) worships that deity regularly in a “temple”, (4) uses books of religious worship in its temples, (5) calls its highest official a “worshipful” master, and (6) has an altar in its temples in a prominent place, must be foundationally a religious organization.

Kind of like the old saying “if it quacks, walks and looks like a duck, then it must be a duck.” I suspect that had a Roman Catholic bishop, Protestant pastor, or Jewish rabbi requested the city to conduct a “blessing” of the new police department building, our city leaders would have invoked the separation of church and state issue and refused. Yet the Masons, by city invitation and under the cover of American tradition and patriotism can get away with it. Why?

Seems like there’s a big inconsistency of application here. As much as I detest the ACLU, maybe they should have been consulted to determine if this would be fair and in compliance with the separation issue.

James Fennell, Gilroy

Safety Patrol Volunteers Deserve a Thank You and a Reward from Our Community

Dear Editor,

I am asking for support for the children involved in the Elementary School Safety Patrol Program. These fifth-grade students provide safe crossings for all elementary school children. They are subjected daily to confusing traffic conditions surrounding our schools while maintaining discipline and order to the children they cross. Their job involves leadership, citizenship and responsibility, and is a valuable contribution to the safety of all elementary school children and to the community as a whole.

These young people deserve a major “Thank You” for the work they have done throughout the school year. You can help provide this by donating to their annual Raging Waters trip. These young people have shown a willingness to assume a responsibility for their schoolmates. Please show them our support and recognition through your donations.

This year we are attempting to provide the trip for approximately 350 students. The cost is about $5,000. All donations should be made to “Student Safety Patrol Program” and mailed to the Gilroy PD, 7370 Rosanna St., Gilroy, CA 95020. Funds must be raised by May 24.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sgt. Daniel Castaneda, Safety Patrol Coordinator