No 'amen,' but nonbeliever wins praise for his invocation

No 'amen,' but nonbeliever wins praise for his invocation
June 18, 2014
By Stephen Hudak and Martin E. Comas, Orlando Sentinel

All that was missing from David Williamson's invocation Monday was an "amen."

The founder of the Central Florida Freethought Community, an association of "nonbelievers" and a chapter of the Freedom From Religion Foundation, delivered the ceremonial opening to Monday's meeting of the Osceola County Commission, a role almost always filled by clergy, usually Christian clergy.

He made no mention of God or faith or blessings, as prayerful invocations traditionally do, nor did he urge those assembled for the public meeting to bow their heads — though many did, perhaps out of habit...

...His was the first of eight scheduled invocations that will be offered soon at government meetings in Central Florida by atheists, agnostics or humanists who are making use of a Supreme Court ruling that advises public bodies to make a reasonable effort to include all community members, regardless of faith — or lack of it....

MORE at http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2014-06-18/news/os-atheist-prayer-opens-osceola-meeting-20140618_1_invocation-public-bodies-prayer