California: Mayor Favors Christians Over Others

In Santa Clarita, California, Mayor Cameron Smyth is being criticized for using his title in his participation in an evangelical Christian event. The prayer breakfast promoted evangelical Christian beliefs over the beliefs of others, something which many consider an improper use of Smyth's office.

The Daily News reports:

"I am charging Cameron Smyth with misuse of his official title of mayor," Bruce McFarland told the City Council on Tuesday. McFarland is a member of Santa Clarita for Separation of Church and State, formed earlier this week as Smyth prepared to attend the Mayor's Prayer Breakfast sponsored by The Dunamis Group. "The title and honor of 'mayor' is bestowed to use as an official representative of the city of Santa Clarita. ... The mayor is using his official title to support and promote a private noncity organization. Apparently, the city of Santa Clarita has no code of ethics for members of the City Council."

Some of Smyth's critics said they were urging him to be inclusive and sensitive to residents who are not Protestant Christians. "I believe in the power or prayer. But I understand the title of mayor belongs to the office and not the mayor," said Patti Sulpizio, a member of both the Democratic alliance and the Separation of Church and State groups. "I urged (Smyth) to hold an all-community prayer event -- free to all -- at one of our local parks."

Smyth's response to his critics: "I appreciate your point, but I must respectfully disagree."

Smyth tried to argue that the event is merely a form of private religious expression, but it goes beyond that when he uses his official title — in that case, he's giving the event a stamp of official approval. The fact that he disagrees with being part of a much more general event that is inclusive of all residents, regardless of their religion, further signals a desire to promote one religious message over any other.

That's simply not something that a government official has the authority to do, and that's why official participation in events like prayer breakfasts is wrong.

Read More:

• Separation of Church and State 101
• Church and State News
• Secularism 101