To all my friends in the clergy, and leaders of government and industry I have one simple question – why the need to specifically reference Jesus Christ in benedictions before large groups in diverse settings? I have attended numerous dinners and speeches during my professional career, and I continue to marvel at the lack of sensitivity by elected officials and civic leaders to what I see as a very simple issue of religious freedom.

A benediction (or whatever word you want to use) before a meal is an absolutely wonderful idea. The vast majority of us in the audience are incredibly grateful and acknowledge that some Higher Power has provided for us in ways we could not possibly do for ourselves.  What I don’t understand is why, typically at the end of an otherwise beautiful benediction, the speaker has to invoke the name of Jesus and throw in the collective “our Lord and Savior” as if it applies to everyone in the room. We may be one nation, under God, but a lot of us believe that God has many direct reports in this world. Why not use the “big tent” approach and recognize that at least a few members of your audience might be Jewish, Muslim, agnostic, or simply follow their own spiritual path?

Leaders of industry and politics have done plenty of proselytizing in their time.  And as long as it is from the heart, and something they feel they must do to proclaim their faith, I get it – I really do.  From my perspective, it just makes so much more sense for a leader to be inclusive and find the common ground, especially when speaking to hundreds or even thousands of people from a variety of backgrounds.  With the benediction you really have a captive audience and one that is hanging on every word in silence.  Why have them with you for a minute or two and then cut many of them out as you wrap it up with a very specific reference to Jesus? 

It may be an uphill battle to try to change this. I would simply point out to anyone willing to listen that there’s a positive, constructive way for us to share in a blessing as an entire community. And don’t get me wrong, if you are doing the blessing at the Evangelical prayer breakfast, feel free to rock that Psalm my preacher friend. But if you are saying grace at the opening of the Chamber of Commerce dinner, go ahead and get a little secular or at least inclusive of your neighbors. It really isn’t that hard to do.

I realize we can’t be perfect, and there will always be some fringe element who could quibble with even the most general prayer. It just doesn’t seem to be too much to ask to focus on God as a common thread for the vast majority of human beings on this planet. We could then have a moment of silence to allow individuals to offer up their own supplement to praise Jesus or just quietly reflect on the blessings in their life. Amen.