An extraxt from an eComm that I received:

"I'm still wonderfing if RI might object to the religion section since Rotary has a policy of being non religious and non political in nature. Many clubs use a variety of references, but few use specific regligious themes. It is RI policy and some thing to consider."

It is not important, who of our members wrote this, it is important that he/she has given voice to his/her opinion. I respect this. 

Also important is that this should be a discussion starter. As a clergy person, it is naturally for me to include the "spiritual thought" into our meetings; comparing two religious leaders serves not being one-sided; and in particular I see the quotes that I chose as PHILOSOPHICAL, not religious.

BUT I am open to discussions, and if the majority of our club prefes to drop the "spiritual thought" corner, I will do so immediately. Hey, last not least this would mean less work for me.

I put up a poll for the next two weeks, so please vote. I will respect the majoriy decision.

Yes, but in keeping with RI policy, this could be a reflective thought, peace, kindness, but not necessarily from any one or any religion. Paul Harris first proposed this thought and also suggested that political views be avoided. Saying that, customs vary around the world. There is one club which voted to change their by laws to allow only "Christians" as members.

The RI philosophy is that we are Rotarians and this moment in our meeting could celebrate Rotary values, visions, hopes, and dreams.

Jack Selway, the Rotarian who raised the issue.

Jack  Selway, Founder & CEO of RGHF, Rotary Global History, Pueblo, CO, USA

OK, Jack; still collecting ideas from fellow RECSWUSAnians.

This is what I on the RI website in the official Manual of Procedures.

Jack  Selway, Founder & CEO of RGHF, Rotary Global History, Pueblo, CO, USA

I think the Jesus/Buddha quotes are prety limiting since we're a global club of many religions. I really like what Steph was doing last year with the quotes. Some of those were fabulous! I suggest we go back to that format (and I already have it in my notes to do that in 2009-10!).

Thanks for asking, Ryofu!

Larry

Larry Levenson
President Elect 2009-2010
Prescott, Arizona USA
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A few years ago I was in charge of Invocations at District Conference.

The mandate given to me by the DG, who is a very religious guy by the way, was to keep them non denomational, and reference a higher being without specifically naming God, Buddha etc.

 I have it on a old computer laying around, the intro went something like this:

Recognizing that Rotary encompasses all Religions, all colors, etc.

 Lew

I agree with Jack, Larry, and Lew.  When I was a member of a terra Rotary Club, I always wondered how members of other religions felt when we mentioned Jesus Christ.  Judging from our members, we obviously did not have members that were not Christians.  However, is this the right thing to do?  Considering that we are more of a global eClub, I would not want to offend people that have other beliefs.  So I would vote for something more general in nature.

I believe that an inspirational or reflective thought would be preferable to a religious passage.  Steph did a great job last year with his quotes, and i would like to deviate toward that format during my presidential year.  Words of wisdom or spiritual insight, which excludes religious references, seems to be the common thread here.

Beth Wexler and Frank Longoria did not vote in the poll and still could do so. Their comments are solid, but not reflected in the poll.

Wish there were more participants in all forums and polls.

Jack  Selway, Founder & CEO of RGHF, Rotary Global History, Pueblo, CO, USA

I did not vote because I could not find the poll.  I am sure that I am not looking in the right places.  My vote would be to have something inspirational and something related to Rotary like others have suggested.  Can anyone help me to find the poll?

Thanks!

The poll should appear at the very top of the page. Only four have used it of the six who expressed opinions, not including the president. Once you vote, you'll see a note that you have voted and cannot do so again.

Jack  Selway, Founder & CEO of RGHF, Rotary Global History, Pueblo, CO, USA

I am sorry, but I still cannot find the poll.  I have voted on countless occasions, and I have never had a problem.  I think that Ryofu must have taken it down by now.  I will send Ryofu a pm regarding the issue and include my vote.