This page was last updated
on: January 26, 2000
INVOCATIONS - NON DENOMINATIONAL
Some clubs use oral invocations and bulletin messages which may communicate religious messages to non-Rotarian guests, visiting Rotarians and new members.
Here are examples
===================================================================
From: AlertY2K@aol.com Date: Tue, 1 Sep 1998
To: jacktanner@hotmail.com Subject: Re: Rotary: Rotary general-What is peace?
I stand corrected. Thanks, Jack. My understanding was partly due to not being a Rotary member, and partly due to the fact the only meeting I attended had a Christian invocation, and the members I spoke to happened to be Christian.
Thank you, tim
-----Original Message---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Jack Tanner <jacktanner@hotmail.com>
To: Multiple recipients of list <4avenues@taranto.com>
Date: Monday, 31 August 1998 Subject: Re: Rotary: Rotary general-What is peace?
Dear Tim and all,
I believe references to a specific religion to solve problems is outside the guidelines of Rotary.
It may polarize members who would otherwise be working together within the Rotary motto
"Service Above Self".
Here is a quote from Rotary International form PR525-EN/9-96 titled "Rotary Facts"
"Membership
Rotarians are professional men and women who work as volunteers to improve the quality of life in their home and world community.
Club membership represents a cross-section of local business and professional leaders.
The world's Rotary clubs meet weekly and are NON-POLITICAL, NON-RELIGIOUS
and open to all cultures, races, and creeds."
Jack Tanner, JackTanner@4u.net
----Original Message Follows------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: AlertY2K@aol.com
World peace is not something that can be imposed by men.
Such a blessing can only be from God do not believe it is possible until Christ returns, because the earth God gave men, they in turn gave over to Satan in the garden of Eden.
Of course this does not mean men should forget about serving the peace of others.
What it means is that men who want to serve the peace of others must do so as Christ did, sacrificiallly without regard for what others may deserve, and without forcing taxes of yet others to pay for it.
Service above self to the highest degree possible.
(tim mccully, AlertY2K)
==============================================
Subject:invocations
From: joel <joel.bagage@wanadoo.fr>
Date: August 28, 1999
To: Multiple recipients of list <rotary@taranto.com>
In this country no invocations are given during Rotary meetings.
We consider that religion and philosophical opinions are very private matters that can only be developed within a person's own heart or in the company of people who share the same faith.
We think that Rotarians have so many things to share that it would be a pity to introduce some kind of disagreement among members.
I believe the same policy is adhered by in many other countries besides France.
YIR
Joel Bagage, PHF,
RC Arbois-Poligny-Salins (D 1680, France)
PP RC Autun (D 1750)
Member ICUFR, ROTI and ROAR (F5NYK)
================================================
INVOCATIONS ...ABCs of Rotary ...page 19
Rotary policy recognizes that throughout the world Rotarians represent many religious beliefs, ideas and creeds. The religious beliefs of each member are fully respected, and nothing in Rotary is intended to prevent each individual from being faithful to such convictions.
At international assemblies and conventions, it is traditional for a silent invocation to be given. In respect for all religious beliefs and in the spirit of tolerance for a wide variety of personal faiths, all
persons are invited to seek divine guidance and peace "each in his own way." It is an inspiring experience to join with thousands of Rotarians in an international "silent prayer" or act of personal devotion. Usually all Rotary International board and committee meetings begin with a few moments
of silent meditation. In this period of silence, Rotary demonstrates respect for the beliefs of all members, who represent the religions of the world.
