The rise of secularism in
Though anti-religious groups have been pressuring the city's government to remove the phrase "strive to serve God" from its mission statement, Mayor Don Van Doeselaar has drawn a line in the sand. According to the mayor, "we are not creating a church...this is a statement that reflects the community."[i]
In full, the city's mission statement reads:
"The City Commission
and Administration of the City of
We Pledge to protect the lives and property of our citizens, provide for responsible and orderly growth, and to promote the beliefs and convictions, economic opportunities, and quality of life for all residents.[ii]"
At a time when it seems that every town or city that displays the Ten Commandments or features a manger scene on public property is forced to bow to political correctness, it is heartening to see Hudsonville take a stand against anti-religious forces who want to remove all mention of God from the public discourse.
Unfortunately, the secularists have no intention of going quietly.
The Freedom From Religion Foundation has replied to the city's decision by letter, claiming that it is "not the business of a city...to 'strive to serve God,'" and has also threatened to sue the city to ensure the phrase's removal from the city mission statement.
Despite this resistance, the city's decision has received
support via email from residents of
Hudsonville has also received an offer of support for the
While it is clear that those who wish to strip religion from the public square will not concede without a fight, it is equally clear that Hudsonville is not alone in its fight; many Americans are willing to join the battle against secularism.
