Religious Intolerance and the Tucson Memorial Blessing

The memorial service for the victims of the Tucson shootings was held on Jan 12th, and began with a blessing from Dr. Carlos Gonzales, who is Pascua Yaqui. Beginning in this way struck me as a remarkably respectful and positive choice. For one, it highlighted the diversity of Giffords' district (the Pascua Yaqui reservation is part of her district), and also acknowledged the original (and lasting) cultures of what is now Arizona. Beyond that, however, the presence of a Pascua Yaqui tribal member (who is also a professor at U of AZ) was a powerful illustration of the resilience of human communities in the face of tragedy.

If you listened to the memorial service in its entirety, as I did, you would have certainly noticed the many, many times speakers mentioned the Bible, and Jesus; as with so many public events, there was a very definite Christian flavor to it, opening blessing notwithstanding.

But evidently, the inclusion of a Native prayer was more than some people could handle, and the outcry reminds me of how far we have yet to go in this country before we really see genuine acceptance of cultural differences - which include religious differences. Mark Tapscott, in a bitter and hateful editorial in the Washington Examiner, railed at what he perceived as the "stark statement of pantheistic paganism, including forthright declarations concerning 'Father Sky,' 'Mother Earth' and the 'Creator.'" USA Today had an article that struck me as odd, at best, asking readers "Did you feel touched -- in agreement or annoyance -- by the Native American blessing?" (As usual, the comments on those and other articles may make you despair of America's ability to deal respectfully with difference.)

Public figures invoking their beliefs has become a mainstay of American culture, from campaign speeches to Grammy awards. Why is it appropriate to thank Jesus for your football touchdown, but not to acknowledge Mother Earth at a memorial service?