Shannon: Chapel for founders, history, faith and freedom
Chapel for founders, history, faith and freedom
By T.W. SHANNON
“Invoking the guidance of Almighty God, in order to secure and perpetuate the blessing of liberty; to secure just and rightful government; to promote our mutual welfare and happiness, we, the people of the State of Oklahoma, do ordain and establish this Constitution.”
The above words were drafted in 1907 by the founders of this great state. Unlike many nations, this country and state were founded with the belief that we are given inherent freedoms to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness by a divine Creator not by a king, president or government.
Many people have and continue to work and fight to ensure that these inherent rights are not infringed upon, and the Oklahoma Capitol building stands as a symbol of that history. We celebrate the history and culture of Native Americans, our state’s settlers, oilmen, military service, and the cowboy. Why must we ignore the history of faith in this state and the role faith based groups have played to preserve freedom and democracy?
Recently, the idea of a chapel in the Oklahoma House of Representatives has been proposed. It would be a small, privately funded place that honors the rich history of faith and freedom in our state.