Having family in Delaware, I was pleased at the news of Susuan Stewart taking her oath of office as mayor of Rehoboth Beach.
I certainly wish Ms. Stewart the best of good luck with her duties, responsibilities and obligations. I am glad she placed her hand upon the Holy Bible when she took the oath.
The oath includes a binding solemn promise explicitly supporting the governing documents as the constitutions of both the United States and Delaware especially; which, in turn, invokes the aid of deity as an anchor for faithful performance and compliance.
Many of our nation's Founding Fathers (and pioneers of Delaware) were members of the ancient and honorable Masonic Fraternal Order. In its ceremonies, the phrase "great architect of the universe" is synonymous with "Almighty God" or "The Most High." I should know; I'm a fifth-generation Freemason myself.
Placing one's hand upon the Holy Bible or other Holy Writ isn't a religious ceremony, but rather a tangible gesture by a person pledging their word of honor upon something they hold dear. If they break their solemn vows, they would risk being forsworn as a liar before their friends, family and the public.
Therefore, this oath of office, in its origins and references, solemnly binds people to carry out weighty vows.
James A. Marples
Longview, Texas
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