Religious statesman Rajan Zed, who led this effort, presented Mayor Cashell a petition containing 48 signatures and two emails of support.

Religious leaders of northern Nevada belonging to various faith traditions met Reno (Nevada) Mayor Robert Alan Cashell on November 12 to urge him to restart the tradition of invocation at the beginning of Reno City Council meetings.

The petition included support of Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Greek Orthodox, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Carmelite Nuns, Episcopal, Congregational, Unitarian Universalist, American Clergy Leadership Conference and International Community of Christ leaders. It also included signatures of Sparks Mayor Geno R. Martini and Bishop of Roman Catholic Diocese of Reno Most Reverend Randolph R. Calvo.

Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism and Director Interfaith Relations of Nevada Clergy Association, says that many city/town councils in the country and Nevada reportedly open their meetings with an invocation; including Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, Sparks, Carson City and Boulder City.

Mayor Cashell told the gathering that he would request the issue of invocation to be put on the agenda in a City Council meeting in the near future.

Religious leaders belonging to various religions/denominations meeting with Mayor Robert Cashell. Rajan Zed (in orange) is seen standing facing towards Mayor Cashell. Picture by: Diane M. Black