MISSISSAUGA – The recitation of the Lord’s Prayer prior to the start of city council meetings has been a tradition for a number of years in Mississauga.

However, some people are wondering whether it’s time for that practice to end in such a diverse community as Canada’s sixth largest city.

While discussion and debate happens over the issue, mayor-elect Bonnie Crombie has reached out to her colleagues to hear what they have to say about it.

Crombie, who is Catholic, said she doesn’t have a problem with the recitation of the prayer. But, she does want to touch base with the municipality’s 11 councillors to get their opinions.

She has already heard lot of different ideas from her peers, such as leaving the practice the way it is to replacing it with a non-denominational blessing to even rotating a prayer from a different faith before each meeting.

“I don’t think there’s anything wrong with (reciting the prayer),” said Crombie. “But, I am asking each councillor about it and there is a diversity of opinion.”

The mayor-elect rarely heard complaints about the practice during her time as Ward 5 councillor, which will come to an end when she’s formally sworn in as Mississauga’s new mayor on Dec. 2. In fact, most people support the practice of council seeking spiritual guidance prior to the meetings, she said.

However, Crombie is open to whatever the majority of council decides.

The practice was started by outgoing mayor Hazel McCallion and is only recited prior to city council meetings. Before the prayer, the mayor invites people to join in but always notes that those in attendance can take part only if they choose to and that it isn’t mandatory.

The city said it hasn’t received any complaints about the issue since Secular Ontario, which on its website describes itself as a non-profit organization that formed in 2006 to promote and defend the secular and civil nature of Ontario society, issued one in 2007. Officials with the mayor’s office said the mayor hasn’t received any complaints within the last year.