City’s mission statement changed to nonreligious (February 2, 2022)

A concerned Hudsonville, Mich., resident reported to FFRF that the city had endorsed religion through its official mission statement.

“While the city of Hudsonville should work to strengthen family and community life, and should be committed to excellence in providing quality municipal services, it is inappropriate and unconstitutional for the City Commission and administration of the city of Hudsonville to officially ‘strive to serve God,’ and to proclaim this misuse of public office on the city’s official website,” wrote FFRF Staff Attorney Chris Line in a letter to Mayor Mark Northrup. “This mission statement should be changed immediately.”

FFRF then received a response from Northrup in which he assured the state/church watchdog that the city would adopt a new mission statement.

Freedom From Religion Foundation