In 1950, about 90% of the people in the United States identified themselves as “Christians.” Here in 2023, that number is more like 65% and is widely predicted to continue to decline. There is also another trend, which is increasing every year — the number of “Unaffiliated” people in the United States.
Auctioneers are typically conservative Republicans who tend to practice religion (mostly Christianity) to a higher degree than non-conservative non-Republicans. Understandably, many auctioneers expect their auction(eer) association to endorse Christianity.
For instance, most auctioneers expect prayers before meals and other gatherings. Most auctioneers expect religious pronouncements in speeches and other oratory. However, your auction(eer) association is to focus on the auction industry — not your religious preference.
Some auction(eer) associations have members who form groups that worship or pray separately from the other members, and this is certainly acceptable. Any auctioneer competing, or otherwise addressing the membership, is free to communicate their religious belief, so long as it’s not done expecting all other members to participate or agree.
Those auctioneers sitting next to you at a state or national event may be Buddhist, Morman, Jewish, Agnostic, Athiest, or other faith and have every right to express their religion (or not) just as you do. Here again, auction-related organizations are auction-related organizations, not religious organizations.
There is also the issue of auctioneers opening live auctions with a prayer — which today may be a bit less suitable given your audience is likely much less interested in hearing your religious beliefs and much more interested in buying something: https://mikebrandlyauctioneer.wordpress.com/2015/09/22/pledge-prayer-anthem-at-auction/.
“Freedom of religion” is the freedom from the government dictating or prohibiting your freedom to practice (or not) a particular religion. It’s not freedom for you to dictate what other people practice or endorse. Associations are made up of a diverse group of people, not all practicing (or not) the same religion — and as such — should not be promoting any certain religion.
Mike Brandly, Auctioneer, CAI, CAS, AARE has been an auctioneer and certified appraiser for over 30 years. His company’s auctions are located at Mike Brandly, Auctioneer, Brandly Real Estate & Auction, and formerly at Goodwill Columbus Car Auction. He serves as Distinguished Faculty at Hondros College, Executive Director of The Ohio Auction School, and an Instructor at the National Auction Association’s Designation Academy and Western College of Auctioneering. He has served as faculty at the Certified Auctioneers Institute held at Indiana University and is approved by The Supreme Court of Ohio for attorney education.
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