In a speech titled “What Inspired Me to Serve,” Aurora mayor Richard Irvin recently reflected on a shift from worldly priorities to a focus on his faith.
The occasion was a quarterly breakfast meeting of Aurora’s Interfaith Alliance at Ballydoyle Irish Pub and Restaurant in Aurora on Oct. 21.
The alliance is a collaboration of local faith leaders organized by the mayor’s office. The mayor’s invitation said clergy were invited to come together in peace and unity to converse about Aurora, connect with each other and collaborate for the future.
After a buffet breakfast, Irvin introduced city leaders. Discussion topics included faith collaboration updates since the third quarter breakfast, city initiatives and events and resources for congregations, including financial assistance and affordable housing resources.
Irvin said an experience as an Army soldier during Desert Storm “changed his trajectory” for his future. After surviving an attack while guarding a convoy, Irvin said he made a personal pledge to live a life of service. Since then, he completed law school and became a prosecutor, alderman and mayor running for reelection to a second term.
Irvin invited the clergy to fill vacancies on city boards and commissions and fielded questions from attendees.
Aurora Police Sgt. and chaplain Scott Carter reported he manages nine volunteer chaplains that serve police officers and the public.
Additional clergy are invited to serve as chaplains he said.
The meeting closed with prayers from a half dozen clergy members.
—Al Benson