In a recent Texas Legislature meeting, Democratic Rep. Donna Howard of Austin delivered a bizarre invocation. The unitarian universality representative thanked a non-descript deity for guaranteeing freedom of religion. This bizarre episode drew derision from the other representatives. Unfortunately, these bizarre public prayers have become all too common.
Howard of Austin delivered the opening invocation for the Feb. 11 meeting of the 89th Legislative Session by saying, “I’m grateful to live in a country where we have a constitutional right to no law respecting the establishment of religion or prohibiting the full exercise thereof, freedom of and from religion.” She added by mentioning those with no faith at all.
“In that spirit and with respect for all Texans of every religion and no religion,” she continued, “we seek guidance for the day before use from the God of our understanding, from that moral compass that calls us to recognize our interconnectedness and our collective work, and to bring to that work the better angels of ourselves on behalf of all Texans whom we have been given the privilege to serve.”
She called out to the “Spirit of Life, God of many names” and pleaded, “Let us know that each from our own tradition comes today to lift our spirit in unity.” Speaking about her faith, she said “As an adult, I have been following Unitarian Universalism as my path and I’m here to give you a reflection,” Howard explained, “very discussion, every decision about the use of our institutional resources or power is a reflection of what we value, our recognition of the interdependent web of life of which we are all a part.”
These types of prayers are becoming more popular. Tulsa, Oklahoma, has canceled opening prayers after a pagan priestess dedicated an invocation to Medusa last fall. In January, representatives voted to replace the opening prayer with a moment of silence and personal reflection. Councilors involved in the controversy spoke to local media to explain the controversy.
Councilor Laura Bellis explained that she wanted to avoid making residents feel like their government did not represent them with an invocation. She stated, “Of course, we have invocations where anyone can sign up of any faith, but the one time they may be there, it usually is a Christian prayer and may send the message that their government is not for them or they don’t belong.” The change happened in late November of last year, when then-Councilor Crista Patrick’s pagan priestess, Amy McAdams addressed the council.
During her invocation, she invoked Medusa, whom she described as the “monstrous hero of the oppressed and abused.” She also called on “the Gorgonea, champions of equality and sacred rage.” Councilwoman Patrick invited Mc Adams to “share one little part of myself before I left office.” She described the mythical Greek character Medusa as “a fighter of injustice, especially for women.”
The two women were quickly chastised for their actions. Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt and State Superintendent Ryan Walters, both of whom are public Christians, accused the pair of Satanism. Stitt described how Satan was “trying to establish a foothold” with McAdams’ prayer. He referred to Tulsa as a shining city on the hill,” echoing the words of Matthew 5:14.
Bellis explained that she’d been considering modifying the rule for years, but finally decided to push for it after the incident with Patrick and McAdams.“That really gave the impetus to say, ‘I don’t want anyone to be in one of our government meetings and feel that what’s being shared is alienating to them or unwelcoming or infringing on their sincerely-held beliefs,’” she explained.
Featured Image From Texas State House of Representatives