The Wiccan in the Iowa State House

I attended the morning session of the Iowa House on April 9th, when my friend Deb Maynard gave the opening invocation that was supposedly so controversial, a throng of Christian zealots came to witness and oppose it, even before she spoke.  They had decided beforehand that she would be praying to demons and spirits, and casting a dark shadow over the lawmakers, so they had come to counteract her invocation with prayers of their own.

Our little Pagan group of supporters sat in the upper gallery to watch our friend on this historic occasion, and we also got to witness firsthand, the actions of the Christians who were present.  One woman dressed in a powder-blue pantsuit was standing and praying, murmuring to herself quietly even before the session was called to order. On the other side of the gallery seating, separated by a balcony partition, another man was standing with his hands up midway, praying in a stance that is often seen in Pagan Spiritual circles when we invoke the elements and quarters. We were dressed in very nice, clean, almost clergy-like vestments, and he was wearing a casual shirt, shorts and sandals.  Several members of the Christian group had previously inquired if we were there to help pray against the Wiccan, and we had to shake our heads and point them to the folks on the other side.  "No, we are here to support Deb Maynard".  They seemed to be in shock that our friend would have supporters present at all, and that we would look so clean and presentable that they would actually mistake us for the Christian activists looking to counteract the "evil powers".

Deb gave an amazing and well-thought and well-planned invocation:

"We call this morning to God, Goddess, Universe, that which is greater than ourselves to be here with us today. 

By the Earth that is in our bones and centers us, may all here remember our roots and those whom we are here to represent.

By the fire that gives us light and passion, may all here remain passionate about the work that must be done for the people of Iowa.

By the air that gives us breath and logic, may all here find thoughtful solutions to the problems that are presented.

By the water that flows through our blood and stirs our emotions, may all here draw on that emotional intelligence which helps us to see the inherent worth and dignity of every person.

We call this morning to Spirit, which is ever present, to help us respect the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part. Be with this legislative body and guide them to seek justice, equity and compassion in the work that is before them today.

Blessed Be, Aho, and Amen."

Who was offended by that? At least one of the Iowa Representatives postured for the news media and turned his back to Deb as she was giving the invocation.  He said later that he thought that's what Jesus would have done. 

Right, like Jesus was a self-righteous, uptight jerk who would have pre-judged an earnest prayer for justice, equity and compassion, just because it wasn't specifically and exclusively addressed to "God".