Military Recognized Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, Pic Inspires Invocation

Thanks Jeff Bergosh for this inspirational picture.  It turned me on to a whole new religion!  

http://www.venganza.org/2011/07/fsm-in-the-military/

If the military recognizes it, that's good enough for me.  I've been calling myself Pastafarian-friendly, but the more I read, the more sense it makes to me.  I'm adding FSM to the pantheon of gods I respect and encourgage.

Wanna know more ABOUT PASTAFARIANISM?   http://www.venganza.org/about/

That sound perfect - they are not a jealous religion, they recognize the power of imagination in faith, they eschew exclusive (Abrahamic) religions, they reject dogma. Though some consider it satire, FSM believes that doesn't matter.  It's origins are divine regardless.  Some established religions have much more magical and dubious beginnings.  Virgin birth?  Golden tablets?  If those are OK, what's wrong with good old imagination creating a god to fit your own personal view?  The Church of FSM respects the right of individuals to shape their own beliefs, plus they value reason and science above mysticism.  Count me in!

To honor FSM and share it with the world, I've composed an invocation based on the Lord's Prayer.  With it's similarities, I'm hoping it will resonate with Christians who attend local government meetings in order to hear familiar prayer.

So that we may be touched and guided by his noodly appendages, I offer this prayer: 

Our pasta, which art in oven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy noodles come, thy sauce be yum, thy dough it is so unleavened.
Give us this day our garlic bread,
and forgive us our broccoli florets, steamed, with lemon butter.
And lead us into temptation, but deliver us some pizza.
For thine is kingdom of the pesto and alfredo,
forever and ever. Ramen.

What doesn't the Santa Rosa County SB have Prayer before Meetings?

Santa Rosa is nearby and even more conservative than Escambia.  So why does their school board have a moment of silence instead of an Christian invocation?

https://www.aclu.org/religion-belief/does-v-santa-rosa-county-school-district-top-5-myths-and-facts

"By directing, promoting, sponsoring, or otherwise endorsing prayer or religious activity, public schools infringe on the constitutional right of students, parents, teachers, and other staff to determine for themselves their religious beliefs and practices. In sponsoring prayer and religious exercise, public schools also send a message to students, parents, staff, and the community that the government favors one faith over another or prefers believers to non-believers. This message is inimical to the basic principle of fairness that sustains a democracy."

UNDER CONSTRUCTION: Jeff Bergosh Full Blog Comments, Email Exchanges

also, notes on one phone conversation  "Are you a Christian?"  no  "What are you"  <whatever I said doesn't matter>  "No, I will not ever ever allow that on my watch"   but Mr Bergosh  ...  <click>

All emails and blog comments by article.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION - Escambia County Commission Docs, Emails, Account

re-post notes from conversations, meetings, email, corresponse

List of speakers since 2012 - Horace Jones (1/5 times, employee), Evon Horton 4/5 with 3 in a row; oft repeat

VIDEO: over-the-top preacher, prophetic warnings

UNDER CONSTRUCTION - City Attorney Exchange about Galloway Violations

emails with City Attorney Rusty Wells
emails with Betty Allen, who chooses speakers from rotation (unfairly)

Invocation Rejections from Local Elected Officials - ECSB and Escambia BOCC

UNDER CONSTRUCTION - actual emails
Many just didn't respond. I will post the emails of:

Escambia County Commission - rotates between commissioners

Robertson - rejected, basically: knows plenty of ministers; I don't need your help

Valentino - accepted by phone, reneged later, despite frequently calling on repeats
May accepted - after some badgering
-others (Robinson, Barry) said wait until new calendar because spots filled thru election

Escambia School Board - rotates between school board members

Bergosh - no, not ever ever on my watch

Boone - "i will not need your service"

Hightower - accepted at first, reneged at board meeting
Moultrie, Slayton - no answers, asked thrice

** I know for a fact that the entire ECSB has requests from several other minorities, which they are trying to ignore and screen for POV, instead of taking them in order received, before asking others who didn't request invocation spots.  Generally, they don't deal with requests, they just hand pick representatives of their own beliefs or churches.

Pensacola City Council - they have one OUTDATED rotation instead of invitations chosen by each representative.  They accepted with some prodding, but have delayed new non-clergy speakers and have previously picked speakers according to someone's preference (and the issue at hand).  One preacher called for "Biblical righteousness" in his prayer  - during a meeting about a domestic partnership registry.   Their spreadsheets don't reflect a clear or fair rotation. 

from FRIENDLY ATHEIST: Florida School Board Member Tells Pagan: If You Deliver an Invocation, I’ll Walk Out and Ask the Crowd to Join Me

Thanks to Hemant, the Friendly Atheist. He even researched the ridiculously-biased responses from Jeff Bergosh's blog!  He tears Bergosh a new one in a way I'm too polite to do.

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/08/22/florida-school-board-member-tells-pagan-if-you-deliver-an-invocation-ill-walk-out-and-ask-the-crowd-to-join-me/

Want to Deliver a Invocation in Escambia County? Here's How!

To request an invocation, please ask politely... "it would be my honor to...".  For all bodies listed, you don't have to give your religion (because that is discriminatory and may be a religious test), but you may want to.  If you do, be sure it gets listed on the Agenda for the meeting you attend.  If you get stonewalled, remind them that it is your right to offern an invocation befitting our religous viewpoint, under Galloway v Greece NY (SCOTUS 2014).  

Pensacola City Council   850 435-1606
* they keep a list of potential speakers; ask to be added to it and ask to be called at the first available opportunity.
Ericka Burnett  eburnett@cityofpensacola.com
Betty Allen ballen@cityofpensacola.com

Escambia County Commission
* They rotate between the commissioners taking turns inviting someone.  You must ask EACH of the commissioners individually.  All their spots are filled until the election, after which a new rotation will be published.  Ask to reserve a spot (in first come/first serve basis) for once the dates are published and ask to be emailed a copy of those dates when available.  Note:  they regular have repeats.  So if you get a yes from more than one, you can accept it.
Wilson Robertson, district1@myescambia.com  850 595-4910
Gene Valentino, district2@myescambia.com   850 595-4920
Lumon May, district3@myescambia.com  850 595-4930
Grover Robinson, district4@myescambia.com  850 595-4940
Steven Barry, district5@myescambia.com  850 595-4950

Escambia School Board  main# 850 432-6121; ask for the School Board office
* They also rotate between SB members, each getting a turn.  You must ask EACH member.  Do not accept a spot at the public forum, but demand to be included as readily as someone giving a prayer in the style of the majority religion.  If they say their spots are full, ask to be placed next in line.
jbergosh@escambia.k12.fl.us
gboone@escambia.k12.fl.us
lmoultrie1@escambia.k12.fl.us
phightower@escambia.k12.fl.us
bslayton@escambia.k12.fl.us

PLEASE be persistent.  One call or email may not be enough.  If you get no response, keep emailing or simply call.
PLEASE keep me updated, especially of negative responses.  I am tracking them in case any legal action is needed.

Top 10 Favorite Religions (right now)

I am not a jealous or exclusive student of religion.  Though none can ever get everything right, some have more to teach than others.  I reject all religions that require exclusive faith to their deity and/or dogma.  This includes the big 3 - Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

This list does not include my #1 expression of spirit - MUSIC.  Sting said it well:  " . . . if ever I'm asked if I'm religious I always reply, 'Yes, I'm a devout musician.' Music puts me in touch with something beyond the intellect, something otherworldly, something sacred."
—-Sting delivering a Berklee College of Music commencement address in Boston, May 15, 1994

Nor does this list include ATHEISM since it is more like the absence of religion.

Here are my top 10 favorite "religions":

Unitarian Universalism
Pagan/Nature
Agnosticism
Pantheism
Humanism
Pastafarianism
New Thought / Unity
Buddhism
Satanism (Rational and Modern versions)
Scientology

* honorable mention to Hindu and Krishna traditions and to Sufi Whirlers.

3 Legal but Provocative Invocation Prayers (Satanist, FSM, Muslim) + GALLOWAY basics

... for brave souls to perform at local council meetings.  Per Galloway, these invocations don't denigrate other religions, proselytize, or threaten damnation.

(partial) SUMMARY OF GALLOWAY V GREECE NY:
"The Supreme Court’s ruling, authored by Justice Kennedy, makes clear that local governments must make "reasonable efforts to identify all of the congregations located within its borders" and welcome an invocation by anyone who wishes to give one, regardless of their faith. The majority decision also states that the policy must be one of nondiscrimination.  The opinion adds that the invocations must not "denigrate nonbelievers or religious minorities, threaten damnation, or preach conversion."




At a school board meeting, they (and all prayers) are legally considered school-led prayer - essentially illegal and not to be coerced or given at school functions.  Here's the most recent decision on school board prayer:
https://www.au.org/church-state/october-2011-church-state/people-events/appeals-court-strikes-down-prayers-at-delaware


There are MANY forms of Satanism.  Some are sincere, some are about fear.  Two more interesting ones are the "Rational Satanists" and the Church of Satan (post-LeVay):
Wikipedia page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_Satan


Here's a sample invocation from one Satanist group:
“Let us stand now, unbowed and unfettered by arcane doctrines born of fearful minds in darkened times. Let us embrace the Luciferian impulse to eat of the Tree of Knowledge and dissipate our blissful and comforting delusions of old. Let us demand that individuals be judged for their concrete actions, not their fealty to arbitrary social norms and illusory categorizations. Let us reason our solutions with agnosticism in all things, holding fast only to that which is demonstrably true. Let us stand firm against any and all arbitrary authority that threatens the personal sovereignty of One or All. That which will not bend must break, and that which can be destroyed by truth should never be spared its demise. It is Done. Hail Satan.”


From the Pastafarians:
From the official website: http://www.venganza.org/about/

Our pasta, which art in oven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy noodles come, thy sauce be yum, thy dough it is so unleavened
Give us this day our garlic bread,
and forgive us our broccoli florets, steamed, with lemon butter
And lead us into temptation, but deliver us some Pizza.
For thine is kingdom of the pesto and alfredo,
forever and ever. Ramen.


From the Muslim world:
THIS GUY is amazing:  http://youtu.be/weQNf3lxCr8
the "Adhan" is the Muslim call to prayer. It is generally improvised with these

Arabic lyrics:

Allahu Akbar. Allahu Akbar.

Allahu Akbar. Allahu Akbar.
Ash-hadu an la ilaha ill-Allah.
Ash-hadu an la ilaha ill-Allah.
Ash-hadu anna Muhammad-ar-Rasoolullah.
Ash-hadu anna Muhammad-ar-Rasoolullah.
Hayya 'alas-Salah. Hayya 'alas-Salah.
Hayya 'alal-falah. Hayya 'alal-falah.
Allahu Akbar. Allahu Akbar.
La ilaha ill-Allah.

English translation:

Allah is Most Great. Allah is Most Great. Allah is Most Great. Allah is Most Great. I bear witness that there is none worthy of being worshipped except Allah. I bear witness that there is none worthy of being worshipped except Allah. I bear witness that Muhammad is the Apostle of Allah. I bear witness that Muhammad is the Apostle of Allah. Come to prayer. Come to prayer. Come to Success. Come to Success. Allah is Most Great. Allah is Most Great. There is none worthy of being worshipped except Allah.

I also have a lovely classic Pagan invocation, like those I've given at UUCP and various gatherings.

School Board Member wants to make Spectacle of my Invocation - email exchange + Willie Spears' VIDEO (bottom)

My RESPONSE:

Jeff, 

That sounds like a spectacle, alright - all of your making.  If this idea is OK  with the SB attorney and constitutes equal treatment of minority religions (LOL), I will accept it.  It would be much easier just to accept my invocation as a teaching opportunity and in the spirit of diversity and equality.

I hope you'll take the time to imagine what it's like to attend School Board meetings as a religious minority.  It's tough, as the majority religion is repeatedly endorsed and no other views are welcome.  You responses are telling of that fact.  For that reason alone, it would behoove the ECSB to adopt the same solution it prescribes to everyone else in the school system - moment of silence.

As ever, I enjoy your frank responses - from the blog especially.  May I re-post the stories and comments from your blog to my own, please?  I'll send the link once all my initial posts are complete.

Best Regards, 

David



From: "Jeffrey Bergosh" [Jbergosh@escambia.k12.fl.us]
Date: 08/21/2014 09:36 AM
To: David
Subject: Re: Invocation Request Renewal

Dave,

Thanks for the email.  I have given a great deal of thought to your requests and demands.  It appears as if Patty invited you to bring the invocation on her behalf at the next meeting where it is her turn to bring the guest.

Additionally, In have an idea that I'll be posting on my blog in the next few days that will allow everyone to win, a true win-win situation.  When you come to bring your Wiccan, Atheist, or Klingon invocation--I'll politely excuse myself from the room and simultaneously invite anyone in the audience who wants to join me in a Christian invocation out back.  You can give your invocation to those that want to hear it and stay in the room. Nobody will prevent you from your free exercise of your religion, just as I would expect for you not to attempt to block me from exercising my constitutional right to my Christian belief via a Christian invocation outside the back door.  A win-win, right Dave?

I'll be bringing this idea to the next workshop.

Jeff Bergosh

Jeff Bergosh
Escambia County School Board 
District 1 Board Representative
850-469-6147
www.jeffbergoshblog.blogspot.com
jbergosh@escambia.k12.fl.us


MY THIRD REQUEST:

Esteemed Commissioners,  
I am writing to renew my request to deliver an invocation, without further delay, before the Escambia County School Board.

So far as I can tell, there is no legal reason why I might be denied or delayed again.  I intend to deliver an invocation, according to my own beliefs, which respects the occasion, the institution and the law, as I have done many times in the past (before legislative bodies).   I hope you will give me the opportunity without more religious tests or discrimination.

In the spirit of equal opportunity, I ask that you honor my (original) request before others you received afterward.  Likewise, I ask that you refrain from seeking out more majority-based invocations, nor issue such invitations, until others asking to participate are given their chance.  In other words, first-come/first-serve would a fair method to determine your order.  Anything else shows favoritism.  

If not welcomed for this duty, I respectfully ask that each commissioner provide some legally-sound reason why they will not allow me.  A religious preference is not a valid reason.  You do not represent only the majority religion, nor is the invocation a forum to advance your beliefs alone.  It would not be proper or prudent give extra scrutiny to a minority invocation, nor to say that a minority believer must ask a different board member or pray (unequally) at the public forum."  

I look forward to your prompt response.   As ever, I've provided my phone if you would like to speak to me directly.

Best Regards, 
David Suhor


PS  Just for fun, here is a prayer given by a local school head football coach.  Does this sound like an employee (who, by the way, should not be giving prayer at school functions) endorsing the majority religion publicly!

http://youtu.be/QfpUJiXiCfA?t=51s

Escambia County Commission gets Letter from Freedom for Religion Foundation attorney Andrew Seidel

I've been working with FFRF when I have questions about approaching and changing invocations.  After too much back and forth and no results from the Escambia County Commission (I'll post some emails later), Andrew wrote a letter about the stone-walling, discrimination, illegal coercion and staff prayers.

Let me tell you, I've made every effort to reach out to the BOCC without any help.  I spoke with commissioners when they would call back.  I met with the County Attorney and listed my concerns.  I've written emails weekly, re-iterating my requests (and refusals) to do an invocation, and alerting them to the illegal staff-lead prayers, coercion and trying to censor my "content".  Nothing has changed.  Commissioner Robertson straight-up rejected my offer, saying knew enough preachers and didn't need me.

For now, I've badgered the BOCC enough to get an invocation in September.  Thank you, Lumon May.  It will be a cool Pagan invocation ritual.  Not surprisingly, another commissioner's assistant promised me the spot at an earlier meeting, but not in writing.  Now he is not confirming that date.

FYI: ECSB frequently has repeat speakers - once three times in a row by the same pastor and again a meeting later.  1 in 5 invocations since 2012 were delivered by the same staff member (the 'backup').  Are there that many no-shows?  Is a moment of silence not good enough?  

I shared this with the Pensacola City attorney and administrator, as well as the School Board and their staff.  No response or major changes yet.

Anyway, here's the letter: http://imgur.com/ptcfT3B,A0GDoeB,fYmPfk0

VIDEO, Xscript - My comments before the Escambia County School Board. 8.19.2014

My comments before the Escambia County School Board. 8.19.2014

http://youtu.be/mnA-cFaCmyE
And the full text:

This school board has a problem with diversity, religious discrimination and
following it's own rules.

Since 2011, 100% of the invocation prayers offered at this meeting were of the majority religion.  I'm not sure if this board has EVER had a prayer from a non-Biblical perspective.  That's probably because each SB member acts as gatekeeper, choosing and introducing their favored prayer givers.  Of course, you all pray to the same, singular, paternal god.

So what?  Well, when religious minorities (like myself) have asked to participate in the invocation (as is our right by law), we've been mostly thwarted for dubious reasons and in a way that discourages further participation.  That's illegal.
Under Galloway v Greece, a narrow 5-4 Supreme Court decision this year, invocations before legislative bodies were allowed to continue, BUT Galloway warns us that such prayers should not be coercive and must be practiced without endorsement, nor religious discrimination.

So, does the ECSB discriminate against minority religions?  Let's see - since I made my requests, I've had to 2 answers of NO, two no answers, and one yes! Thank you, Ms Hightower for accepting my offer without a religious test.  Unfortunately, I have another commitment for November.

And now for the good news - there is a SIMPLE solution to ending discrimination here:  ECSB's own policy, the Student Handbook.  It says:  "No person and no employee or agent of the District shall coerce, advocate, or encourage in any way whatsoever prayer or any other religious activity by students"

We all know that students regularly attend these board meetings.  So, I'd like to challenge this board to follow it's own rules; forget the "do as I say, not as I do" policy of leading prayer here alone.  Just look to your own guidelines for an inclusive compromise  - a moment of silence:  

Again, from the Student Handbook: "The moment of silence is not intended to be, and shall not be conducted as a religious service or exercise, but shall be considered an opportunity for a moment of silent reflection on the anticipated activities of the day. "  That sounds perfect for this occasion AND it respects everyone's religious views without asking them to pray against their beliefs.

I would love to discuss Galloway more, but (I lack the time...) (I hope we don't need to.  We all know that ECSB has not done enough to foster inclusion or diversity in it's invocations.  We know this is not a legislative body - it's about the students. And we know that staff and commissioners should not be leading invocations or endorsing just one type of prayer.  Luckily, you've written your own solution.  But, if you refuse a moment of silence, please know that you MUST allow ALL who wish to deliver an invocation, welcoming us equally and eschewing coercion or the appearance of endorsement.)

In conclusion, I pray this board will embrace this teaching opportunity and show our students that different faiths (and none at all) can only co-exist and thrive.  I pray our elected officials will refuse to favor one religious expression to the exclusion of others.  And I pray you'll follow the rules you set for the rest of the school system, so that everyone feels welcome at this meeting and so you may focus on the business of this board.

VIDEO link - My Public Forum Response to Extreme Invocations

This is video of my comments before the Escambia County Commission, after Galloway and in response to their awful, discriminatory invocation practices.

http://youtu.be/xSom5Cd860k

TRANSCRIPT (includes FULL comments):
How would you feel, as Christians, if nearly every County Commission meeting started by turning to Mecca and asking the room to pray-along to Allah?  THAT'S how some of us feel whenever we arrive here in time for the invocation.

I believe this assembly has a problem with free speech, with respect for diversity, and with the establishment clause of the 1st amendment.  We do NOT respect the separation of church and state, and it shows.

Since I last offered a rare inclusive invocation two years ago, citizens have been subjected to 44 consecutive Christian prayers.  Almost all ended in a similar manner: "in Jesus name WE pray".

That may sound fine to you, but to a constituent who doesn't share your beliefs, it sounds like Escambia County favoring one particular religion.   It's unAmerican.

At least half of us are not even church members, yet we're asked to tolerate a regular dose of the Christian god when we participate in our local government.
Some of these prayers are rambling and irrelevant.  Last June, a man spoke of a prophetic end coming to Pensacola.  Others have preached that we can all be saved by the blood of Jesus.  Almost always it's "WE pray", as if in church... WE acknowledge only you, o' one male god, we pray YOUR will is done.      That simply isn't true, any more than 'in God WE all trust'.  WE, the citizens, may or may not pray, to different gods, or to none at all, whenever we want.  That is our right.  Why must this assembly give time to exalt one faith, ANY faith, above others?  It's inherently divisive and it should stop - or at least change.
So please, I'm asking this board - out of respect for the others' beliefs - to make our county commission meetings NEUTRAL on matters of religion.
What we have now is a preacher-by-proxy system, whereby commissioners may not lead prayers, so they choose a minister of their liking to proclaim and to pray to the god of their choosing.  That has created bias.

I refer you to the recent controversial Supreme Court decision in Galloway v Greece, NY.  By a 5-4 vote, a body, like this one, IS allowed to continue its prayers, BUT it must welcome an invocation by anyone who wishes to give one, among other requirements.*  That doesn't seem to be happening.  I hope this council isn't trying to 'keep it Christian', but the result is the same:
This government's business always begins with a decidedly sectarian and intrinsically divisive religious ritual!

I'd like to offer two solutions and one consequence if we ignore this issue:
Solution 1: Drop it,  Take it of the agenda and don't make it a big deal.  It has been skipped during no-shows and lightning didn't strike.
Solution 2: Exercise respect for freedom of religion by inviting a moment silent prayer/reflection/intention to begin each meeting.
Consequence:  If you do neither, the invocation MUST be open for ALL interested citizens (not just those of the dominant faith).  More efforts must be made to bring diversity.  Content must be appropriate and speakers should be aware of what is not allowed.  These standards also apply to Wiccans, Muslims, Satanists, and atheists, who will surely step forward to offer their own invocations.
In conclusion, let's take a positive step to keep our government neutral and inclusive on questions of religion.    You don't begin church with a message from your friendly government representative.  Why start government meetings with a word from your favorite spiritual sponsor?  Or mine, Goddess forbid.
Out of respect for ALL our citizens and for our Constitution, please take the time to consider ending or seriously revising this outdated and divisive way we begin our community meetings.

*SUMMARY OF RULING:
"The Supreme Court’s ruling, authored by Justice Kennedy, makes clear that local governments must make "reasonable efforts to identify all of the congregations located within its borders" and welcome an invocation by anyone who wishes to give one, regardless of their faith. The majority decision also states that the policy must be one of nondiscrimination.  The opinion adds that the invocations must not "denigrate nonbelievers or religious minorities, threaten damnation, or preach conversion."

2 VIDEOS - EXTREME, Inappropriate Escambia County Invocations

Here are two fine video examples of what happens when you mix church and state at the local level and don't issue any guidelines on content, as suggested by SCOTUS.  Why would you even want this at a government meeting?  

http://youtu.be/EVg74iHzCcc

http://youtu.be/JbkM6ZeJyf0

VIDEO, Xscript - February 2014 "Non-Invocation" Calls For An End to DIvisive Prayer in Government

In February of 2014, I pushed to get another invocation at the city council before the Galloway v Greece ruling came down.  Amazingly, they allowed me to speak... after I reminded them that there should be no discrimination.  Apparently, I could be inserted, as the City does not observe any kind of rotation.  Invocations speakers appear to be chosen by the whim of staff.   I tried to take the gloves off but still keep it respectful.  I wanted to call for an end to biased, sectarian prayer at the City Council meetings.  Here's the video and transcript is below:

http://youtu.be/ni5FZcTCob8

"Most prayers in this room begin with a request to bow your heads. I would like to ask you NOT to bow your heads tonight, but to look around at the women and men here, in this moment, sharing this experience of coming together to improve our fair city.

As we work to solve the problems we face, I won't appeal to any god favored by the majority. No. I appeal to YOU to dedicate your energy to the tasks before us - as human beings, sharing the goal of a fairer, more loving community. I am not here to ask the blessings of any common deity, but to call upon our common DUTY - to love and honor each other, setting aside our individual beliefs for the greater good. 

In that light, I'd like to invoke the words of some others who have shared my view: 
- Thomas Jefferson wrote "I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people, which declared that their legislature should make no law respecting an establishment of religion"
- Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito said: "We are a very religiously diverse country. ALL should be treated equally. So I can't see how you can compose a prayer that is acceptable to all."
- Even Jesus is said to have condemned public prayer, in Matthew chapter 6, saying "Enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut the door, pray to thy Father, which is in secret" 

Today, I begin this meeting differently - not praying to the spirit of any one religion. Instead, I ask that we invoke the spirit of community - thereby welcoming ALL our citizens. I'm not here to lift up my god above yours, but to call forth that most universal principle - that we love our neighbors as ourselves. As Carl Sagan said - "For small creatures such as we, the vastness is bearable only through love"

May this invocation begin a new tradition - where the non-believers among us feel as valued, loved and honored here as any believer ever has. Thank you."

VIDEO: Preacher Prays for "Biblical Righteousness" before Domestic Partnership Invocation Vote

I attended the City Council meeting in November of 2013, when the public would speak on a local domestic partnership registry.  Here was the invocation by one of our worst local homophobes:

http://youtu.be/qUrjMu1yeD4

I wonder who alerted him to the subject at hand when he was invited to pray.

VIDEO, Xscript - My First Invocation - Anyone's Invocation Calls for Gods of All People

Here's how it all started.  I saw that the local City Council held near 100% Xtian invocation prayers starting every meeting with a full audience.  Most were delivered by clergy or church folk - and some by council members and staff.  In August 2012, I used my credentials as a church musician to get myself a spot on the rotation.  I did not reveal my heretical inclinations.  I used the occasion to call for blessing of MANY gods and goddess (and none at all) on the assembly.  Months later, I delivered the same invocation before the Escambia County Commission.  Here's the transcript and video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rht6k5uVuRA&list=UUCxEMj3lTSVh3BMSVmjgbaQ



Anyone's Invocation
(thank you,             )   heads bowed...
Mother, father, gods of ALL people,
we come today   in our humble way   to shape a small part of your creation
Gathering to a task, in your diverse and glorious presence,
together we invoke your unique blessings   and your life essence

May the efforts of this council blend
the justness of Allah    with the wisdom of Odin
May Mithra the everlasting   ground them with the grace of mother Gaia
May Yahweh forgive their shortcomings    and Beddru foresee their salvation
MAKE light their mission,   Brahma and Dionysus
and imbue each decision     with the mercy of Isis

Whatever your virtues,   name or form,
may we be worthy    of this wholly equal assemblage
BaHA and Elohim we beseech you     Krishna and Ek Onkar,  come
illuminate our civic path    by moon, water, earth and sun

And we praise YOU,    Jehovah of Christ,     Huītzilopōchtli, and Ba'al
for the sanguine sacrifice    that frees us all
And for the bounty of reason, science and logic,  we thank the ONE deity
none of us knows,      that of humanist, atheist and agnostic

Divine love, lead us,  enlightened by Buddha and Eshu,  empowered by Thetan spirits
that we may govern    with the wisdom and the good    of ALL gods of our nation
PLEASE impart our humble congregation  
with prudence, prosperity and peace this day    
and so we pray,     RAMEN

** note, I made some slight changes since the deliver.  This is the updated version.  You are welcome to use it to deliver your own.

WELCOME to an APPLE Biter's blog: When religion and government meet, take a BITE!

 I am David Suhor.  In an attempt to describe my religious inclination, I've become an Apple Biter, evolving into a Agnostic Pagan Pantheist Living Existentially and biting every apple I want to.  This blog is about my local adventures at the intersection of government and religion.  It's also an exploration of religion and reason and their places in a free society.   And who knows what else?

Contained herein are news items, transcripts, videos, images, email exchanges and information about invocations and other intrusions of religion into government.  I'll also write about my personal religious views, which are ever-changing and open to new lessons.