Wiccan Priest Barred From Giving Prayer At City Council Meeting
If the government is going to invite clergy to open meetings, it can’t discriminate. That’s why they should just eliminate the practice, as we don’t need the government doing this in the first place.
A member of the Wiccan faith says he was set to give the opening invocation at a Huntsville City Council meeting until the plan was publicized and he was asked about his faith. He was then told he was no longer invited.
Huntsville City Attorney Peter Joffrion says that when the agenda for Thursday’s meeting was made public Tuesday and citizens called to voice concerns.
The agenda said the invocation would be given by “Reverend Blake Kirk, Priest of the Oak, Ash And Thorn Tradition of Wicca.”
Kirk tells WHNT… he was then confronted and asked about his faith, which he acknowledged. Kirk says he was then told he was no longer invited to give the invocation.
Eric Trommater June 27th, 2014 at 10:18 pm
I understand how he feels. My priest from the Church of the Bi-Sexual Females from the Planet Touch Me was also turned away.
Dwendt44 June 27th, 2014 at 10:25 pm
Not surprised. The rabid right, or even christian activists in the middle love the courts decision. They want the apparent government approval and endorsement and will resist any effort to share it with minor religions or non religious.
arc99 June 27th, 2014 at 10:57 pm
Another classic example of why I personally believe that the biggest threat to the Constitutional rights of all people, would be a country run by conservatives.
Jake June 27th, 2014 at 11:21 pm
Stinking Christian bigots – vile filth spreading their disgusting gospel of hate as usual. Christianity is a sewer in dire need of cleaning.
TAX the CHURCHES!!!!!
fahvel June 28th, 2014 at 4:24 am
how excellently said J. Only problem is, I wanted to say it first!!!!!!!
Shades June 28th, 2014 at 7:55 am
I hope he takes the next logical step.
labman57 June 28th, 2014 at 11:54 am
The Christian Taliban strikes again.
Lark K July 2nd, 2014 at 1:25 pm
Sadly in this case a number of well-meaning decisions were made which have had unfortunate consequences. My husband and I have received support from both Christians and non-Christians in this situation. Many realize that depriving one group or individual of their Constitutional and legal rights by a governmental body endangers the rights of all. We are hoping to work this out with the city without further rancor. That being said, we are not going to quietly go away, as some would like us to, but will continue to ask that the City of Huntsville obey the laws of this country in regards to public prayer before governmental bodies.