1.25.2008
Tulsa and Sectarian Prayer
The Tulsa City Council has decided to change their "unwritten" policy concerning opening prayers to now allow references to specific deities.
"Tulsa's City Council voted Thursday to change an unwritten policy so that people can name a deity when praying before the council's regular weekly meetings ... The council's previous prayer policy, which prohibited the use of the name of Jesus, Allah or other religious figures, had prompted complaints. Councilor Rick Westcott, who sponsored the change along with Councilors Bill Christiansen, John Eagleton and Cason Carter, said it was warranted because of Tulsa's rich history of a variety of faiths. "I think it's important for this council to open this meeting with prayers that allow people to express the fullness of their faiths," Westcott said."
The new policy passed 7-2 despite critics invoking conservative Christianity's ongoing fear that their "religious freedom" chickens will eventually come home to roost.
"Tulsa Metropolitan Ministry Executive Director James Mishler also spoke against the change, questioning who would decide what is a "recognized congregation." "I think the very people who have been encouraging you to make this change are going to be very uncomfortable when the priest from the Hindu temple is standing here chanting in the name of Krishna or when someone from the Wiccan community offers prayers to the earth mother," he said."
Do you lead a Pagan congregation in Tulsa? I encourage you to contact the city council and volunteer to give an opening prayer. Councilor Bill Martinson has said that he wants "varied" faiths to participate so that "one denomination does not dominate the prayer week after week." Lets see how strong their commitment to religious freedom really is.
Brief Updates on Past Stories
I would also like to give a couple brief updates on stories I have reported on previously. First off, Livingston Parish in Louisiana has decided to hold an open hearing on Feb. 11. to discuss repealing its anti-soothsaying ordinance.
"Councilman Randy Rushing, who said the ordinance is "not going to hold up" in court, made the motion to hold a hearing on the proposal to repeal the ordinance, which was enacted last year. Rushing's proposal was approved 5-2. The hearing will be held during the council's next meeting at 6 p.m. Feb. 11."
This move comes after a local Wiccan brought federal litigation against the parish, and the parish's lawyer advised the council that they would most likely lose in court. I'm no soothsayer, but I predict that ordinance will be repealed before the end of February.
Secondly, police investigators in San Diego have ruled that the death of Wiccan priestess Mimi Rohwer is indeed a homicide, and not accidental.
"Investigators ruled the death a homicide Thursday after the autopsy, which showed she was strangled by hands and not with an object, according to the Medical Examiner's Office."
The prime suspect is Julio Cesar Jacobo-Curiel, a day-laborer who had been staying with Rohwer, and who has been missing since her death. Witnesses claim that Rohwer had been having problems with Jacobo-Curiel, and wanted him to move out. Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest. To leave an anonymous tip, call (888) 580-TIPS.
Labels: Cliff Eakin, law, litigation, Livingston Parish, Oklahoma, Paganism, psychics, Religious Freedom, Tulsa, Wicca
