FFRF Action Fund’s “Theocrat of the Week” is Oklahoma’s governor, who recently denounced a Tulsa City Council meeting for allowing a pagan invocation prayer, erroneously calling it “satanic.”
Gov. Kevin Stitt has continually prioritized Christianity over other religions and upholds Christian nationalism. Over the weekend, Stitt reposted a clip of the prayer by pagan priestess Amy McAdams, adding: “Satan is trying to establish a foothold, but Oklahoma is going to be a shining city on the hill. Tulsa City Council needs to stand strong against actions like this, and Tulsans need to remember who allowed this at the ballot box.”
Any religion can give invocations at Tulsa City Council meetings, according to its policy.
McAdams referenced the story of Medusa from Greek mythology, depicting her as a figurehead who champions equality and petrifies injustice. City Councilor Crista Patrick, who is also pagan, clarified that the religion is not satanic.
After winning reelection in 2022, the devout Stitt claimed “every square inch” of Oklahoma for God and Jesus while giving a prayer on the steps of the state Capitol. Stitt also supports Oklahoma’s attempt to open the nation’s first taxpayer-funded Catholic charter school. Thankfully, the state Supreme Court rejected the proposal, although backers are trying to take the case before the U.S. Supreme Court. Stitt also announced earlier this month that he is creating a new Office of Faith-Based Initiatives.
The Freedom From Religion Foundation, FFRF Action Fund’s parent organization, in observing that religious freedom means freedom for all religions and not just Christianity, points out that religion in government is innately divisive. That is why FFRF recommends that governmental boards should not open meetings with prayer.
The Oklahoma governor has certainly earned his “Theocrat of the Week” title for his open intolerance of religious freedom and his long record of Christian nationalism.
FFRF Action Fund is a 501(c)(4) organization that develops and advocates for legislation, regulations and government programs to preserve the constitutional principle of separation between state and church. It also advocates for the rights and views of nonbelievers, endorses candidates for political office, and publicizes the views of elected officials concerning religious liberty issues.