Activist Justin Vacula speaking up again through ‘secular invocation’ at Wilkes-Barre City Council meeting - Times Leader

I have been following Justin's activism since November of last year. As we both are Pennsylvania residents (opposite sides of the state) some of what he writes about does impact the State as a whole. As a fellow atheist I try and support the cause in whatever way I am able too and his recent battle with Wilkes-Barre City Council not only has local and regional implications, but also state and national as it falls under the guise of the Greece v. Galloway ruling.

Justin Vacula wants to talk with the members of Wilkes-Barre City Council, but he doesn’t think they’re listening.

Vacula, 25, said he plans to take another shot at capturing the council’s attention Thursday, when he reads a “secular invocation” during the public comment period of its next meeting.

The invocation, he said, will be offered as an alternative to the Christian prayer traditionally given at the opening of meetings and will not be intended to offend or insult any religious individuals or their beliefs.

“It’s going to be inclusive, and something that applies to everyone,” said Vacula, the leader of an area group that promotes atheism.

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Councilman Tony George said Vacula’s complaint is the first he has heard regarding the prayer during his three years on the council.

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At this time, he said, all the members of the City Council identify as Christians, so they chose a Christian prayer to open their meetings.

“If someone from the council wanted to add something else to it, that’s also fine,” he said.

Still, since he began voicing his concerns at meetings in 2013, Vacula said, the council has been steadfast in dismissing him.

“They really haven’t budged on the matter at all,” he said.

The reason they haven't budged is that they have a very narrow view of what is acceptable under the law as compared to what they should be doing in representing their constituents. If one were to take a quick glance, it would appear as if Christian privilege rules the day. A viewpoint that is prevalent in the comments:

"This idiot is at it again? He's not an Activist, he's a P.I.T.A."

"*SHRUG * ..... I find it amusing that he spends so much of his time fighting against something he says does not exist"

"This fellow's mission is as self-righteous and attention-seeking as fanatical fundamentalist religious zealots who try to force their particular beliefs on others in the name of their belief,,,"

Activist Justin Vacula speaking up again through ‘secular invocation’ at Wilkes-Barre City Council meeting - Times Leader