5th Annual International Day of Protest Against Hereditary Religion - taking place on January 23rd of 2016

 

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Interview on Inspiring Doubt show | justinvacula.com

What's it like being a secular activist? Give a listen to Justin Vacula's recent interview on Inspiring Doubt to find out (skip to the 2:09 mark where interview starts to avoid the blank feed).

For those unaware Justin is an activist based in the Wilkes-Barre, PA area. Although he has fought many battles in regards to the SOCAS, his most recent concern the "unfair" placement of an FFRF banner countering the National Day of Prayer and being denied the ability to give a secular invocation at a Council meeting.

Although we are in different parts of the state, we share some common issues. Rick Saccone and his "In God We Trust" bullshit comes to mind. Justin's take on the matter figured heavily in my own write up of the issue which is still ongoing.

As a fellow Pennsylvanian, keep up the incredible work you do!!

Interview on Inspiring Doubt show | justinvacula.com

UPDATE::Video of my secular invocation | justinvacula.com

I am seriously wondering how council's refusal to amend their "policy" concerning prayer will jive with the recent Greece v. Galloway ruling. But Kudos to Justin for having the tenacity to follow this through.

Council did not allow me (or anyone else) to provide an invocation in place of council’s recurring ‘Almighty God in Heaven’ prayer during meetings, but allowed me to provide a secular invocation during the public comment section. Sadly, council does not want to budge.

While I am dissatisfied with being sequestered to the public comment section rather than being allowed time to speak in place of council’s prayer, I took the opportunity to deliver a secular invocation which included a healthy dose of skepticism and parts of my ‘life philosophy.’

Video of my secular invocation | justinvacula.com

See also:

Utility to bypass Wilkes-Barre council, proceed with natural gas pipeline project in Brookside

But there were no fireworks during the secular invocation delivered by Justin Vacula, spokesperson for the NEPA Freethought Society, in response to the prayer at the beginning of the public meeting.

Vacula, 25, of Exeter, asked to give the invocation in place of the Judeo-Christian prayer, but was told he could deliver it during the public comment period in which speakers are given five minutes to address council.

“As we gather, we are reminded that although we have differences, we are linked by our common humanity,” he said in the invocation that lasted approximately four minutes.

Vacula said he might give an invocation regularly at the meetings. “We’ll see how it goes. If there are other matters to present, maybe I’ll present those matters,” he said.

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.

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

[,,,]
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