Invocation by the Satanic Temple

Please avoid conduct that disrupts these proceedings.

This includes speaking out of turn,

um, exceeding the time limit of three minutes,

creating loud or coordinated

demonstrations,

um- ... such as applause, cheering, jazz hands, or other visible or audible

interruptions, calling out from the audience,

or otherwise preventing our invokee from being heard.

And, uh, I will now ask the last segment, please

step up to the podium and present your invocation.

Okay.

What is it?

Good evening. And on behalf of the Satanic Temple,

we thank you for

this opportunity, and look forward to doing this again next

year.

This invocation today was inspired by the Seven Tenets or

ethical principles of the Satanic Temple.

Thank you.

A non-theistic organization that believes in compassion,

empathy, justice, autonomy, freedom of

speech, scientifically-based beliefs,

accountability, and wisdom. Let us begin.

Let us never bow our heads or bend the knee in obeisance

to any faith from the past that is based on ignorant, bigoted

savagery. Let us not look back with reverence to

dark

times of fearful minds, unenlightened by modern

scientific knowledge, but move forward with critical thinking,

the only way to determine actual factual truth.

Let us not fear the tree of knowledge, but extend our

grasp and devour its fruit.

Let us make rational decisions rather than imposing

outdated authoritarian religious doctrine with varied

interpretations, some more vile than others.

Let us cast out harmful ideas that threaten individual

autonomy and our collective rights to liberty, life,

and the pursuit of happiness, which must necessarily include

free thought and freedom of expression, especially of our

very identity.

Let us bravely face the truth rather than hide behind comforting

delusion. Because regardless whether a supreme being

really exists, history will be our judge.

So let us embrace those among us who understand that

morality, compassion, and service to others

do not require devotion to any faith of ancient

doctrine. Let us recognize that humans are

capable of choosing kindness, empathy, and

helping those in need, regardless of any religious faith.

Finally, let us trust in ourselves and others working with us

to know what is best for us and our families, and not

force conformity to mistaken beliefs of the past.

Hail Satan, the archetype or symbol of the bringer of knowledge,

and Hail thyself. Thank you.

All right. Actually, you want to go.

Now, please stand with me if you'd like for the Pledge of

Allegiance.

You want Zoom?

Yeah.

Send to your father. Sorry, I'm busting in.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the States of

America