The Power of the People - A Humanist Invocation for the Iowa State House 2021
Each year Humanists of Linn County usually delivers an invocation at the Iowa State Capitol to coincide with our annual Reason on the Hill event. Last year we had the pleasure to work with Elizabeth Varner and have her give the first invocation by an openly transgender woman in the state of Iowa. This year, due to Covid-19, we have had to cancel the Reason on the Hill event, but we are still submitting a secular invocation to be read in the House chambers on April 12th. I had the honor of writing the invocation this year and I look forward to having Representative Liz Bennett read it for us. Below is the invocation as it will be read on the 12th.
There is a power presiding over this body of lawmakers here today. A power that asks great things of you. A power that holds you accountable for your mistakes. A power that has held strong since the forming of this nation. The power of the people - all ages, genders, races, and orientations - all abilities and bodies - all religions and the lack thereof. This complex and layered fabric binds us together. It hangs heavily over us.
Strive each day to set aside your biases, cast off your prejudices, learn from your failures, and acknowledge your privilege. To accomplish these things you must choose compassion over anger, reason instead of dogma, empathy rather than animosity. No matter our individual goals and aspirations, we cannot achieve progress alone. The power of the people - responsible for your presence here today, and that which you serve - is the same power that will lift us to ever greater heights.
This great power is not defined by borders, wielded by politicians, or limited by legacy. It lives within our people, united. Take strength in them. Give strength to them.
- Tyler Owen, Humanists of Linn County
UPDATE: Liz Bennett read this invocation into the record on April 12th, 2021.
