"Yes, it's a clear example of the government showing preference among religions. If they want an invocation, let it be open to all serious applicants."
How is this creating a state religion, like King George did or even like our own states have had? How is this preventing the witch from being a witch? How is it violative of the plain meaning of the Constitution as written?
Which one are you talking about, acknowledging that the government doesn't have the right to give special rights to certain religions, or that the government can't recognize any religion? Or do you think this is a Judeo-Christian-only country?
As this is predominantly a Christian country it flows that activist court rulings will have a significant impact on public displays/celebrations of Christianity. Examples are Christmas vacation being neutered to "Winter Holiday" or the prohibition of the singing of Christmas songs in school, displays of the cross, etc. Conversely, in a predominantly Wiccan community I would expect that an offer to participate in an invocation would be extended to a Wiccan and I do not believe that such a decision by the local govenerment would be violative of the 1A.
It's establishing a religion as the one recognized by the government and therefore given special treatment.
Examples are Christmas vacation being neutered to "Winter Holiday" or the prohibition of the singing of Christmas songs in school, displays of the cross, etc.
That's removing religion from public life. This is about allowing it, but allowing it equally.
Conversely, in a predominantly Wiccan community I would expect that an offer to participate in an invocation would be extended to a Wiccan
In a predominantly Wiccan community they would have no problem letting the Christians give invocations.