NPR Sends Wiccan Priestess to Public Prayer Booth

FoxNews ^

[Sammy67]

Dylan Mortimer's "Public Prayer Booth" was the subject of a controversial report from National Public Radio. A pagan priestess runs into the president of the atheists in a phone booth in New York.

No, it's not a joke — it's the start of a controversial report from National Public Radio — and your tax dollars may have paid for it.

New York City officials this fall launched an art project called "Public Prayer Booth," which features a modified phone booth rigged up with a flip-down kneeler. Passers-by, if they're in the mood, can bend to their (padded) knee and say a prayer — a private moment in a very public atmosphere.

To cover the story, NPR sent reporter Margot Adler, a Wiccan priestess and author of two books on paganism. Lo and behold, she happened upon the president of the New York City Atheists, Ken Bronstein, an outspoken opponent of public religious displays.

"I just happened to be walking by at this exact moment," Bronstein told Adler. Then he denounced the display of what he called a "supernatural situation" on city property. Bronstein said that it was inappropriate for the public sphere and had to go.

"You know, if they want to put it on private property, that's where

[JSDude1]

That network will not be blessed by inviting demonic worshiping fools to speak at its events~!

[yefragetuwrabrumuy]

This story reminded me of an odd bridge built by the WPA, in Tempe, Arizona, across the Salt River. At intervals along the top of the bridge, there are open shelters, with small benches in them, that pedestrians could use in case of rain and wind, or more likely sun.

The picture shows two of these facing each other, with lamps on top that are recent additions. The pillar in the foreground is solid concrete. I do not know what such shelters are called.

While I don't believe I have ever seen anyone use one of them for anything, would they become controversial if used for prayer?

[Dead Corpse]

The public square should be inclusive of all religions, not exclusive.

IMO, it takes as much "faith" to believe that deities do not exist, as it does to believe they do. Since we can never really know this side of death, let's err on the side of freedom.

[timm22]

Why are governments even involved at all in religious art projects, or any art for that matter? Or funding any radio programs regardless of content?

If we kept governments limited to their legitimate role of protecting individual rights then we wouldn't have these problems to begin with.

[hunter112]

While I don't believe I have ever seen anyone use one of them for anything, would they become controversial if used for prayer?

If they were designed specifically for prayer, perhaps. Incidental use of them for praying is nobody's business.

[timm22]

The public square should be inclusive of all religions, not exclusive.

I agree so long as it is private individuals who are promoting the religion, and not governments.

I don't mind if someone wants to share a faith I disagree with, even in front of the steps of the county courthouse, as long as he doesn't expect me to help pay for his sermon with my tax dollars.

[Dead Corpse]

My thoughts exactly. I’d gladly contribute to a City Hall type display. Including stuff for a Nativity, Yule log, Saturanalia boughs, etc...