Free Republic

An “interesting cast of characters” from “what some may consider fringe religions” – including the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster and the Satanic Temple – are scheduled to speak before local government meetings in Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula this year, an assemblyman says. The diverse lineup is the latest twist in a long-running dispute in the area over whom is allowed to say invocations before its assembly meetings. “It’s still somewhat a controversial issue and it’s going to be interesting to see how people react to what some may consider fringe religions — the Wiccan, atheist, Flying Spaghetti Monster, the...

The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster in Brandenburg is suing the state over what they say is their right to post signs around town. […] The FSM church explained in a statement that in December, it had discussed with local authorities its status and agreed it could qualify as an “ideological community”. They therefore had the right to post signs advertising their “noodle mass” — just as Protestant and Catholic churches advertise their own masses and gatherings with roadside signs. Then, Brandenburg Culture Minister Sabine Kunst declared that because the spaghetti monster followers were not officially designated as a...

  On Tuesday Nov. 27, the Chester County Pennsylvania Commissioners held their monthly “Sunshine Meeting.” During the “public comments” portion of the meeting, Pastafarian Minister Tracy McPherson requested a space on the county courthouse lawn next to the Jesus crèche, Hanukkah menorah, Christmas Tree, and Santa for a Pastafarian Tree representing the winter Pastafarian holiday of Holiday.McPherson made a point to inform the county commissioners that she and other local Pastafarians take their religious beliefs very seriously. Commissioner Terence Farrell (R), asked McPherson about the numbers and meeting places of her group even though none of that is relevant considering...