Full Breakdown
Ottumwa City Council Meeting Opens with Satanic Invocation
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
During a Tuesday evening session of the Ottumwa City Council, former council member Matt Dalbey delivered the opening invocation, invoking “the Dark Father” and concluding with “Hail Satan.” Most attendees stood and bowed; at least one person sat down and several appeared visibly uncomfortable. After the invocation, the council recited the Pledge of Allegiance, after which Pastor Rick Bick of the New Life Center demanded that the “curse” be reversed. Mayor Benjamin Foote responded by ordering a 30-second moment of silence before the council proceeded with its agenda.
Background & Context
Ottumwa adopted an invocation policy in January 2026 that permits any “faith or philosophy” at the start of meetings, provided the speaker does not proselytize or disparage other beliefs. The policy emphasizes neutrality and inclusion of both organized and unorganized religious denominations, as well as non-belief. Council Member Cara Galloway was the sole dissenting vote.
Key Figures
- Matt Dalbey – former council member, member of the Satanic Temple of Iowa, delivered the invocation.
- Benjamin Foote – mayor, called for the moment of silence.
- Rick Bick – pastor of the New Life Center, objected to the invocation.
- Cara Galloway – council member who voted against the policy.
- Philip Rath – city administrator, commented on the policy’s broad language.
Official Statements & Responses
Council Member Galloway reiterated that the council must remain neutral and warned that allowing such viewpoints could invite further objections.
Criticism & Opposition
Galloway argued that the January-approved policy is a “slippery slope” that permits viewpoints not reflective of the majority and that the council should stay neutral in controversies.
On-the-Ground Reports
Video of the meeting shows most participants standing with bowed heads throughout the invocation, while at least one individual sat down. Observers displayed visible discomfort as the prayer progressed. After the invocation, the council proceeded with the Pledge of Allegiance and continued following the mayor-ordered silence.
Data & Statistics
- The invocation policy passed with all council members voting in favor except Cara Galloway.
- Matt Dalbey identifies as a member of the Satanic Temple of Iowa, a “non-theistic” organization.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Let us embrace the Luciferianian impulse to eat at the tree of knowledge,” — Matt Dalbey
- “I appreciate what Ms. Galloway is saying, but that was a curse put on the city,” — Rick Bick
- “I think we’ve opened ourselves up for others to object or respond to others’ invocations, and we need to remember that we are up here to be neutral,” — Cara Galloway
- “I don’t know what’s on Mr. Dalbey’s heart, but that’s part of what happens when you have an open policy like this,” — Philip Rath
What's Next
The city has scheduled Matt Dalbey to deliver another invocation at the council meeting on November 3.