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Sen. Traum Garrett leads prayer marking Religious Freedom Day at Iowa Capitol
Summary
Sen. Traum Garrett delivered the opening prayer at the Iowa Senate on April 13, 2026, marking Religious Freedom Day, welcomed visitors from multiple faith communities and noted a gubernatorial proclamation and a keynote by Micah Fries.
Senator Traum Garrett offered the opening prayer for the Iowa Senate on April 13, 2026, marking Religious Freedom Day at the Iowa State Capitol. Garrett invoked gratitude for constitutional protections of religious freedom, asked blessings for those who serve in elected office and their families, and referenced the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
The prayer included a plea that legislators be given “wisdom to govern and compassion to lead” and called on the assembly to “remember to love our neighbor” and to uphold values that create unity despite differences. “We pray that the principles found in the Iowa State Constitution protecting these same freedoms may always be upheld,” Garrett said.
Garrett also recognized guests in the gallery from multiple religious communities who were attending the observance. The senator thanked the governor for issuing a proclamation marking Religious Freedom Day and mentioned a breakfast held in conjunction with the event. Garrett cited keynote speaker Micah Fries, noting Fries’s message that theological distinctions need not divide neighbors: “We can build friendships without compromising our beliefs.”
The brief ceremonial remarks preceded routine business by the Senate; the presiding officer thanked the visitors and the session continued with clerical actions and announcements.
