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Senator from Dallas offers prayer recognizing Iowa Religious Freedom Day
Summary
The Senate opened with a prayer recognizing Iowa Religious Freedom Day, invoking the state's constitution and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence; the senator from Dallas welcomed visitors and thanked the governor for a proclamation.
The Senate opened its session with a prayer in recognition of Iowa Religious Freedom Day on April 13, 2026. The prayer noted the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and asked for wisdom and compassion for those serving in elected office.
The senator from Dallas delivered the prayer and cited a prayer by Brian Parks of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In the prayer the senator said, "Heavenly father, we gather in this beautiful state capital to celebrate Iowa religious freedom day," and asked that "the principles found in the Iowa State Constitution protecting these same freedoms may always be upheld." The senator also prayed for "wisdom to govern and compassion to lead."
Members were asked to remain standing for the pledge of allegiance following the prayer. During floor remarks tied to the observance, the senator from Dallas welcomed visitors in the gallery, thanked the governor for issuing a proclamation for the day, and referenced a keynote speaker, Micah Fries, who urged that theological distinctions need not divide neighbors: "We can build friendships without compromising our beliefs."
The observance was presented as a recognition of interfaith cooperation and the importance of protecting religious freedom for all people in Iowa. No formal action accompanied the remarks; the session proceeded to routine business and reading of messages from the House.
