America’s First ‘Pastafarian’ Official Sworn into Office

Here’s one for the history books: last week, America’s first Pastafarian official was just sworn into office. Christopher Schaeffer, a new member of the town council in Pomfret, New York, was officially sworn in last week, and he did it with a pasta strainer on his head. For those of you not familiar with the satirical religion, Pastafarianism was created by a science teacher as a wry commentary on the debate over teaching intelligent design in schools (because if children should be taught about other schools of thought, then what about the Flying Spaghetti Monster?), and it has since been embraced by secular groups as a symbol for their cause.

Schaeffer explained to The Observer, “”It’s just a statement about religious freedom… It’s a religion without any dogma.”

And of course, the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster is touting this as a victory for the faith.

I imagine Council member Schaeffer is getting a lot of heat because of the news coverage. Some people will see it as obnoxious or a sign that he’s not taking the oath of office seriously. But I am completely confident that Schaeffer will distinguish himself as a Council member of the highest caliber.

[h/t NYDN]

[photo via Greg Fox]

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Follow Josh Feldman on Twitter: @feldmaniac

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