Christopher Schaeffer, a Pastafarian politician, was sworn into Pomfret, the Town Council in New York on January 2, while wearing a spaghetti strainer on his head. The colander was representative of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster that was founded by atheist Bobby Henderson in 2005 and of which Schaeffer is a part.
“It's just a statement about religious freedom. It's a religion without any dogma,” said Schaeffer.
The group is an international movement that mocks traditional and organized religion by revering a supposed Flying Spaghetti Monster in the sky. According to its website, the group aims to scrutinize ideas and actions by ignoring the fear of being labeled. While some believe, the church is only an experiment, the church members themselves say that the group is entirely legit and supported with scientific evidence.
The website says, “Anything that comes across as humor or satire is purely coincidental.”
Henderson blogged about Schaeffer’s swearing-in ceremony and said that he may be the first Pastafarian who has been openly sworn into office.
“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,” blogged Henderson.
While speaking to the media, Schaeffer recalled a recent incident in Russia when a group of Pastafarians was charged with organizing unsanctioned rallies and arrested as well. He said his colander was a sign of support for them and other Pastafarians across the world.
