Faith Facts

• Iowa State Senator Sarah Trone-Garriott, a Lutheran minister running for Congress, confirmed she officiated a satanist wedding ceremony 20 years ago
• In a 2023 speech, she defended the ceremony and her decision to perform Wiccan prayers in the Iowa Senate
• The revelations have sparked renewed concerns among Christian conservatives about her fitness for federal office

An Iowa state senator and ordained Lutheran minister seeking a seat in Congress is facing renewed scrutiny after resurfaced remarks revealed she officiated a wedding ceremony for two satanists and has defended performing Wiccan prayers in the state legislature.

State Senator Sarah Trone-Garriott, who represents parts of suburban Des Moines, made the admission during a 2023 speech where she recounted officiating the satanist wedding approximately 20 years ago. The Democratic candidate is now running to represent Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District.

In her speech, Trone-Garriott described the ceremony as part of her ministerial duties and appeared to show no regret for the decision. She framed the incident as an example of religious tolerance and inclusivity, values she says guided her actions both as a minister and as a state legislator.

The controversy deepens with her defense of offering Wiccan prayers during Iowa Senate proceedings. Trone-Garriott has argued that diverse religious expressions, including pagan practices, deserve equal representation in public forums traditionally dominated by Christian prayer.

“I believe in religious freedom for all,” Trone-Garriott reportedly stated in her 2023 remarks, defending both the satanist wedding and the Wiccan prayers as consistent with her understanding of separation of church and state.

The revelations have troubled many Christians and conservative voters in Iowa’s 3rd District, who question how a Lutheran minister could reconcile officiating satanist ceremonies with Christian teaching. Traditional Christian doctrine views satanism as antithetical to the faith, rooted in opposition to God and biblical values.

Critics argue that Trone-Garriott’s actions represent a troubling departure from orthodox Christian ministry and raise serious questions about her theological beliefs. They point out that while religious freedom is a constitutional right, a minister’s willingness to participate in ceremonies celebrating satanism suggests a fundamental confusion about the exclusive claims of Christianity.

The Lutheran tradition, rooted in the Protestant Reformation, has historically maintained clear theological boundaries regarding spiritual warfare and the reality of evil. Martin Luther himself wrote extensively about spiritual combat and the importance of discerning between godly and ungodly influences.

Trone-Garriott’s congressional campaign has not backed away from her previous statements. Her team has characterized the criticism as an attack on religious pluralism and has suggested that voters should focus on her legislative record rather than her ministerial activities from two decades ago.

However, for many Christian conservatives, the issue goes beyond a single incident. They view her defense of both satanist and Wiccan religious expressions as evidence of a broader worldview that relativizes truth claims and places all spiritual paths on equal footing—a position fundamentally at odds with biblical Christianity.

The controversy arrives at a critical moment in Iowa politics, as Republicans seek to maintain control of the state’s congressional delegation. Iowa’s 3rd District has been competitive in recent cycles, making Trone-Garriott’s candidacy a significant test of whether progressive candidates can gain ground in traditionally conservative areas.

Faith leaders and Christian voters across Iowa are now grappling with what Trone-Garriott’s ministerial choices mean for her potential service in Congress. Some argue that her past actions disqualify her from representing a state where Christian values remain deeply influential in public life.

The incident also raises broader questions about the direction of mainline Protestant denominations, many of which have embraced increasingly progressive theological positions in recent decades. Critics contend that such openness has led to doctrinal confusion and a weakening of Christian witness in the public square.

As the 2026 congressional race takes shape, Trone-Garriott’s religious background—once potentially an asset in a state with strong church attendance—has become a flashpoint in debates over faith, values, and what kind of leadership Iowans want representing them in Washington.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.