Wiccan Prayer in Iowa House Draws Protests

The Iowa House of Representatives started the day Thursday with a controversial prayer by a Wiccan priestess.

That prompted some Christian leaders in the state to call for a prayer protest, describing the incident as an "unprecedented challenge to Iowa's spiritual life."

"As a Christian, I have to stand in faith for her salvation and pray for her. Not pray against her, but pray against principalities. But, more so, for her salvation," Reike Plecas, with "I Believe Radio," said.

This is the first time a Wiccan prayer has been performed at the Iowa legislature. Some lawmakers decided to skip the prayer while others stayed and silently protested by turning their backs to the prayer.