A group of people who identified themselves only as Christians said they prayed for women involved in a Lilituan benediction and invocation in the Missouri State Capitol Rotunda early Friday afternoon.
Nikki Moungo, co-founder of the Ordo Sororitatis Satanicae (translated to the Order of Satanic Sisterhood), said the intent of the invocation was to give legislators something to think about as they begin a special session and when they go home.
Moungo said the group's focus is the archetype of Lilith - who in legend was created from the same dust or earth as Adam. She considered herself his equal, but he treated her as his inferior. By uttering God's name, she grew wings and fled. She met an evil male associated with Satan. God later created Eve from Adam's rib so she would be submissive, according to the legend.
The relationship between Lilith and Adam represents the modern-day battle of the sexes to many.
"We have a very egalitarian spirit and bent," Moungo said. "We are very focused on the plight of the LGBTQ community."
It is a community the Legislature overlooks, said group member Gwendolyn Lesch.
Although members of the group went to each legislator's office and invited them to attend their event in the Rotunda, none showed.
During the invocation, Moungo asked that Lilith provide shelter and nourishment for those who don't have them and that she guide them in thought and reason.
"I'm praying that this incantation will not have an effect," a man standing in the wings who would identify himself only as a Christian said.
Chris Larson said he heard about the event during an atheist meeting in Columbia. Larson said the discussion was interesting but that he was not familiar with "the deity" about whom Moungo spoke.
Max Jordan, of St. Louis, said he had not heard of the group but wanted to check it out after he heard about the dedication.
"I always love learning about what other people believe," he said.