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Russian FSM Leader Arrested

Published October 14th, 2020 by Bobby Henderson

Mikhail Iosilevich at the Temple of the Macaroni Monster

I need to share some sad and disturbing news: the Russian government is persecuting some of our fellow Pastafarians.

The head of Russia’s Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, Mikhail Iosilevich, has been arrested. His computers, phones, and passport have been seized, and access to his bank accounts have been blocked.

Mikhail fought for – and won – the right to wear a Colander in his license photo

Mikhail has been charged with working with a democratic opposition group, Open Russia, that was outlawed by Putin’s government. He is being investigated for allegedly hosting lectures for independent election monitors, held at the premises of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, last month.

A number of “witnesses to these activities” have been targeted for investigation by the State. They have been questioned, and have had their homes searched.

One of the associates who was targeted was Mikhail’s friend Irina Slavina, a journalist and activist. Her home was raided by government investigators and armed police in the early morning a few weeks ago. Tragically, it was the last straw for Irina. She had felt bullied by the oppressive authoritarian government for years. The day after her home was raided, she died after settting herself on fire in front of the headquarters of the Interior Ministry, a final act of protest. She was 47 years old.

Flowers and rememberances of Irina, at the Interior Ministry

I am in contact with Mikhail’s people in Russia. They have asked for our fellow Pastafarians to spread the word of these events. With international attention, it will be more difficult for the authoritarian government to unjustly imprison Mikhail and subject Pastafarians and free-thinkers to intimidation and persecution.

Irina Slavina and Mikhail Iosilevich at the Temple of the Macaroni Monster

Below are a few articles that explain what has been happening.

This BBC article is about Irina’s last few days and the events that caused her to take her own life. Here.

This The Times article explains about Mikhail’s recent arrest. Here

Please spread the word if you can, and let’s figure out what we can do to help.

The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster strongly condemns the intimidation and persecution of Pastafarians and free-thinkers.

» Read the full post and discuss

#General #Giving #World

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Kiva Team Reaches 5 Million

Published October 1st, 2020 by Bobby Henderson

Our Kiva team just reached $5 Million in funding for projects in developing countries. Thanks and congratulations everyone. We’re still the #1 religious congregation lending team (Eat it, Mormons).

Please join us here.

» Read the full post and discuss

#General #Press

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So Help Me, Flying Spaghetti Monster – Newsweek article

Published August 16th, 2020 by Bobby Henderson

6600Pastafarian Niko Alm looking good in Newsweek

I wanted to share this Newweek article about Mike Arthur’s Church of the FSM documentary I, Pastafari. It’s great.

“They’re asking the question: Why does it matter if I believe in Thor or God or Allah or Poseidon or the Flying Spaghetti Monster or no god at all? Why does that impact my rights? Why does that impact my freedoms? Why in a secular democracy does that matter? Why are we not treated equally?” Arthur said. “It’s impossible to prove or disprove a real religion.”
The irony of releasing the film in the midst of a pandemic as people are debating the science surrounding facts isn’t lost on Arthur. “Right now in the U.S., science is treated almost as another belief system,” he said. “We have a global pandemic right now, but people won’t listen to experts, because a too-large-to-ignore population of the country thinks that science is just an opinion, and Pastafarianism was really created based on this idea, based on exposing this false-equivalency.”

You can read the article here.

The documentary is streaming now on Amazon Prime (rentals), Google Play, and others.

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#General #Secular Vs. Religious

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I, Pastafari documentary now available for streaming

Published July 7th, 2020 by Bobby Henderson

Great news, the Church of the FSM documentary I, Pastafari by Mike Arthur is now available for streaming on iTunes / Amazon / Google Play.

I was pleased with the way the film came out. Mike did an amazing job on a subject that is tricky to describe. The reviews have been great — people seem to get the message of the film (and maybe the Church of FSM in general).

Newsweek covered the film:

The irony of releasing the film in the midst of a pandemic as people are debating the science surrounding facts isn’t lost on Arthur. “Right now in the U.S., science is treated almost as another belief system,” he said. “We have a global pandemic right now, but people won’t listen to experts, because a too-large-to-ignore population of the country thinks that science is just an opinion, and Pastafarianism was really created based on this idea, based on exposing this false-equivalency.”
Read the full Newsweek article here

The Hollywood Reporter also put up a review:

I, Pastafari feels little urge to become a full-blown doc about church and state, and who can blame it? Like its heroes, it walks a fine line between pointing out the ridiculousness of the world’s creation myths and not wanting to insult those who use faith to aid and comfort their fellow humans. Given how often godlessness is repped by insufferably smug folks like Bill Maher and Ricky Gervais, it’s a relief to see the same points made by mild-mannered folk willing to sit in front of judges and lawmakers wearing salad strainers on their heads.
Read the full Hollywood Reporter article here

You can watch a clip from the film here:

To watch the documentary, you can go onto iTunes / Amazon Prime / Google Play and search “I, Pastafari”.

Direct link to the Amazon Prime Rental is here

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#General #Noodle Love #Sightings

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Pastafarian Wine

Published May 15th, 2020 by Bobby Henderson

Thy Noodle Come — Thy Sauce Be Yum — R’Amen

Thanks to Don for the photos of this Pastafarian Wine spotted in Australia. I’m afraid I don’t know too much about how this wine came to be. What do you guys think, was this inspired by the Flying Spaghetti Monster or just a coincidence? Anyone else come across it? Don said it was good.

» Read the full post and discuss

#General #World

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PPE Is Accepted Pastafarian Religious Garb

Published April 1st, 2020 by Bobby Henderson

I just wanted to make it clear that medical professionals are allowed and encouraged to wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).

The N95 and similar ^[1] masks are recognized by the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster as acceptable alternative religious garb.

Religious texts tell us early Pastafarians wore bandanas and similar over their faces to protect against disease. They likely would have worn modern equipment had it been available in their time.

The right to wear religious garb at work is protected by state and federal laws. Any church members who are denied their right to wear appropriate religious garb should consult with an attorney. And let us know if we can help.

Let’s all stay safe.

Note- Some dispute whether the mask should go under or over the eye-patch. I would think under, but I am not a doctor nor do I wear an eye-patch. Beards also prevent the masks from sealing optimally. Also the man in the photo is a statue.

[1] Please consider all similar mask types as official holy garb: N95, N99, N100, P95, P99, P100, FFP1, FFP2, FFP3, KN95

» Read the full post and discuss

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It is the end of the world as we know it …

Published March 19th, 2020 by Bobby Henderson

and I feel frustrated.

Frustrated at the government response, at the mis-information and propaganda surrounding the crisis, and at the few people taking advantage of the situation.

A few thoughts about the CoronaVirus pandemic:

It is serious: please follow the recommendations of the science community and health professionals. [Even though we Pastafarians are suspicious of “science”, better safe than sorry on this one.]

Pastafarian top tips for reducing the spread of the CoronaVirus:

Practice social distancing
Stay home if you can
Wash your hands
Dont excessively touch stranger’s faces and/or groins (the face of the pelvis)
Pirate-bandana can be used as a face-mask in a pinch but it is not ideal
Avoid social gatherings, yes even Church.

If I can shame a few reilgious leaders for a moment

I don’t want to talk shit about other religious leaders, and I’m not even saying most, or even many, religious groups are handling this crisis wrong … but some religious leaders are being so wildy irresponsible I’d like to mention them:

“Maybe you’d like to sow a $91 seed.” Here’s Paula White, head of the White House’s Faith and Opportunity Initiative, selling spiritual protections against the coronavirus.

Here’s TeleEvangelist Kenneth Copeland curing his viewers of the virus through the television. I can’t stress this enough: do not under any circumstances touch this man’s hands.

TV Pastor Jim Bakker says his Silver Solution elixer will cure you of the CoronaVirus. Looks like he may get in trouble for fraud (again) for this.

Here’s Jerry Falwell Jr on Fox & Friends pushing a conspiracy theory that the coronavirus is a plot by the Chinese and North Koreans. Falwell was forced to shut down classes at his Liberty University when the Virginia governor limited crowd sizes.

“We’re raising up revivalists, not pansies”. Here’s a pastor encouraging people to shake hands.

Enought of that.

What should the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster do to help? Please send me suggestions here in the comments, twitter (@henderob) or email. Thanks!

» Read the full post and discuss

#Evangelism #General

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Quebec teacher facing displinary action for wearing Colander at work, needs our help

Published February 24th, 2020 by Bobby Henderson

[ Pastafarians wearing official religious headwear in parade, via reddit]

We’re looking for legal help in the Quebec area. I received this message from a longtime member and minister in Quebec:

I am a secondary school teacher living in Quebec, Canada. I am a Pastafarian. On March 28th, 2019 a bill was passed (bill 21) by the very racist and xenophobic provincial government presently in power. The bill prohibits people from wearing religious symbols in the workplace. It specifically applies to government workers, teachers, people in positions of authority or influence, etc.
While, on the surface, this may seem to be a secular move (something in line with Pastafarianism), the reality is that this bill disproprortionately affects religious minorities (muslims, jews) and also disproprotionately affects women. It also puts power in the hands of people who may have specific biases or agendas.

He started wearing a Colander at work around the time the bill was passed. His employer is attempting to force him to remove it under threat of disciplinary action. He has been issued a directive to remove the religious headwear and a threat of suspension or further escalation if he does not comply.

We are looking for help. Is there someone in the Quebec area that would be willing to provide legal advice and assistance? Please get in contact with me and I will forward the information. Thanks very much.

Update 2/25 — Wow this one is more controversial than I realized. More than a few “how dare you” type messages :) … I don’t know that much about this bill. I understand some view the bill as a step forward towards secularization of government, albeit imperfect. Others see it is as legislated racism.

I personally don’t have an issue with people wearing religious symbols/headwear in work, I suspect most Pastafarians don’t either. What we worry about is a religious person using a place of authority to push their beliefs on others, but it’s two separate things.

What do you guys think?

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Brussels Sighting

Published February 23rd, 2020 by Bobby Henderson

Spotted at ComicCon Brussels via twitter: @nwbrux

» Read the full post and discuss

#Evangelism #General

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Window Decals

Published December 28th, 2019 by Bobby Henderson

We just got in a bunch of these FSM vinyl car window decals. If you want one you can give me your address here. I only ask that you share the Pastafarian faith with people who inquire about “what is that sticker on your window?” They’re about 4″ across and can be stuck inside or outside the window.

Update 1/8 — stickers are almost gone so let me know soon if you want a few. Lots of people are asking to donate for shipping cost … thank you but not worried about it on these. Next batch maybe we’ll do a collection pot for the postage fund but definitely don’t want to sell these.

» Read the full post and discuss

Russian FSM Leader Arrested

Kiva Team Reaches 5 Million

So Help Me, Flying Spaghetti Monster – Newsweek article

I, Pastafari documentary now available for streaming

Pastafarian Wine

PPE Is Accepted Pastafarian Religious Garb

It is the end of the world as we know it …

Quebec teacher facing displinary action for wearing Colander at work, needs our help

Brussels Sighting

Window Decals

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