Dolphin print fabric, a gift from a Christian friend, drapes the table. The time Schmidt spends in prayer, meditation, and reflection before her altar are intensely private, bringing her peace and a break from her demanding job as a nurse.
Pagans recognize many types of deities, and their ways predate Judeo-Christian traditions.
Though no two pagans may worship the same gods or in the same fashion, Schmidt says, they share similar beliefs about the importance of caring for the environment, treating others with respect, and tolerating those who believe differently. Schmidt's concern about the posters' message has led the Kansas and Western Missouri Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union to formally request that Cline remove them from all public spaces and may result in a suit against Cline in a federal district court. The conflict began six weeks ago, when Schmidt saw a local news report about Treasurer Cline's placing the posters in the White Lakes Mall motor vehicle annex and in her offices at the Shawnee County Courthouse. I don't want government to be pushing religion on anybody. Schmidt contacted Cline after seeing the news report, and Cline called her back.