Rev. Bentrup, who serves at St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church, had been scheduled to pray at this week’s council gathering until city officials told him on Dec. 18 the slot had been “double booked.”

Disinvitation Followed Drag Show Involving Children

That explanation didn’t sit well with Bentrup, who posted on Facebook, “I wasn't double-booked. My invitation to offer the invocation was rescinded by the mayor because, I've been told, my values do not align with the values of this community.”

Mayor Mizani confirmed the decision, citing concerns over a drag performance that took place during a well-promoted Pride event at Bentrup’s church in October—an event children were invited to attend.

“It would be irresponsible for the Keller City Council to elevate an individual to lead us in prayer who offended a large majority of our residents when he recently welcomed children to attend an event that exposed them to male drag performers,” Mizani said.

Pride Event Raises Local Concerns

The controversy traces back to that October gathering, which was Keller’s first-ever Pride event and drew an estimated 1,600 attendees to the church campus. Though one transgender musical act was pulled due to public outcry, a drag show went ahead as planned.

Mizani had warned prior to the event that it could potentially run afoul of Texas Senate Bill 12, which prohibits sexually oriented performances in front of minors. While a federal court temporarily blocked this law, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals later vacated that ruling in November.

The mayor criticized the event’s publicity as misleading, saying that “though promoted as ‘family-friendly,’ the event’s musical acts and programming suggest an agenda aimed at exposing children to inappropriate, highly sexualized content.”

Church’s Progressive Agenda Noted

St. Martin-in-the-Fields is no stranger to pushing cultural boundaries. In early December, the church hosted former Christian artist Derek Webb, known for controversial collaborations with drag performer Flamy Grant—including a song featuring both men in drag before a cross.

The church describes itself as an “open and accepting community,” and Bentrup defended its outreach, noting the church gave over $80,000 to local charities and shelters. “We do this because we believe in loving and serving our neighbors with no agenda beyond compassion,” Bentrup said. “Does that not align with the values of Keller?”

The question is, which values are in play? Compassion, certainly—but cloaked in performances many families viewed as inappropriate for children.

A Community Conversation on Values

Mayor Mizani hasn’t apologized, nor does he intend to. “We will not apologize for or equivocate on this decision,” he stated without flinching.

The city government isn’t banning anyone from prayer—it’s deciding who fits best to represent a community in a public, ceremonial role. In Keller’s view, a priest whose church invited drag performers in front of kids wasn’t the right fit.

No one's blocking Rev. Bentrup from practicing his faith or expressing his beliefs. But leading civic prayer, especially in a city proud of its traditional values, is a reflection of shared community standards, not a stage for political theater.