07 September 2023 , 20:00
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An after-school event at a library has caused a stir and erupted protests against it. A public event organized by the Satanic Temple at the Lancaster Library has attracted protesters due to concerns about the group's beliefs and intentions.
The Satanic Temple organized an event at the Lancaster Library in Lancaster, California, which they describe as "family-friendly." They emphasized that their goal is not to promote a specific religion or belief system but to encourage free rational thinking.
The event features activities like arts and crafts, science experiments, and live demonstrations, with a focus on providing a safe alternative for students.
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The Satanic Temple's event at Lancaster Library draws protests amid accusations of luring childrenA spokesperson for the Satanic Temple, René Grigori, clarified that their organization is not about worshipping the devil but rather about personal liberty and free rational inquiry. They claim to be interested in having fun and helping children have a good time.
Town 'haunted by hellish monster' home to nation's highest number of Satanists
Mr Grigori said: "I just want people to know that the Satanic Temple, we are about personal liberty and free rational inquiry. We’re not worshipping the devil or anything like that. We’re just trying to have fun and help the children have a good time."
Dozens of protesters gathered outside the library during the event. These protesters are representing Jesus Christ and appear to be primarily concerned that the Satanic Temple's event is attempting to entice children away from their religious beliefs with gifts and games. Some protesters expressed the belief that the Satanic Temple was trying to harm the town or its values.
Temple spokesperson asserts they aim for rational thinking, not devil worshipOne protester told a photographer, per Fox News: "We’re representing Jesus Christ. The Lord and Savior. We’re not trying to have the enemy destroy this town. We got enough issues here, in Jesus' name."
The Lancaster Unified District stated that it does not support the event or the Satanic Temple group. However, they felt obligated to inform district families about the event.
In its 'About' page on its website, the Satanic Temple, outlines its activity in educational facilities referring to schoolchildren, claiming that they put in efforts to run "organized clubs" where "religious after-school clubs in schools besieged by proselytizing organizations" operate.
School district distances itself from the event but shares information with familiesThe group claims: "We have publicly confronted hate groups, fought for the abolition of corporal punishment in public schools, applied for equal representation when religious installations are placed on public property, provided religious exemption and legal protection against laws that unscientifically restrict people's reproductive autonomy, exposed harmful pseudo-scientific practitioners in mental health care, organized clubs alongside other religious after-school clubs in schools besieged by proselytizing organizations, and engaged in other advocacy in accordance with our tenets."