A satanic “Nativity” exhibit containing occult statues erected on Concord City grounds near the New Hampshire State Capitol has been vandalized on the heels of several vandalism incidents last week. Now Democratic Rep. Ellen Reed says the temple “probably should” build a new exhibit in its place.
“I think they probably should, because I don't think they should be unresponsive to acts of vandalism and acts of hate, but that's up to them,” Reed said, according to a report by Catholic News Service. Ta.
Reed told the outlet that the Satanic Temple (TST) came up with the idea to propose installing a statue of Baphomet in its Christmas display, despite significant opposition from local officials. It's not the only decoration there. She also said that although she is a member of TST, she does not attend its meetings or events.
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A statue of Baphomet is seen in the conversion room of the Satanic Temple where “Hell House” is being held in Salem, Massachusetts, on October 8, 2019. (Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images)
According to its website, TST's mission is to “encourage benevolence and compassion, reject tyrannical authority, defend practical common sense, oppose injustice, and commit to noble pursuits.”
“We will publicly confront hate groups, fight for the end of corporal punishment in public schools, apply for equal representation when religious institutions are located on public property, and seek religious exemptions and It has provided legal protection against laws that unscientifically restrict reproductive autonomy and exposed harmful spurious practices.” – Psychiatric scientists, who organized clubs alongside other religious after-school clubs in schools besieged by proselytizing organizations, and engaged in other advocacy work in accordance with our provisions,'' the website says. listed.
The Concord City Council approved the group's display permit, avoiding a legal dispute over the First Amendment, but the mayor said earlier this week that he wished the city had not granted it.
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Exhibit by the Satanic Temple in Concord, New Hampshire. (Devil's Temple)
“I opposed the permit because I believe this request was made to advance an anti-religious political agenda rather than to promote religious equity, and I believe that legal coercion and litigation are not necessary. because they cannot effectively respond to the threat of Mayor Byron Champlin said at a press conference. last Monday's council meeting. “Some on social media have hailed the Satanic Temple display as a victory for religious pluralism and a reflection of our growing diversity as a community. I don't agree with this. This is a cynical promotion of a national agenda by an out-of-state group at the expense of the Concord community.”
Meanwhile, the city issued a statement saying the First Amendment and potential litigation forced it to choose between banning all holiday displays and allowing the TST statue.
“After considering legal options, the city ultimately decided to continue its policy of allowing unattended exhibits in City Plaza during this holiday season and allow the statue to be installed,” the city said in a statement. Ta. “City Council is expected to consider whether to allow an unattended holiday display in City Plaza next year.”
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A holiday exhibit by the Satanic Temple is located in an abandoned building on a property in Concord, New Hampshire. (Devil's Temple)
Reed reprimanded the mayor in an interview with a Catholic news outlet this week, saying, “I think it's a bigotry on the part of the mayor who doesn't seem to understand that this represents the community and a large portion of that area.” he said. belief. ”
on video In a Facebook post, two TST representatives unveiled the statue on Monday. One spokesperson recalled the group's core doctrine before shouting, “Long live Satan!” And the statue will be displayed.
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said Concord Police Deputy Chief John Thomas. local news outlets He said an investigation is underway into who destroyed TST's property.
TST has installed several holiday exhibits in recent years near city and state grounds, alongside traditional Christian exhibits. In 2022, the Illinois Chapter of TST installed a holiday display in the State Capitol Rotunda featuring a crocheted snake on top of a book and a pile of apples. In December 2023, the Iowa TST Chapter installed a statue of Baphomet at the state Capitol, but the statue was also vandalized shortly after it was installed.
