4 arrested after Satanist group attempts to hold Black Mass at Kansas Statehouse

[BumRushDaShow]

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Source: CBS News/AP

March 29, 2025 / 11:14 AM EDT


The leader of a small group of self-described satanists and three other people were arrested Friday following a scuffle inside the Kansas Statehouse arising from an effort by the group's leader to start a Black Mass in the rotunda.

About 30 members of the Kansas City-area Satanic Grotto, led by its president, Michael Stewart, rallied outside the Statehouse for the separation of church and state. The group also protested what members called the state's favoritism toward Christians in allowing events inside. Gov. Laura Kelly temporarily banned protests inside, just for Friday, weeks after Stewart's group scheduled its indoor ceremony.

The Satanic Grotto's rally outside drew hundreds of Christian counter-protesters because of the Grotto's satanic imagery, and its indoor ceremony included denouncing Jesus Christ, who Christians believe is the Son of God. About 100 Christians stood against yellow police tape marking the Satanic Grotto's area. The two groups yelled at each other while the Christians also sang and called on Grotto members to accept Jesus. Several hundred more Christians rallied on the other side of the Grotto's area, but further away.

Kelly issued her order earlier this month after Roman Catholic groups pushed her to ban any Satanic Grotto event. The state's Catholic Bishops called what the group planned "a despicable act of anti-Catholic bigotry" mocking the Catholic Mass. Both chambers of the Legislature also approved resolutions condemning it.

Read more: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/satanist-leaders-attempt-hold-black-mass-kansas-statehouse-sparks-chaos-arrests/

[Ray Bruns]

1. He says this like it's a bad thing.

“The state's Catholic Bishops called what the group planned "a despicable act of anti-Catholic bigotry" mocking the Catholic Mass”

[maxrandb]

2. Organized religion is what keeps the poor from eating the rich

I consider myself a man of faith, but, I am beginning to believe that, 6,000 years ago, the rich and powerful held a summit.

"Look, the poor and the unwashed masses are always complaining and demanding stuff. Food, shelter, security, honest pay, justice, fair treatment, etc,. What if we create this invisible sky-being that is responsible for EVERYTHING?

If we can convince enough people that their 'true reward' comes in their afterlife, they won't pay attention to how much we're screwing 'em over in this one"

[DoBW]

3. sounds like a bunch of bs, a setup ... maggats will use it *nt*

[republianmushroom]

4. Guess those in Kansas don't believe in freedom to worship

unless they approve of it. And is has a blotted orange god.

[slightlv]

6. We do have a big problem

Rearing it's ugly head again... not only here in ks, but also MI, GA. Fl that's what I can remember off the top of my head. I'm pagan, which makes me and my group targets too.

Living on SSA alone, I'd love to read cards again for a few extra bucks. But in this town in this red state, with a church on every corner... and too many of them evangelical, im afraid to do it.

Freedom of religion? Nice concept, but I've not seen it in practice, living in KS or in TX with the military. Our piece of ground there was desecrated, too.

[CountMyVote4Reality]

5. My brain first read the venue as Kansas Steakhouse.

Maybe the Satanist and 3 others should have focused their protest around the separation of church and steak. The absurdity might have tapped down some of the fervor of the Christian zealots. Plus, the Christians could take some legitimate offense being mocked by deviled eggs and Diablo sauce. And a peppy rendition of Old Devil Moon could start some toes a tapping. Just some hooks and buffers before making the real case.

[Nigrum Cattus]

7. All 3 "books of worship" site satan

Satan is negativity
Right now all repugs are negative
A + B = C

[mn9driver]

8. The counter protesters appear to not be in on the joke.

We live in a very, very stupid country.

[leftyladyfrommo]

9. Remember Fred Phelps? He and his

outrageous followers were in Kansas.

[GP6971]

10. Locking per Host Consensus. Not INONI. More

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