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MASS: Episcopal Bishop Blesses New Satanic Temple International Headquarters in Salem

MASS: Episcopal Bishop Blesses New Satanic Temple International Headquarters in Salem

A Satirical Essay

By David W. Virtue DD
www.virtueonline.org
Sept. 21, 2016

A Satanic Temple which officially opened its doors on Friday on Bridge Street, Salem, and home to the organization's international headquarters, got officially blessed by the Episcopal Bishop of Massachusetts, the Rt. Rev. Alan M. Gates, who earned a Bible free MDiv degree from Episcopal Divinity School, in Cambridge, Mass. (The school recently closed).

"I felt it important that we bless this new 'sacred space' to counter the fire-and-brimstone theology of the Puritans who once populated this fair city," he said. "We believe that TEC's core message of inclusion and diversity is much more in keeping with a 'live and let live' attitude in present day Salem."

"In this day of religious pluralism it is incumbent upon us to reach out, up, through and in...and give cover to the rich diversity which is the State of Massachusetts," said the bishop, crossing himself in front of the new Satanist headquarters.

"We deplore the kind of religious fundamentalism that would deny Satanists a seat at the table. We are ALL god's children even if we cannot be sure what sort of god is out their running things. It's important to have everyone at the table and we would welcome Satan worshippers in any Episcopal parish in the diocese in keeping with the truth that our 'doors are open to absolutely everybody.'

Dating back centuries, Satanism has been misunderstood by wide swaths of American society, said Greaves, a local resident. "Satanists do not worship an Antichrist, or any other deity. Rather, Satanism preaches independent thought and using evidence-based science as a basis for understanding the world, and views Satan as a literary figure representing an eternal struggle against authoritarianism."

"Amen, to that," said Bishop Gates. "The Episcopal Church is the least authoritarian Church in America today as long as you don't come with any fixed theological positions."

END

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