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Next to a nativity scene in Concord, New Hampshire, a new figure with a black goat’s head and horns holds a bouquet of lilacs, the state flower and an apple.
The figure, Baphometis from the New Hampshire and Vermont branch of The Satanic Temple. It was revealed Saturday as part of Concord’s City Plaza holiday exhibit for the month of December after The Satanic Temple received a permit for the monument.
The satanic templewhich opened its first official headquarters in Salem in 2016, and its members view Satan not as an evil figure, but as someone who dares to question authority. It is different from the Church of Satan. The group advocates the separation of church and state and is known for its attempts to get the one-ton idol statue with a goat’s head next to the church. 10 Commandments monument on public land.
Concord also has a Bill of Rights scene installed by the Freedom from Religion Foundation near the nativity scene.
The Satanic Temple has submitted requests to place its monuments on holidays “as part of a show of unity and religious pluralism,” the city said in a statement. Facebook after. “Across the country, the Satanic Temple has both threatened and filed First Amendment lawsuits when debarred.”
To “avoid lawsuits,” the city decided to allow the display, according to the Facebook post. Otherwise, the city would have to ban all Christmas displays.
“After reviewing legal options, the city has ultimately decided to continue the policy of allowing unattended exhibits at City Plaza during these holidays and to allow the statue to remain in place,” the city said. “The City Council is expected to review next year whether to allow permits for unattended holiday displays at City Plaza.”
The apple in Baphomet’s hand represents “a quest for knowledge, resistance to arbitrary authority and our commitment to self-determination,” said Orpheus Gaur, director of the Satanic Representation Campaign. The seven principles are also on a plaque. This includes acting with compassion, not distorting scientific facts to fit one’s beliefs, and recognizing that people are fallible.
During the unveiling, that was live stream on FacebookSatanic Temple Minister Vivian Kelly reminded people of the importance of empathy and compassion and reiterated some of the seven principles.
“Just because we are not as large in number does not mean that our beliefs are any less important than those of the other religions represented here,” Kelly said.
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