Connecticut: Satanic Temple Plans After-School Club for Elementary School Children beginning December

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – Much to the dismay and anger of local parents and faith leaders, The Satanic Temple (TST) anti-God activist group is planning an after-school club for elementary school children in Lebanon, Connecticut, beginning December 1, the Catholic Vote reports. TST is based in Salem, Massachusetts, but has chapters across the US.

Claiming to be a non-theistic religion that views Satan as a literary figure who represents a metaphorical construct of rejecting tyranny and championing the human mind and spirit, TST seeks to present an alternative to orthodox organized religious activity in public life.

TST applied to Lebanon Public School District Superintendent Andy Gonzalez for permission to hold the club at Lebanon Elementary School after a parent requested an alternative to the ongoing Bible-based Good News Club, the Catholic Vote said.

Explaining his reason for granting permission, Gonzalez said in a statement to Fox61 that: “Prohibiting particular organizations from accessing our school buildings based on the perspectives they offer or express could violate our obligations under the First Amendment…and would not align with our commitment to non-discrimination, equal protection, and respect for diverse viewpoints.”

In a statement to the Catholic Vote, Rev. Mark Masnicki, pastor of Guardian Angels Parish, who oversees both St. Francis of Assisi Church in Lebanon and St. Andrew in neighboring Colchester, said: “There’s a lot of frustration and anger in our community of Lebanon. There has been a battle between good and evil in the world from the beginning of time. Our adversary Satan is powerful, but we have infinitely more powerful friends in heaven to pray for us and our causes; Jesus our Savior will not leave us abandoned.”

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