We Satanists have every right to use the Kansas Capitol, just like Catholic protesters | Opinion

In a recent book club meeting, a phrase came to me: “ethical framework for civil disobedience.” It was inspired by Saul Alinsky’s “Rules for Radicals,” which allowed me to rationalize disobedience. He gave me the framework to weigh ends and means based on goals, free of dogmatic morality. While I care about my group and my religion, I hope others gain the understanding that you do not have to be a Satanist to relate to our Black Mass, or the actions the Satanic Grotto will be taking on March 28 in Topeka.

I’m a founder of the Satanic Grotto, a nonprofit church in Kansas. We’ve grown our community for the last seven years around Kansas City and Wichita. For me, Satanism is a religious philosophy that values autonomy, accountability and rebellion. The Grotto is uniquely independent from other Satanic organizations — as long as you identify with the devil’s role as adversary, we’re open. We thrive on critical thinking and do not shy away from conflict.

Our event, the Black Mass, is a cathartic expression of sorrow, rage and healing. Our cries are for autonomy, not to impose our will on others. This is a perfect moment for it. At a time when a majority in this country think the founders intended this to be a Christian nation, when it is becoming unsafe to have alternative viewpoints, and separation of church and state has eroded. Now, more than ever, we should be challenging what is considered “normal” and protecting those that are different.

Then walks in Gov. Laura Kelly — a shining blue gem in a red state that has toed the progressive line. Very few Kansas Democrats want to speak ill of our governor, myself included.

However, our permit to use the rotunda beneath the Kansas Capitol dome was changed by the governor’s office without consulting us or Capitol Police, while our Catholic oppressors were allowed to reserve the south steps. The letter from the office of the governor states: “We can offer the East or West Grounds. … No access to the steps is permitted.” Adding insult to injury, Kelly’s statement on the matter passed unnecessary judgment on our ceremony for not being “constructive” enough for her liking.

We are now effectively shunned to the grass, and our setup is restricted to the sidewalk. This is an egregious show of religious preference against a small group who legally obtained a permit and were actively working with security, so everyone would feel comfortable and prepared. Our ceremony was designed specifically for the Kansas Capitol dome, following all rules and guidelines, as part of our religious journey. It gives us strength and hope to speak our truths in the halls of power alongside everyone else.

‘Offensive’ religious expression is personal

Like it or not, the Black Mass is a passive, nonviolent and legal means of expression. Offensive to some? Of course — just as offensive as I find pictures of mangled babies carried by anti-abortion protesters inside the Capitol, or daily Christian prayer in our Legislature. I would not do those things in my home. I ask Kansas Catholic Conference Executive Director Chuck Weber: Please tell me how those are appropriate, but my religious expression isn’t.

This is showing us how the Kansas Legislature handles freedom of speech and religion. In a red state, we never stood a chance. With a Democratic governor and many Democratic representatives working hard to fight the red wave, we still didn’t think we had a chance.

It’s easy to hate Satan — he’s the bad guy. But what gets termed “bad” is actively changing in culture and politics. It’s being rewritten to include human beings such as people of color, immigrants and the LGBTQ community. If our modern society can’t tolerate a “bad’ ceremony for two hours — during which wood is snapped, paper is ripped and a cracker crumbled — we know exactly what this means: Our politics are broken. We must work to fix them and the only means of political pressure is often defined as civil disobedience.

We learned Tuesday that the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas has issued a lawsuit against the Satanic Grotto, alleging theft of a Eucharist. Lawmakers voted to change the laws on the right to assemble on Capitol property and revoked our permit because of the lawsuit.

To the Archdiocese and our fine Kansas Legislature, we thank you. Your actions have highlighted the religious hypocrisy rampant in our state government, as well as the unconstitutional treatment of differing religions and beliefs.

If the Catholics can do this to Satanists now, what’s going to stop them from targeting Protestants or Baptists next?

We are nonviolent. We intend no harm. We value the grounds, building and every being inside it.

On March 28, we will enter the Kansas Capitol and perform the Black Mass according to our original permit. We acknowledge it violates the new permit, and there might be consequences. Nothing “bad” will happen and we will leave. Or at least that’s what I hope will happen.

Sadly, my governor feels otherwise. We only want equality. Or as we say outside Planned Parenthood buildings: “If you go home, we go home.”