The Minnesota Satanists have debuted their “first-ever holiday display” at the Minnesota State Capitol, igniting a hell storm of controversy and criticism from the public and prominent Republican figures.
In a post shared on social media, the group celebrated their achievement:
“Thanks to all the hard work from our Congregation, especially Calcifer, for helping us set up Minnesota Satanist’s first ever holiday display at the State Capitol in Saint Paul!
HAIL RELIGIOUS PLURALITY!!! HAIL SATAN!!!”
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn. posted on X, formerly Twitter, questioning Gov. Tim Walz’s leadership.
“Is there anything Tim Walz won’t do to insult Minnesotans?” he asked.
Is there anything Tim Walz won't do to insult Minnesotans? https://t.co/tvR6fyUFk7
— Tom Emmer (@tomemmer) December 15, 2024
Several other prominent figures condemned the display online, including River Valley Church pastor Kirk Graham, who called it “an abomination.”
Michael Cassidy, who beheaded a Satanic statue at the Iowa Capitol last year, also weighed in.
Minnesota's government, which:
-Gleefully tore down a statue to Christopher Columbus
-Wrongfully prosecuted Derek Chauvin
-Tolerated the George Floyd riots
Is now permitting Satanic imagery inside their Capitol.
I pray their leaders will change their minds, as they did in Iowa. https://t.co/DiOvUXtwX0— Michael Cassidy ✝️ 🇺🇸 (@MichaelCassidy) December 15, 2024
The Minnesota Satanists describe themselves as champions of “the symbol of Lucifer as one of revolt against arbitrary authority and advocacy for the pursuit of knowledge,” according to their website, which greets visitors with the message: “Spreading the Good News of the Dark Lord.”
In 2023, the group was granted 501(c)(3) church status under the name Cerberus Ministries. However, in May 2024, the organization severed its ties with the Satanic Temple, becoming an independent Satanic organization, according to their website.
“The permit for a ‘Holiday Display’ for Cerberus Ministries was issued by the Minnesota Department of Administration, which is responsible for issuing permits for the State Capitol and grounds,” a spokesperson for the department told Alpha News. “A permit for a First Amendment protected speech event does not imply an endorsement by the State. Currently there is a Christmas Tree in the Rotunda and a Nativity scene was on the Upper Mall (front lawn of the Capitol). There will be a Chanukah Menorah display beginning next week.
Jenna Gloeb
Jenna Gloeb is an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist, media producer, public speaker, and screenwriter. Most recently, she worked as a reporter and on-air host for CCX Media. Jenna is a Minnesota native and resides in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, daughter, and two dogs.
