A peaceful protest unfolded at the Minnesota State Capitol Wednesday, as a group of more than 100 gathered near the rotunda to voice opposition to a “holiday display” created by the Minnesota Satanists.
The controversial exhibit, unveiled just days before Christmas, has ignited intense criticism among lawmakers and the public alike.
In a post shared on its social media, the Minnesota Satanists celebrated the display as a victory for “religious plurality,” declaring: “HAIL RELIGIOUS PLURALITY!!! HAIL SATAN!!!”
A large crowd gathers inside the Minnesota State Capitol to pray and sing Christmas carols in front of the Minnesota Satanists exhibit still on display. pic.twitter.com/b5TKGuxHzS
— Jenna Gloeb (@Jenna_Gloeb) December 18, 2024
The protest, led by Rev. Dale Witherington of Restore Minnesota, featured Christmas carols and group prayers.
The group – including some Christian leaders and state reps – sing O Come, All Ye Faithful in front of the satanic exhibit on display inside the Minnesota State Capitol. pic.twitter.com/x3cbNk4g9f
— Jenna Gloeb (@Jenna_Gloeb) December 18, 2024
Among the elected officials in attendance were Rep. Harry Niska, R-Ramsey, and Rep. Jeff Dotseth, R-Kettle River, who both spoke to Alpha News.
“It’s very ill-timed during the Christmas season,” Niska said of the satanic exhibit.
Dotseth echoed those sentiments, saying the display is “extremely offensive and a mockery before Christmas.”
At one point, the elected officials present were invited to join a circle for collective prayer.
The large group prays over state reps and elected officials that have gathered inside the Minnesota State Capitol where a satanic exhibit went on display days before Christmas. pic.twitter.com/k9N70fJAo0
— Jenna Gloeb (@Jenna_Gloeb) December 18, 2024
Several other legislators attended the protest, including Sen. Cal Bahr, R-East Bethel, Sen. Nathan Wesenberg, R-Little Falls, Rep. Pam Altendorf, R-Red Wing, Rep. Mike Wiener, R-Long Prairie, and Rep. Jim Nash, R-Waconia.
A State Capitol worker told Alpha News the Minnesota Satanists’ display was temporarily removed on Tuesday afternoon after it was tipped over. A few pieces of the display had to be reassembled before it was put back up for view Wednesday morning.
The satanist group identifies as Cerberus Ministries and received 501(c)(3) church status in 2023.
The Department of Administration, which oversees permits for State Capitol displays, emphasized that allowing the exhibit does not imply state endorsement.
“The permit for a ‘Holiday Display’ for Cerberus Ministries was issued in accordance with First Amendment protections,” a spokesperson told Alpha News. “Other displays at the Capitol include a Christmas tree in the Rotunda, a Nativity scene on the Upper Mall, and an upcoming Chanukah Menorah.”
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.
