U.S. Naval Academy blocks the Satanic Temple from having ‘satanic religious services’ at the school after the group initially claimed to only want to have a ‘study group
- An email sent to U.S. Naval Academy midshipmen on October 8 offered to hold ‘satanic religious services’ hosted by the Satanic Temple
- The email offered to hold discussions of satanic philosophy, along with the ‘literary history of Satan’
- A spokeswoman with the USNA asserted that it was shared prematurely, adding that the group originally asked to hold a ‘study group’
- She added that the Satanic Temple represents ‘a non-theistic religious and politically active movement’ which U.S. military are forbidden from engaging in
The U.S. Naval Academy is speaking out against a letter that’s circulated on social media claiming that ‘satanic religious services’ would be made available to students.
Shared in an Instagram post by Drunk Old Grad, the email was sent to USNA midshipmen on October 8 and claimed to cater ‘to people who prescribe to The Satanic Temple’s Satanic philosophy.’
‘However all people of any faith background are welcome to attend,’ the email continued.
An email sent to U.S. Naval Academy midshipmen on October 8 offered to hold ‘satanic religious services’ hosted by the Satanic Temple
The email offered to hold discussions of satanic philosophy, along with the ‘literary history of Satan’
The email offered to hold discussions of satanic philosophy, along with the ‘literary history of Satan.’
According to the email, the aim of the services would be to ‘promote critical thinking and discussion on Satanic values as they pertain to our lives.’
And while the email was sent out on Tuesday with the expectation of starting meetings on Thursday, a spokeswoman with the USNA asserted that it was shared prematurely.
‘This email was sent without the review and approval of the Naval Academy’s Command Chaplain, as required by command policy,’ USNA spokeswoman Commander Alana Garas said in an email to Task and Purpose. ‘It did not represent the U.S. Naval Academy’s Command Religious Program.’
‘This email was sent without the review and approval of the Naval Academy’s Command Chaplain, as required by command policy,’ USNA spokeswoman Commander Alana Garas said. The group planned to meet in the Commodore Uriah P. Levy Center
She added that the group had requested the space for a ‘study group.’
‘The USNA Command Religious Program provides for the exercise of diverse beliefs,’ Garas added. ‘Arrangements were being made to provide the Midshipmen with a designated place to assemble as chaplains facilitate for the beliefs of all service members.’
Garas added that the Satanic Temple represents ‘a non-theistic religious and politically active movement’ which U.S. military are forbidden from engaging in.
Garas added that the Satanic Temple represents ‘a non-theistic religious and politically active movement’ which U.S. military are forbidden from engaging in.
‘The Command Religious Program at the Naval Academy facilitates the opportunity for the free expression of diverse beliefs, but without endorsing any particular belief, [and] Midshipmen have the right to assemble to discuss their beliefs as they choose,’ Garas continued.
‘But, to be clear, in accordance with Department of Defense Policy, military members will not engage in partisan political activities, and will avoid the inference that their activities may appear to imply DoD approval or endorsement of a political cause.’
In April, the Satanic Temple was given section 501(c) tax exempt status, which puts it in the same bracket as major religions such as Catholicism and organizations such as the Salvation Army.
The recognition means that the Satanic Temple, which has 16 chapters in the U.S. and thousands of followers around the world, can apply for certain federal grants.
Anyone who donates money to the group can also write it off as a tax deduction.