A Kansas-based Satanic organization plans to hold a controversial event at the Kansas Statehouse on March 28, sparking widespread condemnation from Christian groups. The event, known as a “black mass,” is a deliberate inversion of a traditional Catholic Mass, intended as a form of protest. Organized by the Satanic Grotto, the ritual is being framed as a symbolic act aimed at reclaiming space from religious influences in government.
The Satanic Grotto describes the event as a four-part ceremony meant to express frustration and anger over what they view as forced religious influence. The group has stated that the event is a direct response to ongoing legislative efforts that align with conservative religious values, particularly in areas such as abortion rights. Organizers argue that faith-based groups wield disproportionate influence over Kansas lawmakers, shaping policies that do not represent all citizens.
Religious organizations have swiftly condemned the planned gathering. TFP Student Action, a Catholic advocacy group, has launched a petition opposing the event, gathering nearly 30,000 signatures. The petition, directed at Governor Laura Kelly and Topeka Mayor Michael Padilla, calls for the cancellation of the event, arguing that it constitutes an act of sacrilege rather than an expression of free speech. The Kansas Catholic Conference has also voiced opposition, emphasizing that it is considering both legal and spiritual countermeasures.
Despite the controversy, the event remains legally protected. Kansas lawmakers have acknowledged the group’s First Amendment right to gather at the Statehouse, despite personal opposition. Some officials have denounced the gathering as offensive, yet maintain that the state cannot prohibit it based on religious beliefs. The Kansas Department of Administration has confirmed that the permit for the event was approved, as state regulations prohibit the denial of applications on religious grounds.
The Satanic Grotto has been active in recent demonstrations, often clashing with religious activists. Earlier this year, its members counter-protested an anti-abortion event in Topeka and disrupted the city’s March for Life rally with chants of defiance. The group’s broader efforts echo those of the national Satanic Temple, which has previously challenged religious displays in public spaces by advocating for equal representation.
With a small number of confirmed attendees and a larger number expressing interest, the upcoming event is poised to remain a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over religious influence in government. While critics continue to push for its cancellation, constitutional protections ensure it will move forward as planned.
