“Satanic Temple’s Altar Sparks Debate at Iowa State Capitol.”
At the Iowa State Capitol, controversy erupted as a satanic altar was erected by The Satanic Temple. The public display featured a ram’s head covered in mirrors, supported by a mannequin adorned in red attire, reported by KCCI Des Moines. Lucien Greaves, co-founder of The Satanic Temple, defended the exhibit as an expression of their right to religious freedom. He emphasized their lack of widespread physical locations for worship, stating, “We’re going to really relish the opportunity to be represented in a public forum.”
Addressing concerns about the display’s content, Greaves remarked, “My feeling is if people don’t like our display in public forums, they don’t have to engage with them. They don’t have to view them.” This prompted a shocked reaction from Iowa resident Shellie Flockhart, who described the altar as a “very dark, evil force” and urged vigilance against such influences.
In response, Flockhart organized a prayer group at the Capitol’s Christmas tree, emphasizing the reality of spiritual warfare and the perceived threat of satanic forces infiltrating their state. Greaves clarified that the display was scheduled to remain in place for a duration of 14 days, further intensifying the ongoing debate surrounding religious expression in public spaces.
