Navy Bans Satanists From Holding 'Satanic Services' at The US Naval Academy After The Group Announced They Were Planning Weekly Meetings

The U.S. Naval Academy has responded to a widely circulated email from the Satanic Temple that claimed they would be holding weekly ‘satanic services’ on the campus.

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.

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. Amazon.com Gift Card i... Buy New $10.00 (as of 08:25 UTC - Details)

‘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.’

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.

‘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.’

Read the Whole Article