Kansas Statehouse Site of Attempted Satanic “Black Mass”

The local Satanic Grotto in Kansas recently attempted to carry out a “Black Mass” at the Capitol. Most people have no idea what a “Black Mass” even is, but various Christian organizations desperately tried to stop this ritual from taking place. Even the archbishop got involved. What does this story tell us about religious freedoms in the United States? 

What Is a “Black Mass,” Anyway?

A black mass is a Satanic ritual or ceremony. Although it has many forms and variations, the general goal is to create a parody or perversion of the traditional Catholic Mass. Some say this ritual has been performed for centuries, while others claim it is a relatively new trend among Satanists. Catholics believe that Mass is the most important ceremony in their religion, but there are accounts of breakaway Catholic sects in ancient times. Allegedly, these sects would perform barbaric and gory rituals during their own Masses. 

There are also accounts of early parodies of the Catholic Mass during medieval times, and some say that these light-hearted parodies were even tolerated by local church officials in Europe. Known examples include “The Feast of Asses” and the “Feast of Fools.” Some say the Queen of France once performed a Black Mass during the 16th century. 

Today, Black Masses in the United States have no set rules or instructions. They usually closely mirror the structure of the traditional Mass but with notable changes. For example, Satanists might invoke the name of Satan instead of God. The goal is to mock the Catholic Mass or turn the entire process upside down. Many people who have witnessed Black Masses speak of animal sacrifice, sexual perversion, and desecration of the Eucharist. 

Strange Rumors Swirl Around Planned Black Mass in Kansas

Despite its controversial nature, the Black Mass at the Kansas statehouse ended up occurring on March 28th, as the First Amendment made it virtually impossible for lawmakers to stop it from happening. Those determined to halt the Satanic ritual had pointed to alleged criminal activity by the Grotto’s president. Among other things, he had been accused of stealing consecrated hosts for the ceremony. 

Kansas Braced for Religious Showdown at the Capitol

Catholics did not plan to simply sit back and allow their most holy ritual to be blasphemed in broad daylight. In an act of protest, the local Archbishop presided over a traditional Catholic Mass at a church across the street from the Capitol. 

The religious standoff ended up resulting in four arrests for disorderly conduct and unlawful assembly, after the legislature passed a last-minute law to ban public assembly inside the statehouse to attempt to stop the mass from happening. However, most of the confrontation occurred outside as Satanists protested for free speech and the first amendment, and Catholics and other Christian groups counter-protested.

The Universal Life Church Respects Diverse Faith Backgrounds

The Universal Life Church (ULC) respects people from all different faith backgrounds. Although the situation in Kansas has critics on both sides, we encourage everyone to strive to do that which is right and respect diverse points of view and freedom of religion. To learn more about the Universal Life Church, do not hesitate to reach out.