Open Letter to Satanic Congregations

 

Dear Congregations and Congregants,

 

We are thrilled to introduce you to the Coalition of Satanic Congregations. We are a collective of like-minded non-theistic Satanic congregations that have come together to foster communication, provide infrastructure, and support our shared ideological goals. 

 

Our coalition is not a hierarchical or parent organization; rather, we function as a network of independent congregations, united by common principles and values. We embrace the concept of "Popular Satanism*", making our movement accessible, inclusive, and resonant with a broad audience, and emphasizing the priority of supporting the individual Satanist over activist operations. This document aims to introduce the Coalition, clarify our mission, and explain why we believe this is the right path forward for our community.

 

What We Are

The Coalition of Satanic Congregations is a unifying network for non-theistic Satanic congregations. We exist to be:

 

• A Movement for All: As advocates of "Popular Satanism," we strive to make non-theistic Satanism accessible to a diverse audience. Our coalition is built on inclusivity, ensuring that every individual who shares our values feels welcome and supported. 

• Member-focused: Our focus is on the Satanic expression and the well-being of our congregations and their members, providing a safe and fun space for members to focus on the Community and Religious aspects of Popular Satanism.

• Communication Facilitators: We provide platforms and resources for congregations to communicate, share ideas, and collaborate on projects that further our shared goals.

• Support Infrastructure: We offer logistical support, including digital tools, event planning resources, and organizational guidance to help congregations operate effectively and efficiently.

• Ideological Consistency Promoters: While each congregation maintains its autonomy, we are united by core principles that reflect our non-theistic beliefs and commitment to rational inquiry, progressive values, and secularism.

• Advocates for Our Values: We represent our congregations in broader societal and political arenas, advocating for religious freedom, separation of church and state, and the rights of non-theistic individuals.

• Vetting Resources: We provide vetting resources to ensure that incoming congregations align with our shared ideological outlook. This process helps maintain the integrity and cohesion of our coalition by verifying that new member congregations uphold our core values and principles.

• Supportive Network: We provide conflict arbitration resources to help member congregations resolve internal and coalition-level disputes fairly and effectively, ensuring harmony and cooperation within our community.

• A Shared Communal Space: Communicate and share with other Satanic congregations around the world.

• Empowering Congregations: We empower congregations to establish themselves in their communities and support their membership in their own individual Satanic journeys.

 

What We Are Not

The Coalition of Satanic Congregations is not:

 

• A Hierarchical Organization: We do not dictate the practices, policies, or governance of individual congregations, beyond verifying that they share our ideologies and inclusivity standards. Each member congregation retains complete autonomy over its internal affairs.

• A Parent Organization: We are not a central authority that oversees or controls regional congregations. Instead, we act as a supportive network that facilitates cooperation and mutual support among independent entities.

• An Activist Organization: While activism may sometimes be part of the expression of our congregations and their membership, activism is not our primary focus; we leave this to other organizations and wish them well in their endeavors.

• Affiliated with Other Satanic Organizations: While we share some ideological similarities with other Satanic organizations, we are a separate and distinct entity formed to better align with the needs and goals of our member congregations, focussed fully on their needs, and those of their members.

• In Competition with Other Satanic Organizations: We do not seek to compete with other Satanic organizations, especially in their legal battles and advocacy efforts. Our aim is to provide a complementary and supportive network for congregations that share our progressive, non-theistic values. We believe in collaboration and mutual respect among all groups that advance the cause of rational inquiry, progressive values, and secularism.

• A Replacement for Individual Beliefs: We respect the diversity of thought and practice within our member congregations. Our role is to support and enhance– not homogenize or replace– the unique expressions of Satanic belief within our community.

 

Growth and Development

While the Coalition of Satanic Congregations initially starts with a focused goal of jumpstarting the organization and fostering the short-term transitional needs of rapidly onboarding newly-unaffiliated congregations in crisis, we are committed to growing and expanding our features and services over time. Initially, our resources and capabilities may be limited, but our vision includes:

 

• Expanding support services by developing more comprehensive logistical support and digital tools as our network grows.

• Enhancing communication platforms by improving and diversifying the ways in which our congregations can communicate and collaborate.

• Broader advocacy efforts through increasing our involvement in societal and political advocacy to better represent our community’s interests.

• More robust vetting processes by continuously refining our vetting resources to ensure congregations align with our evolving standards and principles.

• Developing a strong clergy by codifying educational standards and establishing rigorous training programs to ensure our clergy are well-prepared, knowledgeable, and capable of leading and supporting our congregations effectively.

• Encouraging in-person regional and global meet-ups by promoting events and gatherings to foster camaraderie, communication, and fellowship among our members, strengthening the sense of community within our network.

 

We are dedicated to evolving alongside our member congregations, continuously enhancing the support and resources we provide to meet their needs and uphold our shared values.

 

Through this coalition, we aim to build a stronger, more connected community that honors the autonomy of each congregation while providing the support and infrastructure needed to thrive. Join us in creating a unified yet diverse network that advances our shared non-theistic Satanic values.

 

Mission Statement

The mission of the Coalition of Satanic Congregations is to unite and support non-theistic Satanic congregations through fostering communication, providing essential infrastructure, and promoting shared ideological values. We strive to empower our member congregations, uphold core principles of rational inquiry, progressive values, and secularism, and advocate for the rights of non-theistic individuals. 

 

Vision Statement

Our vision is to build a globally recognized network of non-theistic Satanic congregations that exemplifies the values of rational inquiry, progressive values, and secularism. We envision a future where:

 

• Our congregations are interconnected, supporting one another and working together to promote our shared values.

• Non-theistic Satanism is widely understood and respected as a legitimate philosophical and religious perspective.

• We play a significant role in advocating for religious freedom, separation of church and state, and the rights of non-theistic individuals worldwide.

• We continuously expand our features and services to meet the evolving needs of our member congregations, fostering innovation and growth within our community.

 

By striving towards this vision, we aim to create a lasting positive impact on society and establish a strong, supportive, and progressive network of non-theistic Satanic congregations.

 

Core Principles

The Coalition of Satanic Congregations is grounded in a set of core principles that guide our actions, decisions, and interactions. These principles reflect our shared values and commitment to non-theistic Satanism:

 

• Non-Theistic Beliefs: We embrace a non-theistic worldview, rejecting the existence of supernatural entities and focusing on reason, science, and evidence-based understanding of the world.

• Rational Inquiry: We prioritize rational thought, critical thinking, and skepticism, advocating for a secular and scientific approach to understanding the world and solving problems.

• Secularism: We support the separation of religion and government, ensuring that religious beliefs do not infringe upon the rights and freedoms of others.

• Ethical Conduct: We uphold principles of ethical conduct, including empathy, compassion, and respect for the inherent dignity of all individuals.

• Community Support: We foster a supportive and inclusive community where members can share resources, ideas, and support each other’s growth and development.

• Social Justice: We advocate for social justice, equality, equity, and human rights, opposing discrimination and promoting fairness and justice in all aspects of society.

• Progressive Values: We are committed to progressive values, including LGBTQ+ rights, gender equality, and the inclusion and celebration of diverse identities and perspectives. We support Satanists of Color and strive to create a welcoming and affirming space for all individuals.

• Intellectual Freedom: We defend the right to free thought, free speech, and the open exchange of ideas, recognizing that diversity of thought is essential for progress and understanding.

• Continuous Improvement: We are committed to the continuous improvement of our organization and our member congregations, striving for growth, innovation, and excellence in all our endeavors.

• Transparency: In the spirit of transparency and accountability, we will regularly release details on our funding, expenses, and where our donations are going.

 

By adhering to these core principles, the Coalition of Satanic Congregations aims to create a cohesive, principled, and forward-thinking network that advances our shared values and supports the individual and collective success of our member congregations.

 

Supporting and Encouraging Other Initiatives

We want to emphasize that our primary focus is on the well-being and development of our congregants and congregations. We strongly support and encourage the initiatives of other Satanic organizations and have no intention of interfering with or competing against them. Our goal is to foster a collaborative environment where diverse expressions of non-theistic Satanism can thrive. By working together and respecting each organization's unique contributions, we can collectively advance our shared values and causes.

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Conclusion

We invite you to join us on this journey. Together, we can create a robust network that not only supports individual congregations but also advances the cause of non-theistic Satanism on a broader scale. Your participation and support are vital to our success. By uniting as the Coalition of Satanic Congregations, we ensure that our collective voice is heard and that our shared values are upheld.

 

Thank you for your interest and support. We look forward to working together to build a strong, inclusive, and empowered community.

 

Sincerely,

The Organizing Committee

Coalition of Satanic Congregations

 

*“Popular Satanism” or “Solidary Satanism” is an inclusive and accessible expression of non-theistic Satanism that emphasizes personal autonomy, rational inquiry, and progressive values. It is a movement that seeks to make the principles and practices of Satanism available to a diverse audience, encouraging individual empowerment and community engagement without the need for supernatural beliefs.  We are stronger together.