August 12, 2026 12:16 pm

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Matt Shea prays with protesters as Satanists conduct a ritual on the Capitol steps

By Cameron Sheppard   |   WNPA News Service

Satanic Temple of Washington
Angel, who goes by one name and is the ritual guild leader for the Satanic Temple of Washington State, leads the procession up the capitol steps as part of their ritual.- Photo by Cameron Sheppard, WNPA News Service.

Congregants from the Seattle-based Satanic Temple of Washington drew a crowd of prayerful onlookers Friday as they hoisted their pentagram and conducted a satanic ritual at the state Capitol Friday, March 6.

Satanic Temple of Washington
Rep. Matt Shea, R-Spokane, prays with members of the Christian Crusaders motorcycle ministry as Satanists conduct their ritual on the capitol steps.- Photo by Cameron Sheppard, WNPA News Service.

Christian groups and followers caught wind of the Satanist celebrants and showed up to sing and pray in the name of Jesus.

Some younger Christians held a sign that read “Satan has no rights.”

Satanic Temple of Washington
Satanic ritual marchers are met by Christian protest and prayer.- Photo by Cameron Sheppard, WNPA News Service.

Satanic Temple affiliates, such as Justin Harvey-John Ashby, said their event was about promoting religious plurality. He said he believes satanic beliefs have been misunderstood and viewed as “grossly perverse,” and that their primary values are empathy, reason, bodily autonomy and justice.

Mario Lotmore
Author: Mario Lotmore

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