South Africa has its first satanic church.
The South African Satanic Church in Century City opened its doors in February after a four-year-long idea was brought to life by the co-founders.
Thomas Matthew Miles-Nell said as a satanist he found it refreshing that there was now an organisation that is representative of what true religious satanism was.
Jaco Venter, another member, said: “I am really proud of my country that my religion is being acknowledged and empowered.”
The church is a registered non-profit company under the category of a religious organisation.
Co-founders Adri Norton and Riaan Swiegelaar said they would like to dispel some of the misconceptions people may have about satanism.
“We are not a get-rich organisation but rather a religious organisation,” said Norton.
Riaan Swiegelaar and Adri Norton. Brendan Magaar African News Agency (ANA)
Swiegelaar said they did not sacrifice humans or animals, there were no initiation ceremonies, they did not worship a devil or even acknowledge a devil, adding that satan is an archetype.
Swiegelaar added that they were not after your children nor were they part of the “illuminati” or a cult.
“Our organisation does not even allow anyone under the age of 18 to partake in any gatherings, ceremonies or rituals. We do not yet have the rights, but are negotiating to translate the Satanic Bible into Afrikaans. We will then be the first organisation to do so.”
The first satanic bible was published in 1969.
Swiegelaar is the presiding reverend but says: “I am not a leader of an organisation, I just officiate some ceremonies like baptisms and weddings.”
Weekend Argus