Grand Canyon Times

Arizona Republicans described the scene as "chilling" when State Sen. Juan Mendez (D-Tempe) introduced ministers and members of the Satanic Temple and said that he was "graced" with their presence during a session in the state's legislative chamber. 

Arizona Senate Republicans (ASR) swiftly condemned Mendez's actions and accusing him of promoting devil worship in a statement released shortly after the incident. The ASR described Mendez's support for the Satanic Temple as an affront to traditional religious values.

“CHILLING!! Democrat Senator, Juan Mendez, shows his support for worshiping the devil as he proudly honors and welcomes Satanists and their satanic ministry to the Senate today. The Senator promotes them as taking 'noble action' and says he's 'graced' with their presence,” the ASR said on X.

Mendez praised their commitment to fighting against religious persecution and advocated for their right to free speech and exercise, highlighting their non-theistic beliefs divorced from superstition and their focus on values such as compassion, justice and free speech.

“Members, I would like to introduce a group of Arizonans, some from my district, but they have membership all across the state,” Mendez said on the Senate floor.

“They are here today to confront the arbitrary, tyrannical authority of religious persecution that's scheduled for government committee later on today. Today, members, I want to introduce you to members, we are graced with the presence of ministers and members of the Satanic Temple of Arizona. Please stand today, they’re at the Capitol today to fight for the rights of their more than 12,000 members of their denomination and the rights of free speech and free exercise of all Arizonans.”

“The temple practices non theistic satanism divorced from superstition without any belief in gods or devils They practice the religious, they're they practice the religious values of compassion justice bodily autonomy free speech science humility and noble action as an organized religion, they they actively do outreach and community service and participate in public affairs.”

“Where their issues might benefit where the issues might benefit from their rational satanic insights The mission of the satanic temple is to encourage Beloved and empathy among all people they embrace practical common sense and justice They are guided by their conscience to undertake noble pursuits that fulfill the religious values again, particularly of compassion and free speech members I welcome them to the floor today uh, and we'll hear from them later on to the government committee.”

According to The Satanic Temple Arizona’s website, “Satan is the ultimate archetype and thus makes his character a perfect weapon to be able to combat Church and State issues.” 

The Satanic Temple - Arizona Congregation was founded in early 2016.

The group has hosted a range of public rituals “cultivating the Satanic milieu throughout the state of Arizona.”

Archived editions of the group's newsletter reveal their views on taboo subjects.

“The unsuspecting might assume our own sweet Satan to have genitals like everyone else’s, but the testimonies given during the trials assure us that his member is anything but standard. Among other things, it’s... cold? So educate yourself on Satan’s naughty bits with this quick historic overview and be ready for your next Satanic trivia night!” the May 2021 newsletter reads.