After School Satan Club to hold first meeting at Memphis school
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The controversial After School Satan Club is set to host its first meeting at Chimneyrock Elementary School on Wednesday.
Legally there’s nothing anyone can do about it.
But pastors from several churches will meet at the Briarwood Community Church on Tuesday evening to discuss their options on taking a stand against the new after-school club at Chimneyrock Elementary School.
The Satanic Temple to launch ‘After School Satan Club’ at Memphis elementary school
“I was outraged that they would attack the young minds, the children with what they believe,” said Dr. Frederick Tappan, with Eureka True Vine Baptist church.
The meeting comes after the After School Satan Club, sponsored by the Satanic Temple, announced last month their plans to begin meetings at the elementary school.
The announcement sparked outrage amongst parents of students at that school and other schools in Memphis Shelby County Schools.
However, the club is protected under the First Amendment.
Memphis school officials address ‘After School Satan Club’
Club campaign organizer June Everett says they decided to come to Memphis after some parents expressed interest in offering an alternative option to the other religious clubs at school, like the Good News Club.
She says they do not actually discuss Satanic teachings but do activities that are inspired by Satanic beliefs.
“We can take Satan and view Satan as this creature and this character however we want,” Everett said. “We don’t have to believe Satan as this evil deity. We can view Satan as we wish and that’s exactly what we do.”
Pastors Tuesday hoped to offer more options they deem positive to outweigh the negativity they’re concerned this club will bring.
They encourage people to get involved at their local schools in any way they can.
“If they have ten opportunities for good and one opportunity for bad, we’re hoping that will overcome the bad,” Tappan said.
Memphis Shelby County Schools explained in a statement that all non-profit organizations seeking to use facilities after school hours are allowed equal access.
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