Christians Protest Opening of 'Greater Church of Lucifer' in Texas
Christians in Texas have gathered this week to protest the opening of the Greater Church of Lucifer, which they say is promoting Satanic worship.
Last Friday evening, about 40 Christian protesters occupied Main Street in Old Town Spring to show their dissatisfaction with the opening of the said church on Halloween. The leaders of the Greater Church of Lucifer, however, argue that they do not worship Satan, according to Houston Press.
Co-founder Jacob No told the press that the protesters have misunderstood their church. He said they do not consider Satan as a supreme being, but they exalt the "Complete Self" and "forbidden knowledge," the Christian Times reports.
The church's co-president HopeMarie Ford also reaffirmed that they are not against Christian beliefs. They just want people to take their own paths to discovering the truth about themselves, the report relays.
The church leaders say their philosophy is nearer to the New Age spiritual movement that centers on self-improvement. They also explained that the name "Lucifer" was derived from the Latin word that means "light bringer." Thus, the Greater Church of Lucifer is an organization made up of people who aim to find knowledge and self-empowerment, and not those who worship Satan, the report details.
Despite this explanation, Christian protesters still held a demonstration at the Greater Church of Lucifer's doorstep and brought holy water, wooden crosses, and rosary beads with them. Police were there to monitor the activity, but the demonstration turned out to be mostly peaceful. However, a minor issue erupted when a Catholic group and a doomsday organization argued about which of them has the correct doctrine.
Since the Greater Church of Lucifer opened, it has been vandalized twice. In one of the incidents, vandals broke the front window of the church by hurling a large object through it. The roof was also damaged after one protester cut a nearby tree branch.
During the church's dedication ceremony, the members feasted on cookies and donuts, while a private guard stood outside the building, the report adds.
The Greater Church of Lucifer has scheduled a meeting every two weeks. The congregation will gather once again on Nov. 13.
