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For a third year, the Satanic Temple returned to the Illinois State Capitol Monday with an art installation to celebrate the satanic holiday of Sol Invictus. This year’s display features the satanic deity Baphomet, depicted as a swaddling baby. It was designed by Albuquerque-based horror artist Chris P. Andres. The satanic display was installed next to the Christian nativity scene holiday display inside the Capitol rotunda.
“This year’s tradition marks a greater urgency in the Baphomet’s message of harmony and reconciliation,” noted The Satanic Temple’s Director of Campaign Operations Erin Helian in a weekend press release.
The group’s displays have courted controversy, particularly from the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois and its head, Bishop Thomas Paprocki. He recently oversaw the installation of the Nativity scene in the Capitol rotunda. At the event, Paprocki said satanic displays “should have no place in this Capitol or any other place.”
As Satanic Temple members installed the display Monday, the American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property recited the rosary next to the Nativity scene.