concord is getting a fun new holiday display!  > similar to other holiday displays it has installed around the country, the satanic temple received a permit for the monument to be included on concords city plaza during the month of december. not to be confused with the church of satan, the stated mission of the satanic temple is to encourage benevolence and empathy among all people, reject tyrannical authority, advocate practical common sense, oppose injustice and undertake noble pursuits. > the satanic temples display joins the nativity scene installed by the grange and the bill of rights scene installed by the freedom from religion foundation. the satanic temple has been making requests to install its monuments at holiday displays as part a show of unity and religious pluralism. throughout the country, the satanic temple has both threatened and brought lawsuits under the first amendment when excluded.  > under the first amendment and to avoid litigation, the city needed to choose whether to ban all holiday displays installed by other groups, or otherwise, to allow it. after reviewing its legal options, the city ultimately decided to continue the policy of allowing unattended displays at city plaza during this holiday season and to allow the statue. it is anticipated that city council will review next year whether permits for unattended holiday displays should be allowed at city plaza.
United States