‘Senseless charade’: Satanic Temple to deliver opening prayer at Michigan county meeting

A member of The Satanic Temple-West Michigan is scheduled to deliver the opening prayer at the April 23 meeting of the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners.

The decision comes nearly a year after Bendr Bones of the Satanic Temple announced the organization’s interest in participating in prayers during a commission meeting last May.

“My pronouns are he, him,” Bones said during public comment at the time. “I am an ordained minister of the Satanic Temple, and I am here to speak on the behalf of the Satanic Temple of West Michigan.”

“I observe that these city commission meetings begin with prayers and invocations. I am pleased that by swearing this oath to uphold these freedoms it opens the door to make Ottawa County a place where Satanism will grow and thrive,” he continued, referring to the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. 

“As a sign of support, The Satanic Temple of West Michigan would like to begin the process of becoming involved with opening prayers at these meetings. The Satanic Temple of West Michigan is also excited to celebrate the holidays with the residents of Ottawa County, as we are always looking forward to opportunities where our goat display would be a fitting representation for the Satanic community.  

“I am proud to know that Ottawa County will become a stronghold for Satanists of all type.”  

On March 18, the organization announced it was “selected” to deliver the opening prayer at the upcoming Ottawa County Board of Commissioners meeting.  

“The Satanic Temple-West Michigan is proud to announce that our Ministry has been selected to give an opening invocation at the Ottawa County Commission,” The organization posted on Facebook. “We are excited to represent our growing community by taking part in the tradition of invocation.”  

The announcement was met with strong opposition from Ottawa County Commissioner Jacob Bonnema, who condemned it as a “publicity stunt” aimed to challenge “established norms.” 

“I am deeply troubled by this turn of events as it represents a significant distraction from the essential work we have been elected to carry out,” Bonnema wrote. “The Satanic Temple’s actions are a waste of our valuable time with their frivolous antics. If they choose to argue that a refusal to grant them the opportunity to deliver the invocation infringes upon their freedom of speech or religious liberty, I am prepared to face any potential legal challenge. 

“They are not practicing religion, they are a group of unserious individuals resorting to cheap theatrics, and I am confident that the courts will see through their and publicity stunts. 

I advocate for maintaining peace within our community. 

“I urge our board leadership to recognize the situation for what it truly is – a mockery and a publicity stunt. I implore them to rescind the invitation and put an end to this senseless charade.” 

Bonnema’s criticism sparked a response from The Satanic Temple, which accused the commissioner of “deep misunderstanding of both The Satanic Temple and the bedrock principles this nation was founded on,” adding “we’ll happily meet you in court.” 

Despite opposition, The Satanic group is still scheduled to deliver the invocation of prayer during the April meeting, according to ABC 13.