Satanic ‘black mass’ in Oklahoma draws hundreds of protesters

Dozens turned out for a weekend satanic ’black mass’ in Oklahoma City — but hundreds more turned up to protest the event.

Between 40 and 50 attend the satanic ritual at a small theater in the bottom of the Oklahoma City Civic Center, The Oklahoman reported. The event was led by Adam Daniels, a self-professed devil worshiper who said ceremonies included denouncing Jesus Christ and spitting on water that’s supposed to symbolize the Communion host, Fox News reported.

Previous satanic ceremonies — ones that are more private in nature — have included sex, urine and nudity in many of the rituals, Mr. Daniels told the Tulsa World.

But Sunday’s event wasn’t attended simply by satanists. An estimated 1,200 Roman Catholics converged onto St. Francis of Assisi Church for a holy hour prayer service from Archbishop Paul Coakely — and another 400 who couldn’t fit into the congregation stood outside the facility, Fox News reported.

Among Mr. Coakley’s preachings were claims that “dark forces” had targeted Oklahoma City, but that Christians shouldn’t fear.

“We know that Christ conquered Satan,” he said, Fox News reported. “The war has been won, Christ has conquered, though skirmishes will continue until Christ comes to reign forever.”

The attendees of that service then walked to the Civic Center and gathered to demonstrate against the satanists.

“Shame, shame on Oklahoma City,” said one protester, Albert Storz, 44, of Tulsa, who held up a Bible while he spoke, NewsOK reported. “The Bible says evil prevails if good men do nothing. We may be provoking the satanists, but it’s a whole lot better than standing by and doing nothing. I’m going to be a light, a voice in the darkness.”

Police at one point were called to the Civic Center to ensure crowds didn’t grow violent.