Satanic group's plans for Oklahoma City meeting draws calls of concern, comments

BY CARLA HINTON Oklahoman

September 1, 2010 - Oklahoman

Plans by a group to hold a "satanic exorcism” at the Civic Center Music Hall prompted citizens to telephone and e-mail the city, a spokeswoman said Tuesday.

"People are concerned about the issue,” said Jennifer McClintock, a spokeswoman for Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation. She estimated city workers fielded less than a dozen inquiries.

In Tuesday's Oklahoman, Civic Center officials confirmed that the Church of the IV Majesties has booked one of the smaller rooms at the Civic Center for a meeting on Oct. 21. The group's leader said they will perform a parody of a Roman Catholic exorcism.

The story had received more than 300 comments on NewsOK.com by 5 p.m. Tuesday.

Some comments were from people saying they were troubled by the event.

"If we are going to allow this type of trash into our state, then we need to put prayer in school. We need to be allowed to have 'In God We Trust' on our money and whatever else,” Danielle from El Reno, wrote. "Stop trying to keep us from using our belief if your (sic) going to let Satan lovers spread there (sic) trash in our state. I can't believe this is even happening.”

Another reader, Paul from Norman, shared similar sentiments.

"The Civic Center could have refused them their constitutional right and we could bring this to the forefront in this country, but that was not done.”

But reader Michelle from Oklahoma City had a different viewpoint.

"This group is free to worship as it pleases,” she said. "That's the beauty of America.”

NewsOK

01 / 09 / 2010