Last weekend, the Satanic Temple kicked off what was billed to be the largest gathering of Satanists in history in Boston. One pro-life leader warned about the “connection between Satanism and abortion” as churches braced for the influx of Satanists in the city.

Known as SatanCon 2023, hundreds gathered for a sold-out event hosted by a group known for making fun of Christians and theologically conservative beliefs. Many of those in attendance displayed their support for abortion. The Satanic Temple promotes what it calls abortion rituals and has filed legal challenges against state restrictions on legal access to abortion, arguing that abortion is a religious right.

Priests for Life National Director Frank Pavone said in an interview that while many attendees deny that they are coming together to worship Satan, he was “very sensitive to the connection between Satanism and abortion.”

“These Satanists who are gathering will claim that they do not worship the devil. In fact, they will claim that they do not even believe in a personal spiritual being called the Devil or Satan,” Pavone said. “Anything that even appears to be worship of the devil or being elite with the devil is dangerous stuff because the devil is real.”

Held at the Boston Marriott Copley Place, SatanCon 2023 featured discussions on topics like “Re-imaging Lilith as an Archetype for Reproductive Justice,” “Sins of the Flesh: Satanism and Self-Pleasure,” “Reclaiming the Trans Body: Atheistic Strategies” and “Deconstructing Your Religious Upbringing.”

A Christian event called “ReviveBoston” was also planned during the same time to counter the event. ReviveBoston organizers called for thousands of Christians to overcome evil by gathering for worship, prayer and evangelizing the city. Spearheaded by Jaymz Sideras, a revivalist from London, he and his evangelism team preached God’s Word to the city.

Kris Kubal, chief program officer at Intercessors for America (IFA), told Fox News Digital that approximately 120 people converted to Christianity during this event. “These were not necessarily all Satanists,” Kubal said of those reportedly converted. Many were onlookers curious to see what was touted as “the largest satanic gathering in history.”

Based in Purcellville, Virginia, IFA’s approach was different that what may have been seen on the news, they sought to “speak in love” said Kubal. “We were more interested in people being set free, not praying against them; having conversations, not shouting.”

The increase in both secularism and Satanism, especially in the Western world, has come as Christianity has lost much of its place in the public square. As Christianity has been on the decline for decades, that vacuum has been filled with the rise of these types of movements. Satanism especially has jumped on the abortion train with the Supreme Court decision to stop Roe v. Wade. Radical feminists’ groups have allied themselves with this movement in order to try to push for “abortion rights”.

With the rise of the transgender movement in the last decade, the Satanic Temple has also pushed itself to gain a stronger following in these movements. This is incredibly impactful at the younger levels, as something like 25% of children under the age of 22 are now identifying in this way. If Satanism continues to ally itself with abortion and transgenderism, expect it to gain a considerable following in the coming years.

Biblical Connection: Satan’s methods have always been to reject the words and standards of God. All the way back in Genesis 3 he is seen questioning God’s words and intentions in his interactions with Eve. It should not surprise Christians to see Satanism pushing against the things of God and getting involved in abortion and transgenderism, two things that go against the standards that God has set in His Word. It also should not surprise Christians to see Satanism on the rise in these days as we approach the end of history. One day, the Antichrist, indwelled by Satan himself, will claim to be God and the world at large will follow him.

PRAY: Pray that this rise in both secularism and Satanism will be quenched and people will turn back to a relationship with God.