By Njambi Mungai (@njambie)
Hundreds gathered for the unveiling of the controversial Baphomet sculpture in Detroit on Saturday.
The giant bronze sculpture was unveiled by the Satanic Temple, an organization dedicated to satanic practices and the promotion of satanic rights.
For those not in the know, the Baphomet is a goat-headed idol found in several instances in the history of occultism.
The location of the unveiling was kept until the last minute to prevent possible demonstrations and attacks from Christians. They unveiled the statue at an industrial building near the Detroit River to cheers of "Hail Satan" from the supporters.
The nine-foot tall sculpture that weighs an impressive one tonne also features two bronze-statues of children looking up earnestly at Baphomet.
However this is not the first time the Satanic Temple has tried to install the controversial sculpture. Back in 2012, the organization applied to erect the Baphomet sculpture near the monument of the 10 Commandments in Oklahoma. The application was unsuccessful.
The unveiling has sparked protests from Christians
According to Huffington post, about 50 people prayed for the city and denounced the monument outside a business where the Satanic Temple previously tried to display the statue before fears of a backlash scuttled the plan.
"The last thing we need in Detroit is having a welcome home party for evil," said Reverend Dave Bullock, a pastor at Greater St. Matthew Baptist Church in Highland Park, Michigan.
