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The tree, sponsored by the Satanic Temple of Wisconsin, is part of the National Railroad Museum’s annual “Festival of Trees” fundraiser.

Diocese of Green Bay condemns 'offensive' Satanic Temple display at Festival of Trees | WLUKPlease ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes ofwebsite accessibilitySkip to main contentEnable accessibility forvisually impairedOpen the accessibilitymenuHide UnhideFri, 01 Dec 2023 21:07:10 GMT (1701464830093)7fcb05c1444b5aab7f7d5f397d76d6f5b80f6932c96eff8c208dbfccb62f8ac3be44ad040884f46fNewsWeatherSportsCommunityGame CenterWatch WATCH WATCH Now 34 Sat 40 Sun 37Sign In or Create AccountDiocese of Green Bay condemns 'offensive' Satanic Temple display at Festival of Treesby Emily Matesic, FOX 11 NewsWed, November 29th 2023, 4:09 PM PSTThis video file cannot be played.(Error Code: 102630)4VIEW ALL PHOTOSFestival of Trees tree sponsored by the Satanic Temple of Wisconsin. (WLUK)4ASHWAUBENON, Wis. (WLUK) -- The Catholic Diocese of Green Bay is condemning one of the more than 60 trees on display at the National Railroad Museum.The tree, sponsored by the Satanic Temple of Wisconsin, is part of the museum's annual "Festival of Trees" fundraiser.This video file cannot be played.(Error Code: 102630)The Diocese of Green Bay is condemning one of the more than 60 trees on display at the National Railroad Museum's Festival of Trees. (WLUK)There are blue trees, ones made of balloons, some that spin and others supporting transgender rights -- all on display. Sponsored LinksSponsored LinksPromoted LinksPromoted LinksTrending Gifts 2023Here Are 29+ of the Coolest Gifts for This 2023Trending Gifts 2023UndoElderly man leaving Walmart approached, punched in the face; attacker on the looseUndoHomebuddyHere's What a New Walk-in Shower Should Cost In 2023HomebuddyUndo'Daddy's stabbing mommy:' Man stabs wife to death, then himself in front of daughter, police sayUndoMore than five dozen organizations, businesses, and civic and religious groups pay between $75 and $150 to be part of the event, which raises money to support the museum and its educational mission.But it's a tree sponsored by the Satanic Temple of Wisconsin, with red lights and ornaments of figures and symbols recognized in modern pop culture as the Antichrist or devil, that is coming under fire by the Diocese of Green Bay.Bishop David Ricken released a statement saying:Allowing a traditional understanding of Christmas to be usurped and desecrated by an organization/cult is divisive during a time of the year that we come together in unity as a community. Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.Displaying a Christmas tree with bright red lights, inverted crosses, pentagrams and other satanic symbolism, with a snake wrapped around the tree where our savior belongs, is not something families and children should be exposed to at any time, but most especially during this Christmas season. The tree is offensive and harms the unity and joy that the Christmas season brings."The satanic religion, or whatever they call themselves, is diametrically opposed to Christianity," said Fr. John Girotti with the Diocese of Green Bay. The symbols of the tree are often inverses or reverses of Christian symbols that alone, to speak nothing of the demonic, is also very offensive to us as Catholics and and Christians."As a non-religious organization with a focus on trains, the museum's executive director says the museum is inclusive. Tree sponsors can decorate their trees however they'd like, as long as the trees don't promote violence, sexual content, and drugs or alcohol.RELATED: National Railroad Museum set for major expansion funded by $7 million federal investmentFOX 11 learned that when the application from the Satanic Temple of Wisconsin was submitted, museum officials researched the organization.And while the name of group may be shocking to some, according to its website, its mission is, "To Encourage Benevolence And Empathy, Reject Tyrannical Authority, Advocate Practical Common Sense, Oppose Injustice, And Undertake Noble Pursuits.""That may be their statement, and if indeed, if that is their statement, I applaud them for that," Girotti said. "However, also, I think, included in that statement is respect for other faiths. This is such a deeply offensive act because this is the celebration of Christmas, the birth of Christ. Why would any organization, knowing our community, our community being a community of family, faith allow for a tree such as this to be put up at the very time of the birth of Christ."In a statement, the Satanic Temple of Wisconsin said:The Satanic Temple of Wisconsin is proud to have our Sol Invictus tree displayed among the other holiday trees at the National Railroad Museum. Bringing a tree inside, a tradition that began as a pagan ritual, has evolved into a cherished holiday practice that unites us with our families and communities in a spirit of togetherness and pluralism. We hope the media attention and articles focusing on our tree will inspire the public to seek knowledge and act with benevolence, and compassion. Our tree stands as a symbol of these virtues, as well as a testament to the freedom of religion and expression.We would like to thank the National Railroad Museum for displaying our tree, as well as our many members who contributed ornaments and helped with the decorating. We look forward to our Sol Invictus tree becoming an annual favorite in the National Railroad Museum's holiday display, sure to delight local families every year!Museum officials say they have no intention of removing the tree, and they'd welcome a submission from the Satanic Temple of Wisconsin in the future.JOIN THE CONVERSATION (4)The National Railroad Museum's Festival of Trees runs through Dec. 31.MORE TO EXPLOREElderly man leaving Walmart approached, punched in the face; attacker on the looseUndo'Daddy's stabbing mommy:' Man stabs wife to death, then himself in front of daughter, police sayUndoPolice: Dad stabs daughter repeatedly outside Nashville home, says he would do it againUndo    by Taboola by Taboola SPONSORED CONTENTTrending Gifts 2023Here Are 29+ of the Coolest Gifts for This 2023Trending Gifts 2023|Sponsored Sponsored UndoHomebuddyHere's What a New Walk-in Shower Should Cost In 2023Homebuddy|Sponsored Sponsored UndoVOLVO XC40The New Volvo XC40: The Ultimate Vehicle For Seniors (Especially At These Prices)VOLVO XC40|Sponsored Sponsored Undo Trending2023 FOX 11 Twelve Days Of Giving Sponsored by TDS FiberFormer WIXX radio personality Otis Day joins KISS-FM, takes 'The Jake & Tanner Show' slotConstruction workers injured in rooftop fire at Wild Rose Middle/High SchoolWisconsin welcomes December with a Northern Lights showProposed legislation would require Wisconsin businesses to accept cash paymentsStay ConnectedLike UsFollow Ussbg-envelopeNewsletter Sign up /sign-up© 2023 Sinclair, Inc.TermsFCCEEOFCCPrivacy PolicyCookie PolicyCookie PreferencesNews In Photos: "Local"Attorney seeks dismissal of De Pere church burglary charges against woman, cites lack of evidenceArrests made in Pittsfield storage unit burglaryHoward-Suamico schools net grant to build new tennis courtsCompany donates 1,000 adaptable shirts for ThedaCare chemotherapy patientsLoading ...

Diocese of Green Bay condemns ‘offensive’ Satanic Temple display at Festival of Trees