Satanic Temples across the country are volunteering to provide security for Muslims facing backlash this week in the wake of the Paris attacks.
Minneapolis and San Jose chapters of the Satanic Temple posted the offer to their websites and Facebook accounts on Wednesday.
“If there is anyone in the Minneapolis area who is Muslim and afraid to leave their home out of fear for some kind of backlash, don't hesitate to reach out to us,” the Minneapolis chapter’s Facebook post stated. “We would be glad to escort you where you need to go without advertising our presence — just big dudes walking you where you need to be. We would also happily accompany you so you can get some groceries.”
The San Jose chapter followed suit and reposted the offer to their social media on Thursday.
Members of the church have stated that the offer is not a ploy for publicity, just some genuine compassion for other human beings.
“Our offer comes from a place of genuine compassion for our fellow human beings. It's not to ride the tide of sentiment or capitalize on people for further name recognition,” the Minneapolis chapter’s page followed up by saying.
So far, they have not been taken up on their offer — but it’s the thought that counts, right?
“We are happy to be of service to our community. Unfortunately, we’ve had no taker as of yet,” Curt Landsman, a representative of the Minneapolis chapter, told International Business Times in an email. “We are doing this out of genuine care for our fellow men and women and not as a publicity stunt. We feel that statistically speaking, gun toting fundamentalist Christians are a much bigger threat than Muslims in our own community who have lived peacefully here for years.”
Several Muslims have thanked the church for their offer.
“I don't live in Minneapolis, but as an American Muslim, I'm glad to see you guys take up this effort and help out a marginalized group. Thank you for doing this and building bridges between communities,” one Facebook user replied to the post from the Minnesota chapter.
San Jose also received a warm reception.
“I am Muslim and thank you for your kind offer. It's really heartening and reflective of how humans should treat each other. You are a reflection of kindness,” a comment on the California chapter’s post stated.
