Tucson Satanic group condemns vandalism of San Xavier Mission

TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) - The Satanic Temple of Arizona has released a statement regarding the vandalism of the San Xavier del Bac Mission.

[READ: San Xavier Mission, nearby cemetery vandalized with satanic graffiti]

The statement from Stu de Haan, Chapter Head of The Satanic Temple of Arizona, reads:

"The Satanic Temple of Arizona condemns the vandalism of the San Xavier Mission that occurred on April 7, 2016.

"We are dismayed to see allegedly "Satanic" graffiti marring this historical landmark and place of worship.

"The Satanic Temple does not condone vandalism in any form.

"We advocate for Satanic rights as well as social and personal responsibility in all endeavors. We do not engage in the destruction of property or violence towards other beliefs as this is contrary to our foundational tenets.

"Those who insist that Satanism is criminal and destructive are those who give rise to these types of juvenile outbursts.

"There are no doctrines of organized Satanism that encourage this type of action against another person or group. Our history of advocacy and activism for equal rights demonstrates that we do not participate in activities such as this.

"As we are constantly faced with the threats of desecration of our own monuments and symbols, we would never wish upon others the same acts of hatred and intolerance based on their religious beliefs."