[The Grotto System] [has been] phased-out… it has become irrelevant… by contemporary means [of] communication.”
In the past, each local cabal was called a Grotto, which reinforced
the hidden and mysterious aspect of the Church of Satan. Grottos were
designed to exist organically, solely to serve the specialized interests
of a particular association of local members. They were never intended
to have more than a limited lifespan. When they had outgrown their
purpose, they were dissolved. Chartered Grotto Masters had to regularly
report their activities to the Central Office, and their charters were
subject to yearly renewal. Grotto Masters were not considered de facto
spokespersons for the Church of Satan, nor were Grottos local
representations of our Church. Only a small percentage of our membership
ever participated in Grotto activities during the times we offered this
mode for interaction. In the past, if a local Grotto had a public
profile or a web presence, then non-members could learn of its
existence. Many Grottos chose to remain “underground,” fulfilling the
nature of that word.With the ubiquity of the Internet and the ease of electronic communication, the Church of Satan has ceased to charter Grotto Masters and we no longer offer the formality of forming Grottos as a mode for our members to socialize or engage in ritual. Our members who wish it now have ample means to find each other and to discover whether they are compatible for social and ritual gathering. Or, as always, they may opt to keep to themselves. The remaining currently existing active Grottos are not publicly visible and continue only in a clandestine manner until they are finally laid to rest. Charters have elapsed for former Grotto Masters. It is time for them to set aside that responsibility.
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