While browsing the web you might encounter sites that are activities of recognized Church of Satan Grottos, and you will also encounter imposters (do let us know if this occurs). The guidelines below will assist you in recognizing the genuine article from the ersatz. Don't be fooled by "flash," - accept no substitutes!
The official guidelines are as follows:
Websites are Grotto activities, not the reason for establishing a Grotto, and they can include First Level and/or Second Level activities as will be discussed below. Websites can also be personal endeavors, which must clearly represent that the opinions and ideas of the person to whom the page belongs are solely his/her responsibility and do not necessarily, and certainly not officially, reflect the Church of Satan.
We support sites which are activities of official Church of Satan Grottos. If a site has been established by a perspective Grotto Master, it is not an official Grotto activity until they have been granted that privilege. Applicants may design their graphics but not put them before the public until the application has been approved (and we don't approve every application!). It is in the favor of the applicants if they play by these rules - demonstrating patience and fortitude.
If anyone is promoting ideas that are not consistent with the Church of Satan, but are trying to make it seem like they are affiliated, they will be warned to remove any confusing references that makes a connection with the Church of Satan. They are free to say what they want about their take on Satanism, but they are not free to ride on our coattails or to besmirch us with their "unique" approach. If someone is claiming to be part of the Church of Satan, you may confirm with us whether that is true.
Our Grotto Masters promote two distinct levels of activity:
First Level: for the general public, and this includes informational lectures, LaVey study groups, essentially informative activity clarifying understanding of the Church of Satan
Second Level: for Church of Satan Members only, and which includes rituals, social events, workshops, and other projects (print media, film/video, music, theatre).
For official Grottos, membership is a matter of the prospective Grotto member being already a Church of Satan member, and of equal importance that they are within traveling distance to the Grotto Master. After all, the essence of the Grotto system is to provide a point for socialization with people in a geographic proximity who are already C/S members (or who are simply waiting for their membership to be processed and are sponsored by the Grotto Master so we know that there is a sincere commitment). The Grotto may not accept into Second Level activities anyone who has not sent in their application for Church of Satan membership. We do not give the curious a "taste" of what our organization is like - they may only attend First Level activities until they make the decision to become members and make the step of sending in the application.
Members of official Church of Satan Grottos, may not be below the age of 18, as a Grotto is an activity and those below 18 are not permitted to take part in Church activities. See our Satanic Youth Communique for further details.
A website is primarily a First Level Activity which in essence means that it is a presentation by the Grotto to those who are not members.
Some sites might create a password-protected area of the site for Grotto members, then these pages in the site present a Second Level Activity for Church of Satan members only.
Remote memberships are not permitted in a Church of Satan Grotto.
Online Organizations
Online Organizations can be supportive of the Church of Satan and will be appreciated for it, but they must make it clear to individuals who approach them that by joining such an online association alone, that such does not make them a C/S member, even if the organization is run by a member or official of the Church of Satan. And such an organization may not be called a Grotto, or be set-up as a branch or sub-set of a recognized Church of Satan Grotto, or the Church itself - we have no local "chapters" of the Church of Satan. In the description of the organization's purpose, it can be mentioned that the person running it is affiliated with the Church of Satan, but it must be abundantly clear that membership in the online organization does not make one a member of the Church of Satan or a member of an official Grotto of the Church of Satan. Of course, Grotto members, as well as other Church of Satan members, can join such an online organization, but their membership in the Church of Satan is not contingent on nor does it originate with membership in the online organization.
