PLUMSTED TOWNSHIP — The New Jersey chapter of The Satanic Temple has officially disbanded, cutting ties with the national organization after a rift developed between local members and the group’s leadership.
The dispute centered around what former New Jersey members described as authoritarian behavior from The Satanic Temple co-founder Lucien Greaves. Tensions culminated in what the former chapter now refers to as the “Great Schism,” prompting their formal separation from the parent group.
“Lucien became authoritarian and started kicking people out of ministry over his ego,” the group said in a statement posted to social media. “We will not bend to arbitrary and poor leadership.”
Following the split, former TST NJ members have rebranded under new identities, including “New Jersey Satanists” and “Garden State Satanists.” They now operate independently and are in the process of establishing their own legal structure as a church.
Even adherents to the dark lord have to deal with bullshit politics and bureaucracy.
-Reddit user
The group had previously gained media attention for challenging Christian-led prayers at municipal government meetings across New Jersey, including in Plumsted Township (New Egypt).
Former Plumsted Councilman Dominick Cuozzo got heat after the council allowed the Satanic Temple to host a prayer during a public council meeting. Cuozzo was eventually voted out of office and lost his bid to re-gain office.
They indicated that efforts to formalize their new organization are ongoing, with updates available through their LinkTree at NJSatanists.
Schism prompts legal and organizational restructuring
According to the former members, the internal conflict had been developing over time, with leadership decisions sparking concerns over accountability and governance. The final rupture came after a series of expulsions and internal disagreements over direction.
That’s one of the most New Jersey things I’ve ever heard. We’re like the state of oppositional defiance. Not taking orders from those fat cats at the satanic temple.
-Reddit user
Efforts are now underway to draft new incorporation documents to establish their reformed church as a distinct legal entity. While unaffiliated with The Satanic Temple’s national structure, the group plans to continue similar activism under their new name.
Their departure marks a rare but notable organizational fracture in a movement known for its unified legal and political challenges centered on religious liberty.
The New Jersey Satanists did not indicate whether they would seek to affiliate with any other national organization, stating only that they would continue local advocacy on separation of church and state.
The group has made it clear they do not answer to The Satanic Temple and are independently managing their social media platforms and organizational messaging.
