January 1, 2001
Witchcraft and Satanism confront church in Salem
___SALEM, Mass.--Some churches are hindered because of the success of their past, but Cornerstone Community Church is hindered because of the dark side of its community's past.
___Centuries ago, the citizens of Salem put to death a number of people accused of beingwitches. Today, Salem is known as "witch city," said Bill Combs, pastor of the Baptist church there.
THE SALEM WITCH MUSEUM in Salem, Mass.
___Halloween is the big holiday in Salem, attracting thousands to the city northwest of Boston. The city of about 40,000 boasts 2,500 to 3,000 "registered witches," Combs said, "and we don't know how many Satanists."
___A building that once housed a church is now home to a witch museum. Another former church building has been painted black and displays gargoyles standing guard before a doorway locked with gold chains. The Satanists gather there.
___The witches say they don't put curses on people, but Combs thinks otherwise. A pentagram and crystals were planted in the Methodist church building where Cornerstone and four other congregations meet. A "hit list" of Christians is also believed to exist.
___Of course, not everyone in Salem is into witchcraft or Satanism. The prevailing view of spiritual matters is a "typical New England mindset" that leans toward a universalist view and does not include a "tendency to go to church," Combs said.
___There is a "spiritual darkness over the area," the pastor said. But there also are many good people who pray boldly and put on the "whole armor of God" that the Apostle Paul wrote about in his letter to the Ephesians.
___More people are praying for the Cornerstone Congregation, Combs said, "and we do feel the effects of that prayer."?
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