The Satanic Temple has placed a display next to a nativity scene and a menorah in a bid to see their beliefs treated equally to mainstream religions.

They are determined that they do not “worship” the Devil, but admit that he is their mascot.

The display – in Springfield, Illinois, is allowed because it isn’t paid for by the taxpayer, but it’s ruffled feathers amongst Christians and other faith groups.

It’s not the first time the Satanic Temple of Illinois has frustrated Christians with a Christmas display – last year they placed a baby Baphomet – a goat-like creature that has become synonymous with the occult – in a manger.

Law enforcers say they cannot remove it because the Capitol Rotunda – where the offending item has been placed – is a public space. Legally, removing the display could be found to be censoring free speech.

The display shows a book by Copernicus – “On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres”- which was banned by the Vatican in the 17th Century.

The book sits in a bowl of knitted apples – a reference to Adam and Eve - with a knitted snake coiled up the frame.

One religious leader angered by the display is Roman Catholic Bishop Thomas Paprocki, of the Springfield Diocese.

Speaking to the WCIA, he said: "Those who worship Satan are doomed to suffer the pains of Hell with the evil one and his minions forever. People are free to choose. I pray for the conversion of sinners and their eternal salvation."