12.12.2007
Update: The Holiday Pentacle Saga Ends
It looks like the saga of a controversial Nativity display in Olean, New York, and the resulting Holiday Pentacle display has come to an end. Just three days after the installation of the Pentacle by a local Wiccan (and one day after it was run over by a truck), Mayor David J. Carucci has decided to re-locate the Nativity to a nearby Baptist Church.
"The battle of the Nativity - and the pentacle - came to an end in Olean on Tuesday, at least for now. A day after the large lavender and silver wooden pentacle sign was driven over and later stood back up - a hole in the front and tire tracks notwithstanding - the adjacent Nativity scene was moved a block down the street from the City Hall lawn to the front of a Baptist church. Later Wednesday afternoon, John Garlow went to City Hall and removed the pentacle he and his wife, April, had placed there as a Wiccan response to the Nativity scene."
It looks like a storm of criticism, and an investigation into a possible hate-crime were more heat than the defiant Mayor wanted to deal with. Mayor Carucci claims that the incident with the Pentacle was mere vandalism, but John and April Garlow, who erected the Pentacle, claim there were threats made against them.
"Garlow said it had been suggested on Internet message boards that his wife should be beaten ... Shortly after 4 p.m., the battered pentacle was removed by John Garlow, aided by Gan, and strapped to the luggage rack of a station wagon. Passing motorists offered comments and a woman onlooker, bearing a placard with the words 'God Will Win,' stood nearby."
Oh, if only the reporter transcribed some of the "offered comments". Does anyone really believe this was random vandalism? For now, at least, it looks like the controversy that started this is over. There is still the matter of catching the "vandal" who ran over the Pentacle display, and making sure he is brought to justice. Lets hope the Police follow through on their promise to investigate this as a possible hate crime.
As for the Garlows, I salute their courage and determination. I hope the Pagan community in Olean is rallying around them. While many talk about doing something, they acted and demanded a place at the table. The Garlows have opened a door, and it would be rude of us to refuse to follow when similar situations present themselves.
Labels: Christianity, Christmas, Nativity Display, New York, Oleans, Paganism, Pentacle, War on Christmas, Wicca
Comments:
Wow! I read a few of those forum posts and what a lot of ignorance and hatred! It is not surprising someone vandalized that pentacle. How awful to live in such an intolerant and ignorant community.
As soon as someone posts something factual or explanatory about Wicca or Yule or paganism, the haters seem to have nothing to say...why is that?
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Wow! I read a few of those forum posts and what a lot of ignorance and hatred! It is not surprising someone vandalized that pentacle. How awful to live in such an intolerant and ignorant community.
As soon as someone posts something factual or explanatory about Wicca or Yule or paganism, the haters seem to have nothing to say...why is that?
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