4.04.2008
Roberta and Patrick Stewart's First Freedom
On March 26th, First Freedom First, a joint project of The Interfaith Alliance Foundation and Americans United, held a historic national live simulcast to talk about church-state separation.
"In movie theaters in 25 cities across the nation, interested citizens will gather to learn about the threats to church-state separation and to demand that presidential hopefuls and candidates for other offices answer questions about key issues dealing with individual freedom. A list of 10 great questions to ask candidates will be featured."
Along with appearances by the famous and semi-famous (Kevin Bacon, Jack Klugman, Marc Maron), the special also highlighted individuals who embody the struggle over church-state issues. One of these was Roberta Stewart, a Pagan woman who fought for (and won) the addition of the Wiccan Pentacle as an approved "emblem of belief" (for grave markers and headstones) by the Veterans' Administration. A battle she engaged in after her husband, Patrick Stewart, a Wiccan, was killed in Afghanistan.
Roberta Stewart with host Peter Coyote
You can now watch First Freedom First's simulcast event "Everything You Always Wanted to Know about the Separation of Church and State - but Were Afraid to Ask!" online. For those wanting to skip to Roberta Stewart's section, the segment begins at 41:00 minutes into the program. The organization has also posted a petition for elected officials, calling on them to affirm and safeguard the separation of church and state. Good on the FFF for highlighting this proud moment for the modern Pagan movement, Roberta and Patrick Stewart, and church-state separation.
Labels: AU, First Freedom First, Paganism, Religious Freedom, Roberta Stewart, Veteran Pentacle Quest, Wicca
12.31.2007
Top Ten Pagan Stories of 2007 (Part Two)
[You can read part one of this entry, here.]
05. Discrimination, Harassment, Hate Crimes, and Firings: Last year one of my picks for a top story was "Growing animosity and tensions between Christians and Pagans", and while this year didn't appear to be quite as bad, there seemed to be plenty of animosity to go around. Christians extremists fought for the right to intimidate us, Witches were beaten and stabbed in Canada, a Pagan store-owner had a noose left on her doorstep, and the FBI reported that hate crimes towards religious minorities is on the rise.
"A couple things become immediately clear, one, that Christians (both Protestant and Catholic) experienced the fewest religiously-motivated hate crimes of any faith grouping (despite claims of widespread anti-Christian activity by some conservative Christians), and two, that a large number of religious hate crimes (coming in third behind Muslims and Jews) are towards faiths that check the "other" box in surveys. In fact, the number of incidents against "other religions" have risen since 2005, with 41 more victims of a religious-motivated hate crime in 2006."
But it wasn't just threats and physical attacks, this year saw quite a few firings that seemed to be motivated by an anti-Pagan bias. In some cases rumor-mongering seems to have replaced due process, and people who were a bit too odd being labeled as "Witches".
"The same early December day a fellow substitute teacher asked if she was Wiccan, Harmon found herself in Principal Jamie (Rene) Tolbert's office answering questions about her appearance and whether she had discussed religion with students."
I wish I could say this particular story will diminish in 2008, but I think that as we continue to enter the mainstream, a certain minority of religious believers will do all in their power to shove us back into our "broom closets".
04. Pagans in Politics: This year, more than any other I have witnessed, saw modern Pagans involved with, and affected by, our political process. This year saw the Chair of the Kennebec County Democratic Committee in Maine outed as a Pagan by a conservative Christian group, who then stalked her and attempted to incite vandalism against her. When that didn't work they went after the vice-chair (who is also a Pagan). But you don't have to be a Pagan to get smeared politically, you only have to associate with them. An Asheville City Council found herself the victim of an attack ad based around her participation in a "save the trees" event, and subsequently lost her bid.
However, one of the biggest political events directly involving a modern Pagan has to be the scandal involving a deputy of Stuart Bowen, the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction.
"[Ginger] Cruz, a former spokeswoman for the governor of Guam, originally joined SIGIR as a contractor working for the accounting firm Deloitte & Touche. Current and former SIGIR employees have told investigators that Cruz threatened to put hexes on employees and made inappropriate sexual remarks in the presence of staff members. Cruz is a self-described wiccan, a member of a polytheistic religion of modern witchcraft. "We warned Ginger not to talk about witchcraft, that it would scare people," a former SIGIR employee said."
In addition to these events, 2007 saw politics become ever-more Christian focused and identified. With non-Christian expressions of faith being shoved to the margins by Presidential candidates, and non-Christian prayer getting shouted down in our halls of government. With monotheist modes of belief becoming more blatant and forceful across the political spectrum, will there be a place for Pagans (or any religious outsiders) in the near future?
03. Salem's Psychic Wars (plus other psychic legal developments): Divination and psychic services were all over the news in 2007. With many modern Pagans making a portion of their living from providing tarot readings or other divination methods, laws regulating, taxing, or outlawing these services can become a big issue (fiscally and religiously). Michigan recently started taxing psychic readers claiming it was a "high-income" service, a local Wiccan was successful in getting Caspar, Wyoming to remove its ordinance against fortune telling, Philadelphia used a previously unenforced state law to close down psychics, tarot readers, and other diviners in the city, and Livingston Parish in Louisiana passed a religiously-motivated ordinance against all forms of fortune-telling despite objections from local Pagans.
But the biggest story involving psychics, the law, and modern Pagans had to be the "psychic wars" in the "Witch City" of Salem, Massachusetts. With 10% of Salem's population practicing Witches, and a large amount of Salem's tourist income based on Halloween traffic, proposed licensing regulations on psychic readers became a heated debate between rival factions. A debate that took a criminal turn, when one couple decided to use intimidation tactics. A situation that gained national attention, and was even reported on in Time Magazine. The Salem story points to the growing cultural relevance of Pagan faiths (especially when big money is involved) in America. As regional Pagan populations grow, expect to see more conflicts (and cooperation) with local governments over divination services, religious freedom, and local laws.
02. Pagans in the Public Square: A late development this year, but an important one nonetheless, is the recent eruption in the "Christmas Wars" involving modern Pagans. Three separate cases involving public property, religious Nativity displays, and Wiccan participation, have placed modern Pagans on the forefront of the debate over the separation of Church of State, religious freedom, and pluralism. One case is heading for litigation, while another appears to be drawing out into the Spring. Expect these cases to loom large in 2008, and set the stage for next Winter's battles.
01. The Veteran Pentacle Win, and Pagans in the Military: My top story for 2006 was the Veteran Pentacle Quest, and the biggest for 2007 is the successful win in getting the Pentacle symbol approved for Veteran headstones and markers. In addition, we saw Pagan groups forming coalitions in order to expand that recognition to other Pagan symbols, and an ongoing struggle to get a Pagan military chaplain approved. Aside from activism, we also saw stories about Pagans in the military, and how safe they are in an increasingly Christian military.
The legal and social struggles concerning Nativity displays and Pagan soldiers have some of the farthest-reaching implications for modern Pagans in America. Situations that have gained international attention, and in the case of the Veteran Pentacle Quest, President Bush. 2008 will very likely see even more important developments involving these stories.
That wraps up my top ten news stories about or affecting modern Paganism in 2007. Thanks for reading, and I hope you'll join me for another year of sifting through the news and views of interest to our communities. See you in 2008!
Labels: discrimination, hate crime, Nativity Display, Pagan Soldiers, Paganism, politics, psychics, Salem, Top 10 religion stories of the year, Veteran Pentacle Quest, War on Christmas
11.11.2007
Pagans on Veterans Day
This past year has been one of blessings and setbacks for Pagans serving in the military. After years of struggle the government relented under legal pressure and made the Wiccan Pentacle an approved emblem of faith. This allowed Pagan veterans to have the symbol inscribed on their grave markers or tomb stones.
But this victory can seem isolated in a military culture that can often have deep prejudices and hostility towards religious outsiders. This has led to incidents of religiously motivated discrimination and even threats of violence.
"Master Sgt. Kathleen Johnson, 40, a career soldier from north Florida who enlisted in 1985, said many soldiers do worry about invisible things and pressure others to do the same ... Johnson said she has been threatened with failing a mandatory course if she didn't bow her head during prayer. One military chaplain bragged to her about how he had stalled some Wiccan soldiers when they asked for a place to gather until they finally just gave up."
While we won a victory with the Veteran Pentacle Campaign, we also lost in our best attempt so far to have a Pagan chaplain approved. The candidate, who was ideal by military standards, was forced out thanks to the leaking of personal information and the judicious use of military "catch-22s".
"When Larsen came along last spring, Sacred Well's leaders thought they finally had someone the military could not possibly reject: a physically fit 6-foot-4 clergyman originally ordained as a Southern Baptist minister, who holds a master's degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Moreover, Larsen had spent 10 years as an officer in the National Guard, finished near the top of his class in chaplain's training and was already serving as a chaplain in Iraq. But Oringderff said that his group, like Larsen, underestimated the institutional resistance. "Each time we advance to a scoring position, they change the rules," he said."
As we seek to fully honor Pagan co-religionists who have served in our country's military, we continue to face an uphill struggle. The military bureaucracy can be hostile to our decentralized notions of religion, and some Christian organizations are trying to establish a permanent place of power and influence within the theoretically secular military.
The good news is that modern Pagans, emboldened by the success with the Pentacle issue, are forming larger coalitions to work towards fully equal acknowledgment and treatment within the military. The coming struggles won't necessarily be easy, but if modern Pagans choose to be involved in our military forces then they should be honored equally and given the same benefits, options, and treatment as any Christian soldier. So honor the Pagans who served our country this Veterans Day, and know that their struggles for acceptance and equal treatment are not only for them, but for all Pagans who believe that our government shouldn't play favorites when it comes to faith.
Labels: Military, Paganism, Veteran, Veteran Pentacle Quest, Veterans Day
10.11.2007
The V.A. and Emblems of Faith
Since the US Department of Veterans Affairs relented on allowing the Pentacle symbol to be engraved on the graves of Pagan veterans, some Pagan organizations have gotten together to work towards getting two more symbols approved: the Thor's Hammer (for Asatru), and the Awen (for Druidry). But will these attempts be any easier than before? A Harvard Crimson editorial analyzes the new post-settlement V.A. regulations and finds they still place an undue burden on believers.
"Although the VA has rectified this specific mistake, it is no closer to a more expansive definition of religious legitimacy. In January 2007, the VA proposed a new set of criteria to determine when it ought to recognize a new emblem of belief. The new criteria seeks to ensure that "there is an immediate need" for a new emblem, and that the belief system is a "genuine and non-frivolous group of religious opinions, doctrines and/or principles believed or accepted as true by a group of persons." The VA has also established a new bureaucratic procedure for applying for new emblems of belief. Although the proposed definition wisely uses the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) definition of a religious institution as one of its many criteria, the new overall process is seriously flawed."
The new restrictive criteria includes prohibiting active soldiers or veterans from petitioning on their own behalf, Constitutionally dodgey requests for "information about the structure" of the soldier's religious organization (something the IRS doesn't require), and prohibitions against "social, cultural, and ethnic" emblems (a fine line for any indigenous faith group). Joshua R. Stein's editorial calls for a complete overhaul on the approval for emblems of belief.
"While it is laudable that the VA has accepted the Wiccan Pentacle and begun to examine their highly entrenched, anachronistic system, this single action is not enough. The system of emblems of belief - which places an undue, indeed unfair, emphasis on one's religious identity - needs to be reevaluated entirely so that soldiers can be remembered in a way most appropriate to them."
While I hope I'm wrong, I fear that needed reevaluation will only come in the wake of further lawsuits, very likely from a modern Pagan faith.
Labels: Military, Paganism, Religious Freedom, The Harvard Crimson, Veteran, Veteran Pentacle Quest
9.20.2007
Onward Christian Soldiers?
Two major stories this past year in the Pagan world have been the fight over getting the Pentacle approved for military gravestones and markers, and the (so far unsuccessful) struggle over the approval of a Pagan military chaplain. In both cases accusations have been made that there is a unspoken bias against non-Christians in our military, and in the case of some religious groups, outright hostility. Now the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, seeking to prove claims of religious bias, has filed a lawsuit on behalf of U.S. Army Specialist Jeremy Hall.
"A U.S. Army soldier who unsuccessfully tried to hold a meeting for atheists and other non-Christians is suing Defense Secretary Robert Gates and an Army major, saying his right to religious freedom was violated. The lawsuit filed Monday in federal court alleges a pattern of practices that discriminate against non-Christians in the military. According to the filing, Spec. Jeremy Hall received permission to distribute flyers around his base in Iraq for a meeting of atheists and non-Christians. When he tried to convene the meeting, Hall says, Maj. Paul Welborne stepped in, threatening to file military charges against Hall and block his reenlistment."
I think it is key here to look at the language that the MRFF is using. While Hall is an atheist, they are specifically including "non-Christians" in this mix, which includes Pagans, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, and any other "non-Christian" faith. Allowing them to file numerous lawsuits (which they threaten to do), and draw on much larger body of evidence.
"Since he launched his watchdog organization nearly two years ago, Weinstein's web site has been bombarded by over 5,000 active duty and retired soldiers, many of whom served or serve in Iraq, who pleaded for the Foundation's help as they were pressured by their commanding officers to convert to Christianity, or face other consequences."
Which raises the question, how soon before the MRFF subpoenas evidence relating to the alleged anti-Pagan documents from the VA, or material relating to Don Larsen's convenient "catch-22" that effectively blocked him from being approved as the first Pagan chaplain. Will Pagan issues within the military get wrapped up in the MRFF's larger struggle?
Labels: atheism, Chaplaincy, law, litigation, Military, Military Religious Freedom Foundation, Paganism, Religion, Religious Freedom, Veteran Pentacle Quest
9.12.2007
Standing Up, Being Heard
The O.C. Register has a profile up of Orange County Witch Yvonne Conway, national spokesperson for the Covenant of the Goddess, who was recently involved (along with COG) in the fight to get the US Department of Veterans Affairs to include the Pentacle on grave markers and tombstones.
"Conway is the national spokesperson for the Berkley-based witchcraft organization Covenant of the Goddess. She may also be Orange County's most prominent witch. The 37-year-old Huntington Beach native organizes three Meetup.com social networking groups for Orange County witches, pagans and ghost enthusiasts ... In 2008, she will help co-host a four day national conference on witchcraft near Yucaipa. As a fully "out-of-the-broom-closet" witch, Coway says her job is to put a public face on Wicca, the pagan faith she estimates up to 1,000 Orange County residents practice."
Conway represents a newer generation of Pagan leaders who are transcending the limiting politics of lockstep unity and are instead helping to build strong coalitions around issues that diverse Pagan and Heathen groups care about (like our religious symbols on Veteran grave markers).
"It's tough for (wiccans) to find a way to work together ... But this was about prejudice and being treated like second class citizens or less because of our religious beliefs. There was absolutely no controversy."
The Veteran Pentacle Quest is now evolving and moving forward to work towards the approval of Heathen and Druid symbols, something that activists like Yvonne Conway will no doubt be involved in.
Labels: activism, California, COG, Paganism, Veteran Pentacle Quest, Wicca, Yvonne Conway
9.03.2007
(Pagan) News of Note
My semi-regular round-up of articles, essays, and opinions of note for discerning Pagans and Heathens.
The Record takes a look at the spread of Santeria in the ranks of Major League Baseball, and interviews Chicago White Sox Manager Ozzie Guillen about his public devotion to the Orisha.
"If you see my saints, you'll be like 'Golly, they're ugly ... They've got blood. They've got feathers. You go to the Catholic church, the (saints) have got real nice clothes. My religion, you see a lot of different things you never see."
The article lists MLB players Los Angeles Angels pitcher Francisco Rodriguez, Florida Marlins third baseman Miguel Cabrera, and the White Sox's pitcher Jose Contreras as active adherents to Santeria, while Cincinnati Reds shortstop Alex Gonzalez and Chicago Cubs infielder Ronny Cedeno have reportedly "experimented" with the faith. Sort of puts a whole new spin on post-game prayer doesn't it?
Over at Get Religion, Terry Mattingly looks at the latest round of news stories in the Veteran Pentacle Quest (involving the President's snub and subsequent apology to Roberta Stewart) and wonders where the conservative Christian religious groups and activists were during this fight over religious liberties?
"Did conservative religious groups take a stand on one side or the other in this case, or where they divided? I think many journalists would assume that conservative believers oppose the Wiccan case. I do not think that can be assumed, because many conservatives now realize that equal access means equal access and freedom of association means freedom of association."
But as commenters on the post (including me) pointed out, many conservative Christians have an irrational reaction to religious liberty and freedom cases involving Pagans. One conservative Republican Pagan was given the cold shoulder every time he approached a popular conservative pundit, while a Wiccan Army veteran was told outright by the American Center for Law and Justice they they "don't support Satanists". Kind of hard to build coalitions for a common goal with people who want nothing to do with you.
For those keeping track of China's recent move to ban unauthorized reincarnations (in order to lessen the influence of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile), the leaders of Tibetan Buddhism have issued a joint statement repudiating China's attempt to control the "living buddhas".
"The heads of all the religious schools of Tibetan Buddhism; the monks, nuns, mantra holders and other lay followers of the respective schools and the Department of Religion and Culture of the Central Tibetan Administration collectively issue this statement repudiating the so-called order no. 5 of China's State Administration of Religious Affairs that it is against the United Nation's Declaration of Human Rights and the PRC's constitution; that it is against history and the aspiration of the broad masses of people who believe in Tibetan Buddhism. Furthermore, it is a new weapon employed by the Chinese government to undermine Tibetan Buddhism, and to insult and oppress the Tibetan people."
Calls continue to either boycott, or use the Olympics to place pressure on China to respect the religious freedoms of the Tibetan people. Meanwhile tensions rise over what will happen once the current Dalai Lama passes on. Since the true Panchen Lama (the second-highest ranking lama) is being held by China, many believe that Ugyen Thinley Dorje, the 17th Karmapa will rise to leadership during the Dalai Lama's absence.
In a final note, the lottery win of Ellwood "Bunky" Bartlett continues to gain attention. Boing Boing opines: "Dude, talk about blessed be." The SoMA Review wonders if some lottery hopefuls might consider a conversion: "Christians who pray for lucky lottery tickets but never win might consider switching over to Wicca." But perhaps a truly fitting statement comes from a friend of Bunky's, who opens a post on her friend's win with: "And people say that Magick doesn't work."
That is all I have for now, have a good (Labor) day!
Labels: Baseball, Dalai Lama, Ellwood "Bunky" Bartlett, Get Religion, Paganism, reincarnation, Roberta Stewart, Santeria, Terry Mattingly, Tibet, Veteran Pentacle Quest, Wicca
8.30.2007
Bush Apologizes For Snub
It looks like the negative backlash over the President's "oversight" of not inviting Wiccan widow Roberta Stewart, but inviting her husband's extended family to a private meeting, has resulted in an apology call from the President.
"Fernley resident Roberta Stewart, widow of Wiccan soldier Sgt. Patrick Stewart, received an apology from President Bush Thursday morning for not being invited to meet with him during a recent visit by the president to Reno. Stewart received a message from White House staff Thursday morning asking her to return a call from President Bush. After receiving the message, Stewart said she called the White House and was patched directly to the president. During a seven-minute phone conversation, the president extended his apologies for all Stewart's grief over nearly two years since her husband Sgt. Patrick Stewart's death in Afghanistan in September 2005. Bush asked Stewart to accept his apology for the oversight, she said. Bush said he admired Stewart hoped they would meet someday. He seemed truly sincere as he apologized, she said, accepting his apology. "I am happy that I was able to speak with him and hope that now I can truly move forward and close this chapter," said Stewart."
No word on if Stewart asked Bush why her husband was dishonored by his administration, as she said she would if able to meet the President. But still, it is nice to see George Bush do the right thing and apologize. If this private chat with a modern Pagan represents a new attitude towards modern Pagan political concerns remains to be seen.
ADDENDUM: American's United has a press release out on the apology. When Stewart was asked if the Wiccan religion was touched on in their conversation, she replied that Bush said "he would not discriminate against someone because of their religion." Let's hope that statement holds true for Bush and his administration from now on.
Labels: Bush, Military, Paganism, Patrick Stewart, Roberta Stewart, Veteran Pentacle Quest, Wicca, Witchcraft
The Shunning of a Wiccan Widow
It seems that our President isn't one to forgive a political loss, or make nice with religious minorities, even if they are they are married to a soldier killed in the war on terror.
"When President Bush took time Tuesday to meet family members of some of the fallen soldiers from Northern Nevada, a woman whose husband made the ultimate sacrifice was notably absent. Roberta Stewart of Fernley, who lost her husband, Sgt. Patrick Stewart, when the helicopter he was in was shot down in Afghanistan in September 2005, said she was not invited to the meeting that followed Bush's speech to the American Legion's national convention in Reno. Other members of the Stewart family were invited to the brief, private meeting, including her husband's parents and brother, as were family members of others who have been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan."
For those not up on current events in Pagandom, Roberta Stewart is the woman who successfully challenged the government on allowing the Pentacle on veteran's gravestones and markers (after her husband's grave marker was initially denied a requested Pentacle emblem). It seems that George "witchcraft isn't a religion" Bush is petty enough to snub war-widows (while inviting the rest of the family) if they don't meet his personal criteria of allegiance (or he just hates Wiccans that much), a behavior that Americans United director Rev. Barry W. Lynn called "shabby".
"The president should issue an apology to Roberta Stewart ... She stood courageously for religious freedom for all soldiers, and the president was wrong to treat her so shabbily ... President Bush seems to be continuing a pattern of hostility toward the Wiccan faith ... That's an outrage."
As for Stewart, she isn't surprised at the snub, and guesses that Bush wanted to avoid criticism for his part in blocking approval of the Pentacle.
"I would have loved to have spoken to President Bush and ask him why he dishonored my husband. That's probably why I wasn't invited."
I sincerely doubt that any apology will be forthcoming, Bush has made his distaste for Pagan religion and deserved criticism (even in private) quite clear. But this would be an excellent chance for any of the Presidential candidates (Republican or Democrat) to weigh in on this issue, and rise above such small-minded partisanship and religious bigotry. As for the Veteran Pentacle Quest, a coalition has formed to work on getting the Thor's Hammer and Druid's Awen approved next, and any military families involved in this campaign now know what behavior to expect from the Bush administration.
ADDENDUM: A Department of Defense official claims it was an "unfortunate oversight" and not an intended snub, but AU director Rev. Barry Lynn isn't buying the excuse saying "so called oversights often cover up a multitude of sins."
Labels: AU, Bush, Military, Paganism, Patrick Stewart, politics, Rev. Barry Lynn, Roberta Stewart, Veteran Pentacle Quest, Wicca, Witchcraft
7.25.2007
(Pagan) News of Note
My semi-regular round-up of articles, essays, and opinions of note for discerning Pagans and Heathens.
For those keeping track of the July 4th Pagan Religious Rights Rally that took place in Washington DC, one of the participants: Caroline Kenner, has posted a write-up of the event at the Witches Voice web site.
"Finally after all these months, we were listening to brave speeches about freedom of religion, and the need for a Pagan chaplain in the military, the need for Thor’s Hammer and the Druid Awen symbol to be recognized by the VA as the Pentacle has been. We had a diverse roster of speakers representing many national Pagan organizations: The Troth, Asatru Folk Assembly, Military Pagan Network, Sacred Well Congregation, Ar nDraoicht Fein and Circle Sanctuary. It was inspiring to see so many diverse Pagans working together, people with very different beliefs, practices and deities sharing a common purpose."
You can read all my coverage of the rally and related news articles, here.
Having exhausted all other angles, Christianity Today asks the question: what would Jonathan Edwards (the prominent colonial-era fire-and-brimstone preacher) do about Harry Potter?
"So there we have it. The most engrossing imaginative world created at the start of the 21st century is essentially pagan. Don't get me wrong - I like the Harry Potter series. I've read all of the books. And I'm sure Jonathan Edwards would have done so, too ... That doesn't mean I shouldn't read it. Nor does it mean that Edwards would disapprove of us learning from it (light from wherever it comes), but (borrowing from more recent intellectual heroes like Lewis or Tolkien) it does mean that if the world's imagination is captured by Potter-esque versions of the afterlife and the transcendent - a less-than-Christian way of looking at the world - we have work to do. The imagination is a hairbreadth away from the soul."
The article seems to call for a "Christian" Harry Potter to "rescue" the souls imperiled by their runaway imaginations, but the next C.S. Lewis seems less likely than ever in our ever more polarized society. In other Harry Potter news, James Dobson does not approve!
A new shopping center in Britain has seemingly changed its proposed name after a coven of Witches, unhappy with the proposed Witchy-sounding name of Highcross Quarter, registered the domain names first and refused to sell.
"A coven of elderly witches has claimed victory in a battle to change the name of a £350-million (about R4,9-billion) shopping centre. They objected after developer Hammerson announced a huge addition to Leicester's Shires mall would be called Highcross Quarter. That's the name given by witches to the four most important periods in the "wicca" calendar ... Once the name was announced, the witches immediately registered several Internet domain names using the term. Morrigan Wisecraft, a witch from Loughborough, said she was contacted by Hammerson within days of registering the domain names last year. She claimed the group was offered large amounts of money to part with the titles, before Hammerson took the matter to the United Nations' World Intellectual Property Organisation. Now the company has appeared to have given up on the fight but would not comment on whether pressure from the local "alternative faith group" was behind a decision to change the name."
I'm not sure if I would claim this as a "victory" for Pagans, it isn't as if "highcross quarter" is a term used solely by Pagan groups. The case seems to come very close to "cybersquatting" under the protection of religion. It brings up a larger question, do modern Pagans "own" or have rights to things we label as sacred, even if those things have other uses or contexts?
Xtra profiles the spiritual and emotional reasons behind GLBT folks' tattoos, revealing some very "pagan" ideas in the ink. [Warning: a couple of the photos may be NSFW]
"My tattoos are dedicated to my spiritual development ... [The goddess] is a higher power, the beginning of life and death, and of knowledge. I got that the same year I had my first relationship with a girl. Coming here from the Ukraine I was pretty repressed. There was no such thing as gay or lesbian, or drug use, none that was open. I wasn't exposed to any of that growing up. [The goddess] represents woman, with mothering and birth. She has two horns and goat feet so she can be perceived as Pan, a male god. That is my take on two sides."
In a final note, part two of a the three-part podcast interview with author/Witch/activist Thorn Coyle has been posted. You can find part one, here.
That is all I have for now, have a good day!
Labels: Harry Potter, Highcross Quarter, Jonathan Edwards, Paganism, tattoo, Thorn Coyle, UK, Veteran Pentacle Quest, Wicca, Witchcraft
7.07.2007
Pagan Rally Follow-Up
As readers of this blog may know, there was a large Pagan rally in Washington D.C. on July 4th to celebrate the Veteran Pentacle Quest win, and to work towards true Pagan equality within the military.
"Help us voice a further agenda for Pagan Religious Rights: We want a Pagan chaplain in the U.S. Armed Forces. And we need to keep the focus on the Department of Veterans Affairs to accept Thor's Hammer, religious emblem of the Asatruar, and the Druids' Awen symbol ... While we have won the quest for the Veterans' Pentacle, the Pentacle is a single victory in the longer campaign for universal religious freedom. We need to hold a clear intent: we want to further the free expression of all religions, Pagan and otherwise. And we need to send that message now, while America still remembers that a department of the federal government systematically denied Wiccan soldiers their full rights."
In the days that have followed there have been some reports from the event, news stories, and other media of interest to people following this new pan-Pagan effort. First off, Stars and Stripes ran a very nice article about a dedication ceremony for the first Pentacle-incribed headstone at Arlington National Cemetary.
"The Rev. Selena Fox said Wednesday wasn't the first time she visited a Wiccan's grave site at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. It was just the first time one was identified that way. "This is the first time the Christian cross and Wiccan pentacle have both been engraved on a tombstone here, and it's great news for us," said the senior minister of Circle Sanctuary, a Wisconsin Wiccan community. "It's recognition we've fought for for so long." On Wednesday Fox, members of her congregation and other pagans held a consecration ceremony at the grave site of Jan Deanna, a Wiccan minister who passed away more than two years ago."
The Rev. Barry Lynn (executive director for Americans United) interviewed several participants in the July 4th rally for his radio show "Culture Shocks". Guests included Diana Paxson, Rev. J. Michael Akins, Rev.Selena Fox and Caroline Kenner. You can download an Mp3 of the entire show at this link.
Finally, author and ritualist Diana Paxson has also written an initial post-mortem of the rally on her blog.
"I'm still pretty jazzed by how well the Pagan Religious Rights Rally in Lafayette Square Park (across from the White House!) came off. This was a real pagan interfaith operation, and provided an opportunity to do some extremely useful networking regarding heathen military work..."
She (and AFA head Steve McNallen) are now looking for a relative of a deceased Heathen veteran so they can start the process of applying for the Thor's Hammer symbol for military headstones and markers.
"I also had the chance to talk to Steve McNallen. One thing we all agree on is that the Hammer should be added to the VA list of faith-symbols, however for that to happen, someone's kin have to apply for a tombstone. Our gods have been taking very good care of our serving personnel, and I'd like that situation to continue, so what we need is to find the next-of-kin of a deceased veteran who served in an earlier war who is willing to petition the VA for a heathen tombstone. If anyone knows of such a person, I can put them in touch with those who will be able to tell them what to do next."
So it looks like this rally has given an important start to further activism towards expanding the freedoms afforded modern Pagans within the military (and in general). As always, if you know of any pictures or reports from the rally please post about them in the comments.
Labels: AU, Culture Shocks, Diana Paxson, Military, Rev. Barry Lynn, Thor's Hammer, Veteran Pentacle Quest
7.05.2007
Updates on Past Stories
Living Goddess loses status. 10-year-old Nepalese Kumari (living goddess) Sajani Shakya has had her status revoked for traveling to the United States. Shakya was traveling to promote a new documentary about the Kumari in Nepal, when word came from the Nepalese government that they would begin the process to look for a replacement due to her "forbidden" action. Ishbel Whitaker, the director of the documentary, claims that this rule never existed before now and that this is most likely a political move.
"Ishbel Whitaker, director of the film "Living Goddess" said she was shocked and saddened by this news and would make sure the girl's education was provided for. "The rule of not being able to leave was never a rule before.... Nobody ever said the Kumari can't travel" she said by telephone from London. Whitaker said they filmed in Bhaktapur for a year. "We had been speaking with people we felt were authorities, and now these others are claiming they are," she said. The film crew consulted anthropologists, the head priests of Sajani's temple and her parents, the director said. And she said the Nepalese Embassy helped arrange Sajani's trip to the U.S."
It should be interesting to see what further developments take place due to all the publicity placed on this tradition. Luckily Sajani Shakya will be well-cared in the wake of her losing her Kumari status, though it remains to be seen if the parents will appeal this decision. You can read my original post about the living goddesses and the documentary, here.
Witch School's new home. Now that the Witch School has been sold (and shares sold in the "new" corporation), and they have closed up shop in Hoopeston, Illinois, they have decided on their brand new home. Rossville, Illinois.
"After four years, a Wiccan school is leaving Hoopeston, but it's not going far. This week, the new owners will be moving the school into its new location at 117 S. Chicago St. in downtown Rossville. "We're very happy to go to Rossville," said Don Lewis, the chief executive officer of and majority shareholder in Witch School International ... Lewis, who lives in Hoopeston but will be moving to Rossville, said people in Hoopeston showed support to the school, but some in the city government and the local power structure did not. "And I'm hoping the people of Rossville will not have any preconceived ideas about us, and come out and meet us," he said. "They will find we are normal people. Everyone we've talked to so far in Rossville has been nice." Just this week, Witch School International purchased the building in Rossville, which formerly housed the business Gift Baskets By Wilma."
With Rossville's estimated population of 1270 (and shrinking), perhaps Witch School will finally achieve their dreams of building a "Salem of the Midwest". Though it may be hard to convince a couple thousand modern Pagans to move to a tiny town an hour's drive from the nearest modern amenities. You can read previous Witch School-related posts, here.
Pagan Rally in Washington. I don't have any major follow-ups on the rally that took place yesterday, but the On Faith blog has posted several more responses to their panelist question concerning Pagan chaplains, the Washington rally, and if you would vote for a Pagan politician. Not surprisingly, people like Chuck Colson are against the rights of Pagans, while Starhawk is emphatically pro-Pagan.
"I'm cheering for my Pagan sisters and brothers who are demonstrating on this Fourth of July for the right to have a Pagan chaplain in the military. Our constitution, which they have volunteered to defend, grants us the freedom of religion. That doesn’t mean "freedom of any religion we approve of but not those that make us uncomfortable or that we've never heard of." It means freedom to follow the calling of one's own faith and conscience."
As I said in yesterday's post, please let me know if any photos or write-ups of the rally appear, this is an important story and I want to follow it fully. For more posts on this subject (and on the Veteran Pentacle Quest) click, here.
Frosts Effigy Controversy. My original post discussing AJ Drew's plans to destroy effigies of the Frosts, for writings that many feel promote pedophilia, has garnered more comments than any other on this blog (100 total and counting). Now AJ Drew himself is participating in the back and forth.
"The Frosts are promoted by Pagan Pride, Starwood, Sirius Rising, Brushwood, and other events. They are promoted by Patricia Telesco, Isaac Bonewitz, and other leading authors. Even Janet and Stewart Farrar made a video with Gavin Frost in which they called each other friends for decades. My plan to sacrifice them in effigy at this year's International Real Witches Ball will bring attention to this. People who do not know, will know. They will no longer be able to hide the monsters that they are and those who supported them these many years will be shown for the money minded self promoting business as usual authors and organizations that they are."
Since the original post is moving off the front page, I am posting links to the comment thread(s) so people can find the discussion and participate if they want. HERE are the Haloscan comments (which comprises the bulk of the comments), and HERE are the Blogger commments. Please try to remain civil, I'm pretty open-minded about comments, but I will not hesitate to delete anything that I think crosses a line (threats, intimidation, personal attacks).
That is all I have for now, have a good day.
Labels: AJ Drew, Gavin and Yvonne Frost, Kumari, Living Goddess, On Faith, Paganism, Veteran Pentacle Quest, Wicca, Witch School
7.04.2007
The Pagans Are Rallying!
This Independence Day, a Pagan rally is being held in Washington D.C. celebrating the recent victory to have the Pentacle symbol approved by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and to push forward an agenda of true Pagan equality in the eyes of the U.S. government.
"Join us to celebrate a major victory for Pagan Religious Rights, now that we have secured the Veterans' Pentacle! Help us voice a further agenda for Pagan Religious Rights: We want a Pagan chaplain in the U.S. Armed Forces. And we need to keep the focus on the Department of Veterans Affairs to accept Thor's Hammer, religious emblem of the Asatruar, and the Druids' Awen symbol ... While we have won the quest for the Veterans' Pentacle, the Pentacle is a single victory in the longer campaign for universal religious freedom. We need to hold a clear intent: we want to further the free expression of all religions, Pagan and otherwise. And we need to send that message now, while America still remembers that a department of the federal government systematically denied Wiccan soldiers their full rights."
Speaking at the rally with be representatives from Circle Sanctuary, The Troth, The Military Pagan Network, The ADF, Sacred Well Congregation, Asatru Folk Assembly, and the Rev. Barry Lynn of Americans United for Separation of Church and State. This well-orchestrated gathering begins at noon and culminates with a ritual lead by author and Steerswoman of the Troth Diana Paxson that will invoke the Founding Fathers to guard our religious freedoms.
"The people who created this country were pioneers and rebels, risking their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor, to establish a nation in which everyone was free to find his or her own path. The least we can do, especially when it is so much to our own advantage, is to carry on the work that they began."
News of the rally is already starting to spread, and The Washington Posts' On Faith blog has devoted their July 4th panelist questions to the issues brought up by this Pagan rally. Most interestingly, is the question of if they would vote for a Pagan politician, the answers may surprise you.
"I am less interested in whether a candidate agrees with me on theology than whether he or she agrees with me on public policy. Our founding fathers had a great respect for the Roman republic. I like them would be very tempted to vote for a pagan like Cicero if he were running for office today." - Thomas J. Reese, Jesuit Priest and editor of the Catholic weekly magazine "America".
"When it comes to choosing candidates, my approach is on the basis of issues, not identities. If a pagan candidate takes stances that I agree with, I would have no hesitation voting for him or her. The same goes for a candidate from any other religion or for an atheist candidate." - Pamela K. Taylor, co-founder of Muslims for Progressive Values
Also adding to the discussion is rally participant Diana Paxson, who is a "guest voice" to the On Faith blog.
"America has always been noted for creativity, in religion as in all else. Each new faith, whether immigrant or homegrown, enriches our culture. Today, when Buddhist temples and Islamic mosques may be found in many parts of the U.S., one might wonder why the VA denied a Wiccan veteran the right to have a pentacle on his headstone for ten years, and the Army has still not hired a Pagan chaplain. Paganism does not seek to replace other religions, but Pagan perspectives can revitalize the ways in which we relate to our history, our ancestors, and especially, in this time of climate crisis, to the environment. Rather than resisting, America should welcome the Pagan contribution to our cultural diversity."
I would love to hear reports from the rally, numbers? Pictures? Personal accounts? Send them to my e-mail address or post about it here in the comments. I would love to do a follow-up of what is sure to be a successful event. Have a happy and safe 4th of July, and let everyone's freedom ring!
Labels: Asatru, AU, Circle Sanctuary, Diana Paxson, Druidry, On Faith, The Troth, Veteran Pentacle Quest, Wicca
6.09.2007
Checking In With The Pagan Military
Stars and Stripes profiles a military Pagan study group on a base in Japan. The article shows that (some) Pagans in the military are becoming less shy about asking for the same privileges granted to other faith groups.
"At a base that's 75 percent Christian - a proportion generally found across the military - Misawa's Pagan community is striving to be treated like any other religious group on base. "I want to get to the point where you can say Pagan or Wicca and not get a bad reaction," said Staff Sgt. Katie McDaniel, 31, a Wiccan ... In a meeting last week they requested with Chaplain Lt. Col. Steven Nicolai, six group members asked for the same base exposure afforded other religious groups to publicize their weekly meetings."
The chaplaincy seems somewhat hesitant about this call for equal treatment, but at least recognizes that the Pagans have a legal right to assemble and speak (even if they have yet to be listed on the base's chaplaincy page).
"It all goes back to the First Amendment," he [Chaplain Lt. Col. Steven Nicolai] said. "On the one hand, the government cannot establish a religion. But on the other hand, the government can also not prohibit people from assembling, and they can worship as they please. Just the fact that they walk into my office, say we have a need, we look at it."
But while advances are being made, the military is still not giving ground on some issues, like appointing a Pagan military chaplain. Aside from the disgraceful "catch-22" denial of Don Larsen's application, it seems everyone has a different answer on why a Pagan (who meets the education and training requirements) can't become a chaplain.
"There are no Pagan chaplains in the U.S. military. McDaniel said she inquired about becoming one but was told there was no precedent. 35th Fighter Wing chaplain Lt. Col. Steven Nicolai said the earth religions don't have a standardized theological training process."
Despite these setbacks, equal treatment within the military is one cause that a large coalition of Pagan groups (military or otherwise) can get behind, and we may soon see more legal pressure for the appointment of a Pagan chaplain. This, along with a growing sense of pride among Pagan soldiers seem to point to future advances in equal treatment.
"We put ourselves out there ... We represent ourselves in a certain way. We wear certain jewelry. We have certain things in our home, and it's not to be in your face. That's just the way we choose to live our faith and our path. It is obviously going to draw questions. It's a good thing. If someone wants to know, they'll ask ... and if not, merry part, be on your way."
With the momentum that is building, perhaps we'll see a Pagan chaplain, and greater recognition of Pagan soldiers, sooner than we expect.
Labels: Military, Pagan Soldiers, Paganism, Veteran Pentacle Quest, Wicca
5.28.2007
A Pagan Memorial Day
Today is Memorial Day, when the United States honors its war dead. But this year, in addition to the parades, patriotic speeches, and backyard barbecues, modern Pagans are celebrating a victory for the veterans, widows, and family members who fought for equal recognition.
"Since Korean War veteran Jerome Birnbaum died in 2005, his grave in a pagan cemetery had been marked with only a pile of stones and U.S. flags. On Memorial Day, Birnbaum's grave and those of other military veterans will be dedicated with government-issued markers etched with a symbol of their religion - the Wiccan pentacle. Wiccans sued the government last year, arguing that it was unduly stalling a decision on whether to add the pentacle to the list of acceptable symbols for veterans' graves. A settlement between the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Wiccans added the five-pointed star to the list of "emblems of belief." "I like to see our success literally etched in stone, because it will be," said Birnbaum's wife, Karen DePolito. She said winning the fight is vindication for all Wiccans."
Today at Circle Sanctuary near Madison, Wisconsin a ceremony honoring America's first Memorial Day dedication of Wiccan veteran gravestones with pentacles will take place.
"The Dedication will honor the lives and service of three Wiccan veterans, consecrate their markers, support religious freedom for all, and celebrate the successful conclusion of the ten year quest to have the Wiccan emblem of belief, the Pentacle, added to the US Department of Veterans Affairs' list of emblems of belief that be included on the veteran grave markers it issues."
The Rev. Barry W. Lynn, executive director, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, who helped successfully litigate this case, has issued some remarks on this momentous occasion.
"This is, of course, a solemn occasion. You have gathered to dedicate these markers to fallen loved ones - heroes who died in the service of their nation. But while we must acknowledge our grief, we must also understand that we have reasons today to feel empowered about what has been accomplished. Today's event is a momentous occasion - and it's one that could not have taken place even two months ago. As you stand and look at the markers that commemorate the lives and sacrifices of your loved ones, bearing the symbol of their faith that you worked so hard to get placed there, you have many reasons to feel proud."
So here is to the Pagan men and women who have served our country in peacetime and war, and especially to those who have paid the highest price for their service by giving their lives. While no victory such as this can restore a life, or fill the deep well of sorrow that such a loss brings about, it is always a noble thing to properly honor and respect those who have gone beyond this world. Have a good Memorial Day.
Labels: Memorial Day, Pagan Soldiers, Paganism, Veteran Pentacle Quest, Wicca
5.23.2007
Veteran Pentacle: The Next Step
Now that the VA has settled its suit, and the Pentacle symbol for veteran's grave stones and markers has been approved, Pagan leaders and activists are focusing on the next steps.
"We have seen how long it took to get the Pentacle. Surely we can manifest continued focus on Pagan religious rights issues, so that we don't wait another ten years for our next victory. We need to voice a further agenda for Pagan religious rights now, while America still remembers that a department of the federal government stonewalled the Pentacle for political reasons. And we need to voice our demand for religious freedom publicly, and invite the media to attend as well ... Now that we have won the Pentacle, there are many other issues to put forward. Advocating a military chaplain in the U.S. Armed Forces is one of the most pressing issues. Adding the symbols of more Pagan denominations to those religious emblems approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs is another vital issue."
A mass-rally and ritual is being planned for July 4th in Lafayette Square Park, in front of the White House and catty-corner to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Speaking about the need for a Pagan military chaplain will be Rev. J. Michael Akins, executive director of the Military Pagan Network and Marci Drewry from the Sacred Well Congregation. The Sacred Well Congregations (based in Texas) was recently dealt a setback in the quest for a Pagan military chaplain when a perfect candidate was sabotaged through military "catch-22s".
"On July 6, [Don Larsen] applied to become the first Wiccan chaplain in the U.S. armed forces, setting off an extraordinary chain of events. By year's end, his superiors not only denied his request but also withdrew him from Iraq and removed him from the chaplain corps, despite an unblemished service record...Larsen, 44, blames only himself. He said he was naive to think he could switch from Pentecostalism to Wicca in the same way that chaplains routinely change from one Christian denomination to another."
In addition to rallying for a Pagan chaplain, representatives from A Druid Fellowship (ADF), The Troth, and the Asatru Folk Assembly will be present to ramp up efforts to have two more modern Pagan symbols approved for military headstones and markers. The Thor's Hammer, and the Awen.
"Steve McNallen of the Asatru Folk Assembly will speak about Thor's Hammer: 'Modern-day Asatru has a very high percentage of veterans. We've worn the hammer amulet into combat. It's only right that the same symbol be on our headstones.' Rev. Skip Ellison, Archdruid of Ar nDraoicht Fein, will speak about the Druids' Awen symbol. Skip points out 'It is important to remember that freedom of religion means freedom for all religions to worship as they choose.' Diana L. Paxson [from The Troth], acclaimed author and Pagan Elder, will lead us in circle as we invoke the Founders of Our Nation. This will be the first public Pagan ritual in Lafayette Square Park, in the President's front yard."
Also, the Rev. Barry W. Lynn, executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State and Selena Fox from Circle Sanctuary will be there to talk about the Veteran Pentacle victory.
"Selena proposes continued unity of action among diverse Pagan groups for religious liberty: "United We Stand. United We Win!" Selena and her Pagan rights group the Lady Liberty League will continue the struggle on behalf of all Pagans nationally."
It is heartening to see such unity of purpose among these groups. The victory over the government on the Pentacle issue seems to have galvanized the larger modern Pagan community into action, especially now that winning doesn't seem so far-fetched. One wonders how much larger this coalition will get, will we see more reconstructionist groups join in, or larger eclectic Pagan associations like the Fellowship of Isis? In any event, it looks like these Pagan groups are smartly building on the momentum and press already generated by the Veteran Pentacle Quest, and may give rise to greater cooperation among our diverse faiths in future religious rights cases.
Labels: Asatru, Druidry, Paganism, Veteran Pentacle Quest, Wicca
4.29.2007
(Pagan) News of Note
My semi-regular round-up of articles, essays, and opinions of note for discerning Pagans and Heathens.
The First Amendment Center has written a nice opinion piece explaining why the veteran pentacle victory is so important to the principles of our country.
"...religious diversity in America goes far beyond the "Protestant, Catholic, Jewish" description of the nation popular in the 1950s ... As the religious playing field grows more crowded, the only way to avoid conflict and litigation is for the government to enforce the First Amendment ground rules without favoring one religion over others - or religion over non-religion. It doesn't matter whether the group is Wicca, Summum or any of the other hundreds of faiths in the United States, government officials are supposed to stay neutral toward religion. And that means - to invoke a virtue we learned in kindergarten - be fair to all."
The Chronicle Herald spotlights a local Canadian artist who turned to Goddess worship during a time of crisis and has in turn created a series of goddess-oriented quilts now on display at a local museum gallery.
"Gregory called the process 'a different way of looking at feminine power. Women have to learn about their power. At one point, women were recognized as the source of power, but that power has been denigrated by patriarchy. We're trying to go back to how power symbols were used by women before they were distorted by patriarchy.' But Gregory insists her desire to educate and encourage women through feminist art is not anti-male. She said she wants her husband and her son to be comfortable in the gallery."
Michael Pye at The Scotsman reviews "Dancing in the Streets: A History of Collective Joy" by Barbara Ehrenreich, and takes issue with her interpretation of pre-Christian religion.
"...the silliest cliche' in the book: "Dionysus was the first rock star." Since later Ehrenreich will acknowledge Bill Haley in that role ... The next stop is, of course, Jesus, and whether he was confused with Dionysus by his first followers. The answer, as with anything in the first 350 muddled years of church history, is: 'yes' and 'no'. But it's quite a leap from Saint Paul asking women to keep their heads covered in church - a convention of Middle Eastern modesty, Jewish, Muslim or Christian - to assuming Paul really meant they shouldn't toss their long hair about in ecstatic dance. That theory demands a resounding: 'Maybe.'"
You can read my original post on this book, here.
For those wanting more Bjork background after my blog articles discussing her pagan inclinations, the New York Times has a lengthy interview concerning her new album and the process behind making it.
"Bjork, 41, describes 'Volta' as 'techno voodoo,' 'pagan,' 'tribal' and 'extroverted.' Those words barely sum up an album that mingles programmed beats, free-jazz drumming, somber brass ensembles, African music, a Chinese lute and Bjork's ever-volatile voice. It's a 21st-century assemblage of the computerized and the handmade, the personal and the global."
Finally, with Beltane coming up, different groups are making big plans. The Dolmen Grove near Dorset is burning a large Wicker Man during a Beltane festival this weekend.
"Dolmen Grove druids and witches are staging one of the biggest pagan festivals in England this weekend - complete with a giant wicker man made in a Weymouth garden. The figure plays a leading role in the Beltane Spirit of Rebirth Festival at Burnbake camp site near Corfe Castle when it will be burned as the high point of a fire ritual on Saturday night."
Meanwhile Edinburgh's Beltane Fire Festival, the biggest (and most colorful) Beltane celebration in the UK, prepares for their biggest year yet.
"It does become a bit crowded up there," acknowledges Renwick. "We have around 380 performers this year and it will be tight for them to move through the crowds, but many argue that is part of the experience. No matter how much the demand grows we'll never move from Calton Hill. It's integral to the festival and it's our home. Obviously it's fantastic that the support has been growing every year and it shows the public enjoy the event and want to keep it happening."
That is all I have for now, have a good day!
Labels: art, Barbara Ehrenreich, Beltane, Bjork, Pagan News of Note, Paganism, Veteran Pentacle Quest
4.25.2007
More Veteran Pentacle Fallout
The settlement of the veteran pentacle case continues to dominate the Pagan news (and news about Pagans). Now that it has been a couple days since the news first broke, more commentary is starting to emerge.
The Witches Voice (the largest Pagan site on the Internet) has posted commentary by Pete 'Pathfinder' Davis, Archpriest of The Aquarian Tabernacle Church of Wicca. Davis's church was involved in an ACLU lawsuit separate from the Americans Untied suit to get the pentacle marker approved.
"We here at the Aquarian Tabernacle Church of Wicca want also to acknowledge everyone, known to us or not, who has ever fired a shot in this long, drawn out battle over the last nine years, especially our own Scott Stearns (USN) who breathed new life into this struggle when it had reached its low point. They all deserve acknowledgment as the behind-the-scenes heavy lifters who paved smooth the road to success. So very many people wrote their legislators, senators and representatives, letters-to-the-editor and exerted subtle but persistent pressure in so very many ways we can never list. We can even thank our president for his offhanded anti-Wiccan remark some years ago in Texas, which helped us all win. When we all work together in a coordinated effort, we CAN move mountains!"
You can read the ACLU's press release on the issue, here.
Other Pagans who have commented on the win include Deborah Lipp, Yvonne Aburrow, Hecate, Chas Clifton, Joel Monka, John Williams, and Astrid at The Northern Path among many others.
Outside commentary has been emerging as well, the issue got a mention at The Revealer, and Dan Pulliam discusses the case for Get Religion. Pulliam complains that what should simply be a religious freedom issue has been swept up by politics.
"...unfortunately, the story has been swept up by politics when it is not clear that it was directly related to politics ... There seems to be good second-hand evidence that the VA's decision was indeed influenced by statements made by President Bush. But the terms of the settlement with the VA kept those documents from coming out. Call me a skeptic (because I am about most things), but as a reporter I would not be satisfied with that an answer."
Pulliam also quotes heavily from a blog post by Mark Oppenheimer at the Huffington Post who became completely distracted by one line of the New York Times coverage and goes off on a rant about the "absurd" historical claims concerning Wicca, and how journalists can't let them off the hook!
"But the very capable Neela Banerjee, who writes about religion frequently, makes one big mistake: Wicca is not "a type of pre-Christian belief that reveres nature and its cycles." As I and others have explained, Wicca is a 19th- and 20th-century invention with a creative backstory invented to lend it historical legitimacy."
Saying "a type of" can give an impression of "ancientness" but it is never overtly said or claimed in the article. Now perhaps "a type of" was the wrong phrasing, maybe "incorporates" or "inspired by" or "aspires to revive" should have been used instead, but the practice of polytheism can indeed by classified as a "type of pre-Christian belief" when used in the context of a religion that looks primarily to a pre-Christian Europe for inspiration. But those considerations matter little since Oppenheimer is someone with an ax to grind who has a history of dismissive attitudes towards modern Paganism and Wicca (maybe he can have tea with Charlotte Allen sometime).
For further negative backlash, About.com alternative religions blogger Jennifer Emick gives us a wrap-up of people less than pleased by the approved pentacle. But in general everyone
*Religious Internet giant Beliefnet hasn't covered the issue yet, feeling that cover stories on 'The Secret' and how to pray the Bible took precedence. Maybe next week.
Labels: Beliefnet, Get Religion, Mark Oppenheimer, Pagan Blogs, Paganism, The Revealer, Veteran Pentacle Quest, Wicca
4.24.2007
Dare We Call It Conspiracy?
While I'm pleased that victory has finally been accomplished in the Veteran Pentacle Quest, I was somewhat disappointed that the issue didn't go to court. Why? Because now we'll never have direct proof of anti-Wiccan/Pagan bias by VA officials. Before a trial begins a process of "discovery" happens in which both parties hand over (or are forced to hand over) documents and materials relevant to the case. Before the discovery process happened in this case the VA tried a stalling tactic.
"The VA argued in a motion filed Jan. 19 with the U.S. District Court in Madison that the lawsuit should be put on hold until after the department finalized its new rules related to accepting new grave marker symbols. That process could take up to 12 months but the VA would make a decision on the Wiccan request within a month after the process ended, the government's motion said. The Wiccans' attorney objected, arguing that nothing commits the VA to finalize its rules within that time frame, or take up the Wiccan request at all."
Luckily the judge sided with the plaintiffs and a trial date was set for June 29th 2007. The discovery phase moved forward. It was during this point that Americans United allegedly came across some damning evidence.
"Lawyers familiar with the case said that some documents suggested the VA had political motives for rejecting the pentacle ... During his first campaign for president, then-Texas Gov. George W. Bush told ABC's 'Good Morning America' in 1999 that he was opposed to Wiccan soldiers practicing their faith at Fort Hood, Tex. 'I don't think witchcraft is a religion, and I wish the military would take another look at this and decide against it,' he said. Lynn, of Americans United, said references to Bush's remarks appeared in memos and e-mails within the VA. 'One of the saddest things is to learn that this wasn't just a bureaucratic nightmare, there was a certain amount of bigotry,' he said. 'The president's wishes were interpreted at a pretty high level. . . . It became a political judgment, not a constitutional judgment.'"
Pagan academic Chas Clifton echoes these claims at this blog.
"From what I heard last November from the spouse of one of the lawyers involved, Americans United pretty well had the VA nailed for violating their own regulations and were counting on the potential embarrassment of a court trial to scare the VA into doing the right thing. It looks like that legal strategy worked."
But we will never get hard proof thanks to the terms of the settlement.
"The settlement stipulates, however, that the plaintiffs must not keep or disclose any documents handed over by the government during the discovery phase of the lawsuit."
Now the VA can claim the moral high ground by stating they settled "in the interest of the families involved", and to save the taxpayer's money. But if it was in the interest of "families involved" it certainly is a sea-change from the past nine years of struggles against the stonewalling tactics of the government agency. There is an illusion that our military is purely "secular", and while that may be true to a point, it doesn't acknowledge the very real persecutions and setbacks imposed upon openly Pagan soldiers by an overwhelmingly Christian (and conservative) chaplaincy and command structure.
So in my mind this victory is a bit bittersweet. I wish we could have gone farther in this case and gotten documents and testimony into the public records. I certainly don't blame AU, Circle Sanctuary, and the other plaintiffs for taking the settlement, it was the promise of a sure victory in a very long struggle. But I fear that government agencies will continue to use Bush's anti-Pagan comments as unwritten policy, an excuse to disenfranchise minority religions. As for the VA, one wonders what will happen when Asatru organizations start applying for a gravestone symbol.
Labels: Military, Paganism, Pentacle, Veteran, Veteran Pentacle Quest, Wicca
4.23.2007
Bush Administration Approves Pentacle
Earlier this morning Circle Sanctuary sent out an e-mail saying that there was going to be a big announcement regarding the Veteran Pentacle Quest.
"On Monday morning, April 23,2007 Americans United for Separation of Church and State (AU) will hold a national press conference in Washington, DC announcing a major development in its lawsuit against the US Department of Veterans Affairs for barring the inscription of the Wiccan religious symbol on government-issued memorial markers for deceased veterans."
Now the news has come forward that a settlement has been reached over addition of the Pentacle to the VA list of Emblems of Belief.
"The Bush administration has conceded that Wiccans are entitled to have the pentacle, the symbol of their faith, inscribed on government-issued memorial markers for deceased veterans, Americans United for Separation of Church and State announced today. The settlement agreement, filed today with the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin, brings to a successful conclusion a lawsuit Americans United brought against the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in November."
It seems the settlement had been reached after lawyers for Americans United uncovered clear and unambiguous evidence of bias towards the Wiccan faith on the part of the VA and the government.
"Americans United's attorneys uncovered evidence that the VA's refusal to recognize the Pentacle was motivated by bias toward the Wiccan faith. President George W. Bush, when he was governor of Texas, had opposed the right of Wiccans to meet at a military base in that state. Bush's opinion of Wiccans was taken into consideration when making decisions on whether to approve the Pentacle. 'Many people have asked me why the federal government was so stubborn about recognizing the Wiccan symbol,' said AU's Lynn. 'I did not want to believe that bias toward Wiccans was the reason, but that appears to have been the case. That's discouraging, but I'm pleased we were able to put a stop to it.'"
In other words, VA officials were taking statements against Wiccans made by Bush as a policy guideline when considering approving the Wiccan pentacle. One wonders what other military organizations are using such a "guideline" in their decisions regarding the rights of Wiccans and Pagans. It would certainly explain the discrimination that military chaplain Don Larsen faced in his attempt to become the first Pagan chaplain. But despite this very troubling revelation, one hopes this is just the start of a new day concerning the rights of Pagans in the military. Congratulations to Circle Sanctuary, Roberta Stewart, and Americans United. This is a great day!
Addendum: Coverage of the victory by CNN and MSNBC. Updated listing of approved symbols by the VA.
Labels: Pagan Soldiers, Paganism, Veteran Pentacle Quest
3.31.2007
Canadian Military Chaplains Leading the Way
In the ongoing struggle by Pagans in the American military to gain the same level of respect and treatment as other faiths, it seems the Canadian military is showing the way forward.
"Canadian Forces chaplains are in Afghanistan for everyone. Maj. Malcolm Berry smiles as he recalls being approached on the NATO base in Kandahar a few weeks ago by a group of soldiers of the Wiccan faith - a neo-pagan religion strongly tied to nature. "They wanted to welcome the spring in a ceremony where they are very thankful to Mother Earth and the new moon with pagan prayers," said Berry, the senior chaplain for Task Force Afghanistan. "We had no difficulty with that. We just didn't want them to do it 'sky-clad' (naked) in this environment because it would be too dangerous." The six Wiccans - a Canadian and five Americans - were invited to hold their service outside the Christian fellowship centre. They were given water, candles and food that they were welcomed to eat inside the centre after the ceremony. The Wiccans were treated with the same respect as any Roman Catholic, Protestant, Jew, Muslim, Hindu or Buddhist."
How refreshing! Pagan soldiers given the same treatment and options that any other faith group would receive. Now if our own government would follow suit and quit