How do you feel about the blatant persecution of Wiccans in the U.S.?

Question

For Example:

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs has not approved use of the pentacle in military cemeteries, although symbols of many other religions are permitted. (This policy came under renewed attack when Sgt. Patrick Stewart, a Wiccan soldier, was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2005. His widow has pressed for the inclusion of a pentacle to memorialise him at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

And

George W. Bush stated "I don't think witchcraft is a religion. I would hope the military officials would take a second look at the decision they made."

(Both from Wikipedia)

Wiccans haven't cause any harm to anyone, they've done nothing to deserve being mistreated. So is there a reason, other than ignorance, that they're being treated so badly? (I'm not even Wiccan myself...)

And here's another example:

In September 1985 some conservative Christian legislators introduced three pieces of legislation designed to take away the rights of Wiccans. The first one was House Resolution (H.R.) 3389 introduced September 19 by congressman Robert S. Walker (R-Penn.)

(Also from Wikipedia)

Answer 1

It's ignorance, plain and simple. And Bush doesn't get to make those rules, yet everyone seems to kiss right up to it, don't they? Though, the statement "witchcraft isn't a religion" is actually accurate... witchcraft isn't a religion... Wicca is religion... witchcraft is a tool/craft used by certain followers. Wicca IS a recognized religion in the US... therefore, the symbol of that religion should be recognized throughout the US as a legitimate religious symbol. Whether the common people like it or not.

If they don't allow the symbol, they need to remove all of the other religious symbols. Freedom of Religion covers everyone in the US, ESPECIALLY those who are fighting to uphold those freedoms. To ignore it is a crime in itself, imo.

Answer 2

I think Wiccans, Christians, & all other religions should feel lucky to live in countries such as the USA & Canada.

Moreover, if what you think what just described in your question as "persecution," then you obviously do not know what persecution is, nor, for that matter what religion **IS** the most persecuted in the entire world:

Christianity.

In countries where Christianity is a minority religion, they are most often persecuted. Christians live in fear for their very lives in countries where the predominant religions are either Islam, Hinduism, or even Buddhism. Likewise, in Communist countries, which are officially atheistic, Christians are not very safe.

Christians have been, murdered, raped & tortured all over the world.

Do your research, & you will learn something new. You will also learn what persecution really is.

Answer 3

I don't see it. Wicca is a small but growing religion, we do need to stand up for our beliefs, but also understand that the majority of people have pre-conceived notions of what a witch or wiccan is. As Wicca is a recognized religion now, the pentacle should be accepted for those who wish it on their grave stones, just as they wore it in life. However, I don't believe there is a great conspiracy squash religions other than Christianity. I know there those who wist to do so, but as long as we stand up for our beliefs, they will not win.

Answer 4

Government can provide religious freedom for so far as it identifies the religion. If the government does not recognize this religion, there is no persecution, per se. It's just rules.

This is the description of a government burial. If this spouse wanted to bury her husband in some other way, the U.S. government provides that option (at the family's expense, as I recall).

If you want to use a government service, you have to play by government rules. Maybe it doesn't make everyone happy, but that's goverment.

It sounds like your fight is to make this a legitimate religion recognized by the U.S. government. In the end, however, there is only one God - which makes this dialog just a wee bit futile.

May God bless you.

Answer 5

You seem to have forgotten the girl who was expelled from school simply because she drew a pentacle on her hand and the couple who is not allowed to teach their son their "non mainstream" religion and many others. Wicca is not persecuted as much as unknown and ignorance breeds fear and fear breeds violence. I have gotten my fair share of people calling me a devil worshipper but most people really dont know what Wiccans are or think its fine for me to practice whatever religion I want to. Blessed be.

Answer 6

Well I have been fired for my beliefs (which are near enough to Wiccan to be called that). So yes discrimination and persecution to some degree does occur.

Interesting about the tombstone thing is that there is a symbol for Atheists allowed (and a bunch of others) but not Pentagrams. This will eventually be found in favor of Stewart's family but really no reason for them to have to go through that.

Answer 7

Wicca is associated with witchcraft. Google the word wicca yourself. You will see. The symbols, the signs are all synonymous with witchcraft. This is the majority view. Most people that believe in God, believe that witchcraft deals with the occult and sorcery.
Most people believe that witchcraft is therefore demonic and pagan in origin.

Answer 8

Well, since you are only getting moronic answers I'll respond. I'm not Wiccan either. This is a first step in totally removing the wall of church and state. If they decide that one religion isn't good enough...then they can decide that all of them (including denominations of xtianity they don't like) have to go. We are losing religious freedom in this country quickly. They are picking on Wiccans and Pagans b/c it is seen as a fringe religion and most of its followers are underground....due to this very persecution.

BTW - for the record...they don't even believe in the devil therefore they can not worship him.

Answer 9

i never advocate violence toward another human being due to religion, however you are forgetting all other religions and the attack on christianity as well. There are cases all over the united states of the removal of the ten commandments from the courthouse walls because they are considered "religious" these are words of "thou shalt not kill" and "thou shalt not lie" exactly the words that criminals need to see when entering a courtroom, what would they do? convict someone of a wrong. it is not only wicca that is under persecution in the us it is also christianity which is what our country is founded on.

Answer 10

Please do not let George Bush speak on behalf on all non-Wiccan Americans. I would rather be lumped in with almost any other American than him.

There are some conservative Americans who have no tolerance for anything new to them, or different than what they are used to. These are the same people who say that they are trying to protect our freedom as Americans by removing this freedoms through the patriot act.

People fear what they don't understand. George Bush does not understand much.