how come Wicca and paganism is not recognized as a religion in the USA.?

Question

just wondering what others think shoul it be or not

Answer 1

Actually, Wicca is recognized as a religion, as are Asatru and a good number of other minority religions. The Covenant of the Goddess, for example, is recognized as a non-profit organization by the IRS, and Wiccan pentagrams and rituals are considered protected religious expressions under military law. Some of the larger bases will even have regular Circles on military property, such as Ft Hood in TX and Pensacola NAS in FL.

Answer 2

I think the Wicca religion is recognized by the govt. Paganism on the other hand is a general term used on those that do not follow the Bible, which is pretty much everyone else. Hence you really can't place Paganism as a religion.
As for having a govt. recognize a religion, certain criteria have to be met. Also, those that are recognized, get a huge tax exempt advantage. Why do you think there are so many preachers? Also people try to have this recognition for the tax breaks, hence the govt. can be really selective so as to prevent corruption and govt. cheating.

Answer 3

Is that why it wasn't a choice on my pre-SAT?

oh wait! Do your research! I searched on google and found many sites that proved you wrong.



1 "The Federal Government recognizes Paganism/Wicca, as an official religion. Military Courts of Justice in the U.S. have also found Wicca to be a valid religion, deserving of protection under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution."


2 "Witchcraft IS a legally recognized religion in the United States ,and it is our mission to protect that right through education and awareness."

Answer 4

Wicca IS a recognized religion:

"Wiccan and other Neopagan groups have been recognized by governments in the US and Canada and given tax exempt status. Wiccan priests and priestesses have been given access to penitentiaries in both countries, and the privilege of performing handfastings/marriages. On 2001-MAR-15, the list of religious preferences in the U.S. Air Force Personnel Data System (MilMod) was augmented to include: Dianic Wicca, Druidism, Gardnerian Wicca, Pagan, Seax Wicca, Shamanism, and Wicca."

Answer 5

The first ammendment of the Constitution specifically prohibits the government from passing a "law respecting an establishment of religion." Thus, no relgion is recognized in such a way nor should it be.

Now, if you are asking about why is it not recognized culturally as a religion then I would say you are mistaken. A rescent study out of Baylor University found that it is one of the fastest growing religions in the country.

Answer 6

Wicca is recognized as a religion. That is how Wiccan churches are able to obtain 501(c)3 Tax exempt status.

Answer 7

The military does recognize Wicca but not on grave markers. See the link:

Answer 8

Wicca is a recognized religion in the United States.
http://www.religioustolerance.org/wic_rel.htm
Paganism is a blanket term that many religions fall under, not a religion itself.

Answer 9

I thought Wicca was a recognized religion. Paganism actually refers to a large group of minority religions of which Wicca is one.

Answer 10

If there is freedom to worship in your country then there is no need for further recognition because a cult or faith is practiced by its adherents and not the population at large. I would find that sufficient if I were a practitioner of Wicca.
Now if you refer to the financial advantages provided by the State to religious organisations and yours is not eligible to receive such financial help then you need to lobby it. Unfortunately it won't be handed out.