What do you think about the nearly 10 year battle for a Wiccan grave marker ?

Question

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/225898/families_can_finally_have_wiccan_symbol.html

Above is one story about the nearly decade long battle for Wiccans in the military to have a pentagram on their govenrment issued headstone.

I am especially interested in what Christians think about the fact that there have been several Christians symbols available, as well as several emblems available for other faiths, but for 1o year the VA refused to allow Wiccans a symbol of THEIR faith. It was only after the threat of a lawsuit that they did the right thing.

The VA kept saying they were "revising" the rules, but groups that applied AFTER the Wiccans applied were quickly approved, and the VA just kept giving one flimsy excuse after another to the Wiccans.

Our commander in chief actively supports the curtailment of Wiccan civil rights in the military, he does NOT think they have a right to practice their faith.

What do you think about all this ?

Thanks everyone for your answers.

Father K is the only one I could identify as Christian. I am especially interested in what Christians think about this. Especially those who think that Christians are treated unfairly in the US, or who think that Pagans are "anti-American".

Thanks again.

Dr John - Your countries antiquated blasphemy only seem to prohibit saying anything against Church of England. (apparently other Christian denominations are fair game) I don't think they prohibit other faiths from having their own symbols.

But here in our country, freedom of religion is enshrined in the law, so no, in America, the law does not support jailing people for "blasphemy". Looks like your country hasn't prosecuted anyone over this backwards law, and fortunately, is looking to get rid of the embarring law.

Newsflash: Wicca is a legally recognized religion in the US.

http://www.lvrj.com/news/9441071.html

Here is a follow up story concerning the widow of Sgt Patrick Stewart, who fought with the VA to get her husband faith emblem on his grave marker.

Answer 1

The "Tweety Bird" reference (above) says it all for me! Right on!!

Answer 2

I'm a Christian and I would totally support the Wiccans in this instance. They have a right to have their symbols mark their grave. Especially for the military! They die for this government and the government will not even let them have a little star on their gravestone. That is shameful. I support the Wiccan grave symbols entirely. Its their right. The same goes with the Jewish star or the Islamic crescent. I may not personally agree with their religion, but I do not find it offensive. I mean if I went to the cemetery in Virginia and saw gravestones showing Christian symbols, Muslim symbols, Jewish symbols, etc.... I would say, "Wow, all these people gave their lives for this country". I think the military should be honored to have Wiccan symbols on gravestones. It is a disgrace that they somehow oppose it.

Answer 3

Because, despite being acknowledged by the law, there are still people and organizations that do not acknowldege Wicca (or any other pagan religion or belief) as a legitimate religion. Plus, the military only recognizes (i think) 38 religious symbols. The pentacle is still considered (by many) a symbol of the devil and an evil symbol, so they didn't want to include it on the graves of pagan soldiers, lest it says that they approve of satanic religions. It's all about ignorance and the refusal of doing proper research about religious symbols. --I have to agree with Danielle regarding "The Saint of God": The United States (or Canada, where I'm from) are not Christian countries. These countries thrive on multiple beliefs and religions of it's populous. The constitution (of the US) was written to allow others to believe and worship as they please, and have the right not to be slandered, harassed, nor mistreated by anyone of another religion, simply because you don't like them. The US is a diverse country, and get's a bad name from people like you who think you are better than others of other faiths. You are the type who bring Christianity down, and cause people to dislike them. It's not the religion people hate, its the followers.

Answer 4

Bush doesn't know enough about Wicca to curtail it...he doesn't even know it's a religion. It was Bob Barr who was trying to pass anti-Wiccans statutes in spending bills.

The moral of the story is that the US often does the right thing, but it takes very little time.

The atheist symbol used took nearly twice as long for approval.

Answer 5

hm, it's sad. Consider this... in certain countries in Europe it is not even being considered as a possible faith, as none of the Pagan Religions are official.
There are basically cemeteries/ churches built near by, differentiating by a Monotheistic Religion/ Denomination.
So technically, a Pagan would end up having to be buried on predominantly Christian cemetery, with a Christian church near by...

ugh

:(

Answer 6

Christians grudgingly tolerate other religions because of their sheer numbers and resulting political/financial clout. They see Wiccans as having an insignificant following and thus believe they can marginalize them. Additionally, many Christians are totally ignorant of Wicca and falsely equate it with "devil worship". Because our government is dominated by Christians, they tend to try to force their beliefs on everyone else.

Answer 7

As a prior member of the military, I'd point out that it's leadership is highly conservative. Many as individuals are tolerant and intelligent, but when in the military mindset gestalt they tend to be very closed minded and resistant to change.

Answer 8

I've read that a few times. ITS HORRIBLE! If christians can have their cross, wiccans should have their religious symbol as well on gravestones. There's nothing wrong with it! Jews can have theirs, etc etc etc! It's a stupid thing that wiccans had to fight for.

-blessed be

Answer 9

the opposition has too much time on their hands

and remember, the military insisted on bringing god into the funeral of Pat Tillman, even over family objections

Answer 10

I can't say it better than Daughter did.

The Tweety reference says it all, very eloquently.