Fall 1999 Lady Liberty League Report Published in CIRCLE Magazine Wiccans Speak Out at Barr's Town Meeting By Angie Buchanan on Special Assignment for the Lady Liberty League Religious Freedom for Wiccans in the US Military Lady Liberty League Special Report by Selena Fox Joint Statement: Pagan leaders are calling for interfaith dialogue and support for First Amendment freedoms Freedom Statement: July 4, 1999 Weekend Use this list to link directly to the article you wish to read, or simply scroll down for all articles Religious Freedom for Wiccans in the US Military Lady Liberty League Special Report by Selena Fox For many years, Wiccans and other Pagans have been among those serving in various branches of the US military. Some have chosen to declare their religious orientation and even have had “Wiccan” or “Pagan” printed as their religion on their “dog tags” or other forms of military identification. Others, who have chosen not to disclose their religious orientation, instead have had “No Preference” or “Other” for religion in their military records. Reasons for nondisclosure vary, but usually are because spirituality is regarded as a very private matter and/or because of concerns about possible discrimination or other problems resulting from intolerance for religious diversity by some in society. Regardless of whether or not Wiccan/Pagan military members make their religious orientations officially known, they have practiced their religion both on and off military installations over the years. For many, this takes the form of private meditations and spiritual study. Some also have studied and practiced with others. Throughout its twenty-five year history, Circle Sanctuary, also known as Circle, has provided educational, networking, counseling, and other support services to Wiccans and other Pagans in the US military as part of its work on behalf of Pagans of many paths and places worldwide. CIRCLE Magazine and other spiritual materials Circle makes available have gone around the world in part due to American military members stationed in other countries. There are hundreds of Circle members currently serving on military installations within the USA as well as overseas. In addition, Circle also includes US military members in the reserves and national guard, plus many veterans. Wicca in the Army Chaplains Handbook For more than twenty years, US military chaplains have been aware that there have been military personnel practicing the Wiccan religion and related paths. In 1978, a section on the Wiccan religion appeared in the US Army Chaplains Handbook, which was prepared under the direction of Rev. Dr. J. Gordon Melton, director of the Institute for the Study of American Religion and editor of the Encyclopedia of American Religion. When the Chaplains' handbook went through its first revision in 1983, the American Council of Witches, which had provided material for the first edition, was no longer active, and the task for submitting an update was passed on to me, since Circle had the largest network of Wiccans and those on related Pagan paths in the USA at that time. I expanded the Wiccan section to be more inclusive of practices and philosophies across the increasing number of paths Pagans followed. For a later revision, the Covenant of the Goddess contributed additional material. Although today the US Army Chaplains Handbook is no longer being produced and distributed, for many years it has served as a useful reference work for chaplains, not only in the US Army, but in other branches of the US armed forces as well. In addition, the handbook's section on the Wiccan religion has been used as a supporting document in several American court cases which resulted in rulings that the Wiccan religion is a religion protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution. SilverDrake's Military Ministries As the numbers of Wiccans and other Pagans in the US armed forces has continued to increase, so has the need for spiritual support services for them within and outside the military. To help meet this need, Circle Sanctuary added Military Members Support Ministry as a focus option in our ministers training program. In October, 1998, SilverDrake Fey, the first to select this focus, completed more than three years of study with us. He became an ordained Circle Minister and Circle Priest on November 14, 1998, and his community ordination ritual was held on June 22, 1999 at the Pagan Spirit Gathering (PSG). In addition to being Circle Sanctuary's first Military Members Support Minister, SilverDrake serves as the Military Affairs Specialist for the Lady Liberty League. SilverDrake draws not only on his years of training as a Circle Minister and Priest in his work, but also on his professional training in psychology and his perspectives as an active duty US military officer. On November 20, 1998, SilverDrake became the first Wiccan-trained minister to be sponsored as a candidate for chaplaincy in the US armed forces, and Circle Sanctuary, his sponsor, became the first Wiccan church to apply for Department of Defense Ecclesiastical Endorsing Organization status. In order for SilverDrake to be eligible for consideration for placement as a military chaplain, Circle Sanctuary must first be approved for Ecclesiastical Endorsing Organization status. As part of this approval process, I have written and submitted to Pentagon personnel over the past year a variety of materials about Wiccan philosophy, ethics, ceremonial tools, rituals, and related practices. In addition, I have dialogued by telephone and email with Pentagon staff regarding Circle Sanctuary, its application, and the Wiccan religion and related forms of Paganism. Circle Sanctuary's application was approved by a Pentagon committee in March, and is now in the process of being considered by the full board which grants final approval. It will be at least several months before the board makes its decision on Circle Sanctuary's application and on applications from other religious groups now pending. If Circle Sanctuary gets approval, then the process of consideration of SilverDrake's application for placement as a military chaplain will begin. Most of the chaplains presently serving in the US military have been ordained by various Christian denominations. There are some who are from Judaism and other religions. Recently, three military chaplains from Islam began work. Each branch of the US Armed Forces determines its own military chaplaincy needs and makes its own placement decisions. Military Circles Although no one has an exact count of the number of Wiccans and other Pagans presently serving in the US military, the Wiccan-Pagan presence within the various branches of the armed forces has been rapidly growing in the 1990s, both in numbers and in visibility, as also has been the case with Paganism in society as a whole. In recent years, a variety of Wiccan and Pagan study groups and open circles have been forming at American military installations. In 1997, a circle at an Army post, Fort Hood, in Killeen, Texas, became the first Wiccan group at a military installation to receive minority faith group status and be assigned a support chaplain. This group, the Fort Hood Open Circle, has several hundred members and is sponsored by the Sacred Well Congregation (SWC). It is led by Marcy Palmer, SWC deaconess and a Wiccan high priestess who served for six years in the military police and is now working as a computer specialist in the Fort Hood hospital. The group's military chaplain, Chaplain Troyer, a Seventh Day Adventist, provided support services for the Fort Hood Open Circle despite initial protests about this from some locals, stirred up against the Wiccan religion by a “Christian” preacher. In March, reporter Kim Sue Lia Perkes and photojournalist Rebecca McEntee, from the nearby Austin-American Statesman newspaper, covered the Spring Equinox ritual of the Fort Hood Open Circle. The resulting article and photos, which were published on May 11, 1999, gave an accurate and positive view of Wiccan practice at America's largest military installation. It included quotes from David Oringderff, Ph.D., executive director of SWC, as well as from Marcy Palmer and other members of the group. It also mentioned SWC Open Circles at other military installations, including at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa and at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida. Wire services carried the article and photos, and within a few days, versions of the article had been published in newspapers throughout the United States and other parts of the world. Barr Wars Although this widespread media coverage helped educate the general public about the positive nature of the Wiccan religion, not all responded with acceptance and understanding. Representative Bob Barr, a member of the US Congress from the 7th district of Georgia, responded by launching a campaign of misinformation and discrimination against the Wiccan religion as a whole and against Wiccans in the US Military in particular. On May 18, 1999, Barr issued a press release, which was sent to mass media, government officials, and others. He not only ridiculed and defamed the Wiccan religion with his remarks, but called for an end to Wiccan religious services on military installations, and demanded that the US military start treating the Wiccan religion differently than other religions in accommodating the religious needs of military personnel. In addition, Barr contacted Lt. Gen. Leon S. Leponte, the commanding officer at Fort Hood, and, calling the Wiccan religion “nonsense,” Barr insisted that Wiccan personnel no longer be allowed to worship at Fort Hood. Barr followed up the widespread dissemination of his anti-Wiccan press release with anti-Wiccan media interviews and federal anti-Wiccan legislation. In late May, Barr attempted to attach an amendment to a Department of Defense appropriations bill that would have outlawed the practice of the Wiccan religion on US military installations by military personnel. The House Rules Committee rejected Barr's amendment as not germane to the bill. Shortly after this first legislative attempt by Barr failed, several anti-diversity “Christian” political groups joined his anti-Wiccan campaign, and on June 8, 1999, launched a nationwide boycott calling for Christians to refrain from enlistment and reenlistment in the US Army until Wiccans in the US military lose their rights to free exercise of religion. The boycott is spearheaded by Paul Weyrich, a radio talk-show host and the president of the Free Congress Foundation. Others also joined this assault on first amendment rights for military Wiccans, including South Carolina Senator Strom Thurmond, President Pro Tempore of the US Senate and the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Thurmond issued a statement against Wiccans in the military at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in June. In late June, the campaign against Wiccans in the US armed forces escalated further and reached US Presidential politics. When asked to comment about this political controversy, the leading contender for the Republican party nomination for US President, Texas Governor George W. Bush, Jr., proclaimed on national television news that the Craft is not a real religion and that the US military should reconsider its position of providing for religious accommodation for Wiccans in the armed forces. Attempts by Wiccan leaders, including some from Texas, to give Bush additional information about the Wiccan religion as well as to dialogue about the importance of supporting religious freedom for all, so far have not resulted in any change in Bush's stance. A radio journalist doing follow-up on Bush's position reported to me in mid-July that Bush staff told her that, although Bush was not fully informed when he made his comment, this was his personal opinion and he does not plan to change his position. On July 21, 1999, Barr made good his threat to try again to get anti-Wiccan legislation passed. He again tried to attach an amendment to the Defense appropriations bill, HR 2561. In this version of the amendment, he specifically mentioned Wicca: “None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used to provide assistance to the practice of witchcraft or Wicca, as defined by the Encyclopedia of American Religions, on any military installation or vessel.” Although this amendment was dropped before the bill was passed, it is likely that Barr will make future attempts to get anti-Wiccan legislation passed. Wiccans, Pagans, Others Respond Wiccans, other Pagans, religious freedom activists from other religions, and others concerned about first amendment rights have responded to these attacks on the Craft and the free exercise of religion for Wiccans in the US military in a variety of ways. Many have written letters, made telephone calls, and sent emails and faxes to US Senators and Representatives on Capitol Hill. In addition, some have voted in public opinion polls, posted comments at various websites, and signed petitions, including one calling for Barr's removal from Congress. Others have written letters to editors of newspapers and magazines, in-print and on-line. Professors and other scholars from colleges and universities in the USA and other countries have written letters to Pentagon and other government officials clearly affirming that the Wiccan religion is a religion entitled to first amendment protection. Wiccan and other Pagan leaders have spoken out publicly on behalf of Wiccan religious freedom through press releases; websites; interviews with press, radio, and television; on-line; and in public forums, including at interfaith gatherings. Media coverage has been extensive. Links to some of the coverage are located here: http://www.circlesanctuary.org/liberty/report/barrwars.htm. On May 29, Wiccan and other Pagan constituents of Barr's congressional district voiced their concerns face-to-face to Barr at his Memorial Day weekend public town hall meeting in Marietta, Georgia. CIRCLE Magazine and LLL activist Angie Buchanan was part of the press that covered this event and her report and photos appear in this issue. In June, Pagans also attempted to dialog with Barr on-line in a virtual town meeting, but Barr ignored most comments and questions. Rituals, rallies, and meetings on behalf of Wiccan religious freedom have taken place throughout the USA and elsewhere. Many happened on or near the Summer Solstice and American Independence Day, the 4th of July. At this year's Pagan Spirit Gathering, Pagans in the military, past and present, were honored in the opening meeting, plus special workings were done, including blessings by me and Sir Joe of the Guardians of the Sacred Circle in the Turtle Mound rituals. Upholding religious freedom for all Pagans in the military was discussed in PSG community meetings as well as in the annual meetings of Lady Liberty League and the Pagan Military Network held at PSG. SilverDrake's ordination ritual culminated with him leading several hundred Pagans in a Liberty working. On Monday, June 28, under the Full Moon, the Military Pagan Network held a ritual at the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, DC. Over one hundred and fifty Pagans took part. Media covered this event, including Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) television. When the CBN news story aired on the conservative Christian show, 700 Club, host Pat Robertson publicly came out in support of preserving religious freedom for Wiccans serving in the military. In early July, a joint statement and press release, supported by thirty-one Wiccan and other Pagan groups throughout the USA, was issued by the Pagan Educational Network (PEN). Some of these groups issued their own releases as well, including Lady Liberty League, Military Pagan Network, Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans (CUUPS), and Witches Anti Discrimination League (WADL). Support for preserving religious freedom for Wiccans in the US military continues to grow as news about this situation continues to spread through networking and media reports. National organizations concerned with religious freedom and other constitutional rights issues have issued press releases and written letters to congressional and Pentagon officials. Organizations speaking out on behalf of upholding first amendment rights for Wiccans in the US military include the American Civil Liberties Union, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, First Amendment Center, Freedom Forum, International Coalition for Religious Freedom, and others. Two groups publicly responded to Barr's bigotry with “awards.” On May 20, the Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance, based in Canada, gave Barr their Burning Times Award “in recognition of being the North American political figure whose behavior most closely exemplifies the spirit of the Witch burning times.” On May 26, People for the American Way gave Barr the 1999 Equine Posterior Achievement Award for having a “consistent record of attacking the U.S. Constitution and American values.” Pentagon administrative chaplains and other officials have stated publicly in the media and in letters to those who have contacted them about Wiccan religious freedom issues that the Department of Defense plans to continue its nondiscrimination policy of religious accommodation for military personnel in the various branches. They only plan to reconsider this approach if a federal law is passed against the Wiccan religion. Joint Statement: Pagan leaders are calling for interfaith dialogue and support for First Amendment freedoms Members of other faiths need not fear working, training, fighting, or even dying alongside Wiccans and other Pagans. We respect all Americans' right to worship as they choose. We do not proselytize or in any way seek converts. We welcome and support interfaith dialogue, exploring our similarities and differences. Pagans are proud to serve alongside members of all faiths, upholding a Constitution which supports all our rights. Paganism is a collection of diverse contemporary religions which are rooted in or inspired by indigenous traditions worldwide. Pagan religions are characterized by belief in the interconnection of all life, personal autonomy, and immanent divinities. These faiths are often nature-centered and supportive of gender equity. Contemporary Pagan culture values diversity, respect, good works, living lightly on the earth, individual freedom, and personal responsibility. We cherish our children, our elders, and our communities, and believe that religious liberty is an inalienable human right which must not be abridged. Released July 4, 1999 through PEN and supported by the Aquarian Tabernacle Church; Blessed Bee, Inc.; Celtic Traditionalist Order of Druids; Church of All Worlds; CIRCLE Magazine; Circle Sanctuary; Covenant of the Goddess; Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans, Inc.; Conversations with Pagans; Earth Religions Assistance Association; the EarthSpirit Community; Green Egg; The Henge of Keltria; International Pagan Pride Project; Irminsul Aettir; Journey To The One; Lady Liberty League; Military Pagan Network, Inc.; Order of the Whiteoak; Ozark Avalon; Pagans in Action Council for Truth; Pagan Community Council of Ohio; Pagan Educational Network; Religious Liberties Lawyers Network; Sacred Well Congregation; Temple of Isis; Wiccan-Pagan Educational Association; Witches' Anti-Discrimination League; Witches' League for Public Awareness; The Witches' Voice, Inc.; and WyrdWeavers Collective. Freedom Statement: July 4, 1999 Weekend “The Wiccan religion is a world religion, with churches and practitioners in more than three dozen countries around the globe. Over the past twenty years, Wiccan ministers have been among the speakers and delegates at international interfaith conferences. Professors from universities in the USA, Europe, and elsewhere have identified the Wiccan religion as a religion in the classroom and in published writings,” said Rev. Selena Fox, senior minister of Circle Sanctuary, an international Wiccan church. “In the United States, there have been legally established Wiccan churches for more than a quarter century, and federal court rulings have consistently upheld the legitimacy of Wicca as a religion. In all branches of the US Armed Forces, Wiccans have been effectively serving their country along with members of other religions in both the past and present at military installations within the USA and around the world.” “If Wiccans in the US Armed Forces lose their First Amendment rights, what other religious practitioners will lose theirs next? Religious freedom is a cornerstone of American democracy and must be upheld,” continued Rev. Fox, a Wiccan minister who is directly descended from a member of the first Continental Congress and from Revolutionary War patriot leaders and soldiers, including one who wintered with George Washington at Valley Forge. “This Fourth of July weekend, as we honor the birthday of the United States of America, may we strengthen our resolve to uphold the free exercise of religion for all as well as to preserve the unalienable rights of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness, upon which our country was founded.”