The Board of Trustees for the Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans stands in support of the efforts of other Pagan organizations, including Pagan Pride International, the Lady Liberty League, the Covenant of the Goddess, the Aquarian Tabernacle Church, Circle Sanctuary and others, to influence the United States' Department of Veterans Affairs to grant official recognition of the pentacle, a universally recognized symbol of Wicca and other Pagan faiths, as a symbol permitted on the headstones of Pagan servicepersons who have died as members of the American armed forces.
The Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans is an Independent Affiliate of the Unitarian Universalist Association, with about 100 chapters and over 550 members residing in 45 states, 1 US territory, 3 foreign countries, and on 3 US military bases. Our Association lists as its principles the following;
- The inherent worth and dignity of every person
- Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations
- Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations
- A free and responsible search for truth and meaning
- The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large
- The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all
- Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part
It seems clear that denial of the right of Wiccan and Pagan soldiers to have the symbol of their religious faith inscribed on their headstones, particularly in the light of the fact that symbols for other religions such as Izunome, Konky-Kyo, and even Atheism and Humanism, do have such symbols approved, is a direct statement of prejudice against the faith of persons who self-identify as Wiccan or Pagan. Since the United States' Armed Forces has permitted the inclusion of Wicca and other forms of Paganism as recognized faith paths that may be inscribed on a soldier's dogtags, it seems logical that the faith of such soldiers should be recognized on their grave markers. The only reason we can ascertain why the logical progression of that mention on the dogtags, which are not usually seen in public, to the final recognition of faith on the same soldier's headstone, a publicly visible symbol, has been denied, is indeed discrimination on the basis of religion, and official discomfort at acknowledging the presence of members of Pagan faith paths in the military.
As an organization that promotes justice, equity, compassion, and liberty, we find this exclusionary policy to be untenable. Therefore we urge the Department of Veterans Affairs to take such steps as may be necessary to speedily accord to members of Pagan faith paths who have given the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the freedoms inherent to Americans, one of which is freedom of religion, the due recognition of their spiritual identity which has already beengranted to others.
With respect and faith,
Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans Board of Trustees:
Maureen Duffy-Boose, President, Web Liaison
Don Schutte, Vice President, Board Chat Coordinator
Niko Tarini, Recording Secretary, Chapter & Membership Coordinator
Shannon Cocheo, Treasurer
Reverend Dr. Bonnie Dlott, Corporate Secretary
Reverend Adam Robersmith, Ministerial Liaison
Dick Merrit, Board Officer-at-Large
Steve Storm, Ministerial Relations
Shari Storm, Board Agent, Newsletter and General Assembly Coordinator
Jill MedicineHeart, Board Agent and Registry Agent