politics and pagans

The Pagan Federation works very hard to publicise Pagan beliefs. It is only in the past few years that Paganism has begun to be recognised by the "authorities"; at least it is so here in the UK. Now, even the police force accepts Paganism as a religion. Things are getting better, albeit very slowly! The problem, mainly, is defining what Paganism actually is. This is because so many people, and the media, "shout us down" when we use the real name; Witchcraft. When I tell people that I am a Pagan, they seem (reluctantly,it has to be said!) to accept it. If I told the truth, that I am a witch, most people would want me burnt at the stake!

you are absolutely right where l come from lslam is the order of the day they wil stone you and burn you

am a popular woman in my town but l need more popularity,favour from the powers that be.protection is vital because where l come from my opponents are diabolical and they are ready to do anything l have been attacked so many time so l need more defences

Actually I live in a very rural area of Michigan. This is Christian country. Yet, I was taught years ago to be active in your community. Help the poor, visit the sick, get involved in local government, and I have done so. My teacher always said, " Be a good person, people will recognize that and will be less concerned about your religion. I have found that to be true. I help raise money every year for a local womans shelter, at first they shied away from the pagan label, now they fully embrace it. I think no matter where one lives you have to read the people and the environment and act accordingly, I also treat my wiccan religion as something normal, not much different then any other religion, As Clergy I work with other clergy on various projects that helps our local area. I run an educational study group on paganism, go on the radio to discuss issues, write newspaper columns and letters to the editor. But... I realize everyone is different with different skills, and that we all live in different places each with it's own challenges. For instance, I found England to be far advanced regarding acceptance of Pagans. When I was there a few years ago people did not just ask if I was wiccan, they asked if I belonged to a tradition, and which one, and this was in record stores, or other places of business in small towns. I was very impressed as to their knowledge and acceptance. I fully realize we have a long way to go, particularly in the American South, and in Muslim countries. But I think we can begin, we need to begin to make inroads politically and otherwise. We may have setbacks, most minority groups fighting for rights do. but we must start, and start today. I have a Native American saying on my wall that reads, " Sometimes I go about in pity for myself, but all the while a great wind carries me across the sky. " That is where we are at today, the momentum of paganism is in place, maybe even ahead of it's leaders, we need to let the great wind carry us to new freedoms, and growth. Rilke

l have done all that

Good, in your country is it easy for woman to run for political office? Are you old enough? I see your from Nigeria, I am not familiar enough with the gender situation there, are there women in politics? How many parties are there? I see that about half the country is Muslim, the other Christian, how about african religions? What is the atmosphere in Nigeria today? Does the USA have any influence? I am just trying to get a handle on your siuation and how I may be able to help you. Rilke

am 31 and women are allowed to contest l was a christian married to a muslim but l practice lslam stroke wicca and it boost my political career and of course U S A have influence am from northern nigeria

I have to say this is a wonderful idea. One of the things I'd like to point out though, is that this isn't strictly for the adults. You can go to youtube and see kids as young as 12 who make video's standing up and explaining their practices to fellow peers in a class room, or just for fun they made a video. It's stuff like that, that in the end really can help the cause.

I was told one time from a christian preacher " And from the mouth of babes the truth shall be told" and honestly, if you ever take a few minutes to listen to some of the kids who've grown up in the craft, or even have just been studying in secret the ways of the craft from books (excluding Harry Potter of course) it's amazing the depth of knowledge kids actually have. Anyone who is a Wiccan, Shaman, or just calls themselves Pagan, should involve the youth who practice as well. As Rilke said, "be active in your community. Help the poor, visit the sick, get involved in local government," it all starts at a young age.

Just my two cents on the topic. ^_^

Thank You Silvervixen, of course the youth should be involved if they want to, I think their energy is unsurpassed. We need to start putting into play all kinds of projects, Pagan Daycare Centers, Green Pagan Cemetaries, Pagan charity organizations, Pagan Charter Schools. And.... that is just the tip of the iceberg. By the way, many of the above mentioned is already being put into practice. We need to be aggresive, and smart. Yes, we still have discrimination, but the way to beat it is to confront it with courage and education, not run away and hide in some closet. I realize every pagan will deal with these issues in their own manner, but they have a much better chance to be successful if they have organizations to rely on to help them fight, or at the least give them options. This is a very exciting time, we are all lucky to be able to influence generations of Pagans. So... lets get started, lets pursue this with all our hearts, and Spirit will have our backs. Rilke

Thanks to all who read, and to those who have posted. It all adds up, and stimulates ideas and debate. rilke