Posted by Bill R on January 18, 2000 at 10:33:47:
In Reply to: Re: Of Womyn & Wytches posted by Goody Sandy on January 18, 2000 at 04:54:08:
Hey girls, don't do this to me! It's way too early out here on the west coast. I barely have the first coffee down and looking at this thread though I had stumbled upon www.witchesvoice.org
And whatever gave you the idea this was a country founded on religious freedom? First thing the Puritans did upon landing and settling was persecute anybody not worshipping the way they did.
Kind of ironic, that. They fled to escape religious and political persecution and then establish it against all other sects and religions. We have more of a history of persecution than tolerance, sad to say, pick any topic: gender, sex, religion, race. Yes, even politics. It was not unknown to have canings and fist fights in Congress and more than once a duel was fought.
ON the other hand, during a time when the religious right has been trying to get their sect voted as the national religion, paganism and wicca were recognized as religions and covered under the blanket protections of our constitution. The American people, as a whole, are fair minded and tolerant. I dare say this country has a wider acceptance of religious difference than any other. Likely we have one of the largest, if not THE largest population of witches in the world. Eh?
GnomeDome
: : Goody Sandy:
: : Thank you for this informative post on the difficulties women faced in historical times. I would like to mention also, that things haven't changed much since. Yes, women aren't hanged or burned or drowned due to superstition regarding Witchcraft. However,women who follow various Pagan paths (Pagan being any religion that is not Christian-based) are losing jobs, losing custody of children, and losing friends on a daily basis. Wicca IS a federally recognized religion and approved by the IRS and military among many other federal organizations. Still, public fears of the unknown plague women in this "modern day". Here's to open minds and open hearts!--PP
: Dear PPP The MS of CO:
: You�re welcome, and thank you for telling us about the difficulties that are faced by those who follow pagan religions. It�s unfortunate that in a country that prides itself on religious freedom and tolerance that there are some people who are intolerant of other people�s beliefs and religious practices. I have no patience for those who try to force their religious beliefs on others and who use modern versions of the �witch hunt� to punish people of other faiths. These hypocrites worship a God of Love and then turn around and spew Hate at those who choose to worship in a different way. Here, here to open minds and open hearts, and religious freedom and tolerance.
: Love,
: Goody Sandy