As a witch and mother of four children in public schools; which also happens to be in the bible belt, I regularly respond to efforts regarding school prayer, the Ten Commandments, and other such issues.  My efforts are not limited to just the newspaper, I also talk openly with the various school teachers and administrators. 

With knowledge comes: Power, Education, Tolerance, and Acceptance.  This is how we must approach these issues today.  We must erase the fear.  We can do this through open communication, but it must work both ways.

My ultimate goal, and one I hope I live to see manifest is a world where perhaps my children and my children's children will be able to live in true peace and freedom.

The following are my editorial responses concerning issues that are near and dear to my heart, that of Freedom of Religion and Separation of Church and State.

Try it:
Yule like it

I am writing this in reference to your holiday anticipation section Nov. 18 concerning cultures and religions and the diversity of their celebrations.

Today, there are a surprising number of non-Christian (pagan) Americans, (yes, even in North Carolina) who still celebrate the original holiday of this season, that of the winter solstice or Yule.

Yule is traditionally celebrated around Dec. 21, the time of greatest darkness and the shortest day of the year.  This day marks the re-birth of the sun.  Christians simply adopted it for their use…

I just felt you were remiss in not including this in your article. 

Pagan celebrations are generally private, though that does not make them any less valid than any others.

November 22, 1999

Be Tolerant

I am writing in response to a Jan. 27 (saying religion belongs in schools and politics).

I will not stand in silence, nor do I need prayer for my "lost soul".   I am not Christian; I am Pagan.   Living in America means I Have the freedom to say this without fear of persecution.

Separation of church and state means that the doctrine of one religion is not presented above that of other religions in an y public venue.  Religion is taught where it should be - at home and in the individual's respective churches.

Most of us who are not Christians do not force our religious beliefs on others, and all we ask is that we are afforded the same consideration and respect.  Thank you.


February 4, 2000

Ignorant Fears

Heartfelt thanks from the Wiccan/Pagan community for your courageous editorial Feb. 7. "(No exaggeration:  A modern witch hunt.)" 

Wicca, by definition, is a non-proselytizing, polytheistic, pre-Christian, earth-centered religion whose creed is "harm none".

People, in general, tend to fear what they don't understand.  Movies, TV and novels have certainly contributed to this fear.

Unfortunately, this tends to end up in tragedy such as that of the case of the Eichers.

Education and tolerance are exactly what we need to be promoting, and the editorial may have done just that.  Again, we offer our thanks and gratitude to the brave editors of this great paper.

February 12, 2000

All are Free

In regard to an April 9 letter "Put God in Schools":

This country was built on a foundation of religious freedom.  This letter writer, along with many others, apparently, believe that this only applies to Christians.  America is a melting pot of many different cultures and religions.  Not all of them are Christian.  For example, Wicca or Witchcraft is a non-Christian religion with a base of over four million Americans…

The only way for religion to be put back in the schools would be to allow all children the freedom to study, worship and pray within the context of their personal religious beliefs, without censure.

When Buddhism, Wiccan/Witchcraft, Christianity, Judaism, etc., can be taught and observed side by side without conflict, then maybe religion will be back in the schools.  Until then, none will or should be.

April 15, 2000

Personal Choice

Regarding a June 29th letter: "Unwise decision" concerning the direction our Supreme Court justices want this country to go:

They want this country to go where I am sure most of us would like it to go: toward religious freedom for all, without persecution and oppression.

There are many ways to instill basic values in our young people at these events.  One would be a short dialogue on responsibility, respect, and reason.  These are all sound values and none of them violates religious freedom.

Prayer is personal; it's our connection with divinity in whatever way we view it.  As each of us are individuals, so too are prayers.  I would not want one person whose view of divinity differs from mine saying a generic prayer for me, as this would interfere with my personal connection.  Nor, I would think, would someone else appreciate my prayers on their behalf for the same reason.

This is what the Supreme Court acknowledged and upheld, and I, as an American, am thankful.

July 6, 2000