Pagan-based faith and federal funding
Re: Green pagans find way to White House funding and Dancing Druids
Regarding the articles on Pagan organizations not entitled to receive public funds. Why would it be wrong for Pagan Organizations to receive funds but not other/Christian religions? The Pagan Faith (Yes, it is a faith) has been in existence longer than Christianity and has a very large number of followers all over the world. These followers are entitled to assistance the same as anyone else. Just like Christianity, there are many sects and off shoots of the core beliefs. Many of the core beliefs in the Earth-Based Pagan traditions are mirrored in the Christian Mythology. Christianity even takes many traditions directly from the Pagan beliefs. Incense burning during Mass, lighting candles, chanting, singing, etc. These are all parts of ritual and are all part of Catholic/Christian Services. If you look you will find many Pagan traditions in the Christian religion. Like it or not.
I realize that the article was based on one Journalist’s opinion and should not reflect the collective opinion of the news paper, or should it? (The paper’s web site does solicit quite a few Christian based magazines) I was unable to find a clear explanation in the original article or the response to the “Letters to the Editor” as to why the Pagan Based Organizations should be refused public funding. There were quite a few paragraphs about the Journalist’s name origin that didn’t have anything to do with the topic under discussion. Out of all of the letters that were received and the point that were addressed in these letters, this was what Ms. McLeod chose to respond to. Her Name? Whatever. From what I did read, It was clear that Ms. McLeod has no respect for the Pagan Religions and sees Pagans as lesser people/citizens. It appears that Ms. McLeod is a Journalist that is so trapped by her own personal religious beliefs that she is unable to be objective or fair in her research or writings.
Thank you for the opportunity to post my questions and provide my comments.
Regards and Blessings,
Rune Rose
