Posted on 06/30/2006 11:14:39 AM PDT by presidio9
The Catholic chaplain of St Andrew's University in Scotland has defended the institution's decision to officially recognise Wiccans.
St Andrews University, whose graduates include Prince William, has decided to allocate an area for followers of the alternative religion to hold festivals and rituals after university bosses feared they could be prosecuted under human rights legislation. Now pagan or wiccans as they prefer to be called, will be allowed to use campus buildings and outdoor space for festivals, providing they do not utter incantations or spells that might harm others. Nor may not raise spirits or to call up dark forces, and ritual nudity is strictly forbidden.
The Catholic chaplain who did not want to be named dismissed fears by the local MSP, a Christian, that the university's decision was "political correctness gone mad."
"We do more harm than good if we take pagans seriously," he said.
"I would not want to be seen as restricting freedom of speech or human rights. After all, we do live in a multi-cultural society and as long as they do not break the law, I do not see a problem. There are all sorts of student bodies and groups. One group in England started a sheep counting society. Its all just harmless. There's no reason to try and stop them"
Wicca is as legitimate a religion as any, but that's hardly a reason for non-believers to worry that Wiccans might utter incantations or cast spells that actually harm others, or successfully "raise spirits" or "call up dark forces". I have to wonder what sort of wacky beliefs the university authorities hold, that makes them think it's necessary to put these restrictions on campus Wiccan practices.
In fact, precious few Wiccans even believe they can "raise spirits" or "call up dark forces". And harming others via spells or incantations (which many Wiccans don't believe is possible, but some do) is prohibited by the Wiccan Rede "an' ye harm none, do what ye will", and most Wiccans believe that any harm they cause deliberately will come back at them multiplied threefold.
I would assume that this university receives boatloads of public funds, just like nearly all the religion-affiliated universities and colleges in the US. I don't know exactly how British law handles that issue, but they're generally a good deal more socialist than the US.
What an incredibly idiotic comment.
Catholicism.
Actually the MSP is only identified as a "Christian," not a Catholic. Scotland is prodominently Presbyterian.
You must be a lost soul. I bet you'll find 73 virgins when you pass on to the next life, or wherever you go.
I'd rather converse with people of the Light.
Judgmental much? How typically Christian.
They don't even practice "satin worship" in the Garment District any more. ;)
No lie. I mean, we get Halloween candy and Easter bunnies out of the deal. Let's not rock the boat. ;-P
you forgot Christmas trees!
I think my penis should be recognized as a National Monument, my anus as a sanctuary of light. You say, "No Way." I say that it is all relative; come with me, Friend, as we slide on down the slope, defiling ourselves, until we are the most reviled of beasts, rather than created in His image.
I have had sex in satin sheets but I have never worshipped them.
well, maybe a wiccan spell done by an incompetent wiccan could inadvertently harm someone.
if i were a lawyer, i would be looking into this as a potentially profitable area of legal practice.
"HARMED BY WICCAN SPELLS?
CALL 1-800-LEGAL!!"
Wiccan spells are like Christian prayers... they don't amount to much other then relieving the mind and soul of it burdens.
The difference is that Christians call Wiccans "Satan worshippers" while Wiccans say "To each his own".
"However as a Catholic it bothers me that a Catholic University would recognize this group or allow them to have religious activities on campus."
St Andrews is a normal public university I believe, nothing to do with the Catholic church.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.