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LiberalNation
04-23-2007, 07:46 PM
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070423/ap_on_re_us/wiccan_soldier;_ylt=ArO5Tl4bMNVaA7LnxHQLW.VvzwcF

MADISON, Wis. - The Wiccan pentacle has been added to the list of emblems allowed in national cemeteries and on goverment-issued headstones of fallen soldiers, according to a settlement announced Monday.

A settlement between the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Wiccans adds the five-pointed star to the list of "emblems of belief" allowed on VA grave markers.

Eleven families nationwide are waiting for grave markers with the pentacle, said Selena Fox, a Wiccan high priestess with Circle Sanctuary in Barneveld, Wis., a plaintiff in the lawsuit.

The settlement calls for the pentacle, whose five points represent earth, air, fire, water and spirit, to be placed on grave markers within 14 days for those who have pending requests with the VA.

"I am glad this has ended in success in time to get markers for Memorial Day," Fox said.

The VA sought the settlement in the interest of the families involved and to save taxpayers the expense of further litigation, VA spokesman Matt Burns said. The agency also agreed to pay $225,000 in attorneys' fees and costs.

The pentacle has been added to 38 symbols the VA already permits on gravestones. They include commonly recognized symbols for Christianity, Buddhism, Islam and Judaism, as well as those for smaller religions such as Sufism Reoriented, Eckiankar and the Japanese faith Seicho-No-Ie.

"This settlement has forced the Bush Administration into acknowledging that there are no second class religions in America, including among our nation's veterans," said the Rev. Barry W. Lynn, director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, which represented the Wiccans in the lawsuit.

The American Civil Liberties Union said the agreement also settles a similar lawsuit it filed last year against the VA. In that case, the ACLU represented two other Wiccan churches and three individuals.

VA-issued headstones, markers and plaques can be used in any cemetery, whether it is a national one such as Arlington or a private burial ground like that on Circle Sanctuary's property.

Wicca is a nature-based religion based on respect for the earth, nature and the cycle of the seasons. Variations of the pentacle not accepted by Wiccans have been used in horror movies as a sign of the devil.

Samantha
04-23-2007, 07:55 PM
Good. Freedom of Religion still stands in some places.

Kathianne
04-23-2007, 07:57 PM
Good. Freedom of Religion still stands in some places.

Like the US.

Mr. P
04-23-2007, 08:00 PM
Like the US.

That'd be the place, sure ain't Iraq or...well you know.

Kathianne
04-23-2007, 09:07 PM
That'd be the place, sure ain't Iraq or...well you know.

Or the 'former' USSR or Cuba or Venezuela.

Nuc
04-23-2007, 10:06 PM
That's what America is all about-freedom to worship any stupid religion you want.

manu1959
04-23-2007, 10:20 PM
That's what America is all about-freedom to worship any stupid religion you want.

what if i want to worship a smart religion?....do i have to leave?

Nuc
04-23-2007, 10:22 PM
what if i want to worship a smart religion?....do i have to leave?

Thinking of becoming a Buddhist? Congratulations!:cheers2:

manu1959
04-23-2007, 10:33 PM
Thinking of becoming a Buddhist? Congratulations!:cheers2:

nah an atheist...they claim they are the smart ones...din't budhism lose WWII

Nuc
04-23-2007, 11:06 PM
nah an atheist...they claim they are the smart ones...din't budhism lose WWII

That was Shinto, dude!

manu1959
04-23-2007, 11:11 PM
That was Shinto, dude!

i stand corrected.....or sit....then buddhism it is.....nah ... i am into zen....

Nuc
04-23-2007, 11:22 PM
i stand corrected.....or sit....then buddhism it is.....nah ... i am into zen....

Zen is Buddhism!:poke:

Nuc
04-23-2007, 11:24 PM
nah an atheist...they claim they are the smart ones...din't budhism lose WWII

But Buddhism did lose-or win-or both, the Vietnam War. :dance: :dance:

manu1959
04-23-2007, 11:25 PM
Zen is Buddhism!:poke:

then i am cool.....

manu1959
04-23-2007, 11:26 PM
But Buddhism did lose-or win-or both, the Vietnam War. :dance: :dance:

vietnam war was won by the media and the politicians.....