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Page: Profile: Wren's Nest News Local
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Article: 18429
[Pagan]
Date Posted:
8/23/2007
6:55:36 pm EDT
Wvox Stats
Views: 9,575
RSS: 14,123
Comments: 17
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Wiccans Support Troops Abroad
Author: Jeva Singh-Anand Source: Associated Content
Title: WICCANS SUPPORT TROOPS ABROAD
Wiccans and Pagans often struggle to dispel misconceptions about their beliefs and practices. Continuing and widespread efforts to educate the community at large that Wiccans to not worship the devil or engage in immoral acts have done much to alleviate this predicament. Recognizing that deeds speak more loudly than words, many Pagan and Wiccan groups have chosen the path of activism and community service. The Highland, IN based Wiccan Interfaith Council International is one such organization.
The Rev. Paulette Reynolds co-founded the 85 volunteer strong organization a year and a half ago.
With members scattered over the United States and in Canada, the Wiccan Interfaith Council International "strives to promote greater understanding and appreciation of Wicca through interfaith/intrafaith services, educational forums, and social activism."
Rev. Reynolds explained that the council's social activism focuses on three main venues: supporting US troops deployed overseas, enaging in prison ministry outreach, and honoring Wiccan and Pagan community elders.
Project We Care is a volunteer-driven program to send care packages to Wiccan and Pagan Troops sationed overseas, especially in combat areas, such as Iraq and Afghanistan.
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Community Thoughts: There are 17 comments posted | Reverse Sort |
| A Response | Aug 26th. at 7:58:58 pm EDT
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Ceridwen's Child (Bellingham, Washington) - Email Me
If the WOMEN over there would get OFF THEIR FLAT BUTTS, take OFF the tents they "have" to wear, BE WOMEN and SPEAK OUT AGAINST what the "men" are doing, they might discover that they might have a profound impact on this "so called" "war". Culture and custom be damned.... there's a difference between "culture" and survival! And they WONDER WHY it's being said that we would ALL be better off in a matriarchal, Pagan society???? PUH-LEEZE.
There is a difference between culture and survival. But in the Middle East they are one and the same. A woman can be publicly beaten, stoned, or beheaded for disobeying local Muslim law, which can include wearing a burqa. Some women do speak out, and then they become the victims of "honor killings" where their male relatives slit their throats in their sleep or set them on fire. I request that you read some other news stories about what happens to women when they disobyed Taliban law (or other radical Muslim law) before you trash them and make it seem like it's their fault...that they are allowing themselves to be oppressed. Walk a mile in their shoes. Would you rather obey laws that make you cover your body or be publicly killed and leave your children behind where they will be cared for by an indifferent husband and the teenage wife he remarries to replace you? Think.
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| A Thank You | Aug 25th. at 1:13:36 pm EDT
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Frostig (Harlem, Iraq) - Email Me
Yes, I would like to thank the Rev. Reynolds, the Wiccan Interfaith Council Internaional, and all of you who do support us here. I am SSG Fred Twombly of the Victory Base Open Circle, I am a former DFGL of this Circle and am returning to my former duties as this is my third tour here. Many of our Circles here in Iraq and Afganistan are supported from volunteers like this organization, Sacred Well Congregation, Aquarian Tabernacle, and many other numerous groups and persons. I would like to say once again, Thank You.
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| I SUPPORT.... | Aug 25th. at 6:16:28 am EDT
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Whitewolf (Schenectady, New York) - Email Me
our troops, just NOT the A-hole commanding them! As far as I am concerned, 95% of the problem over there lies WITH THE FUNDIE MUSLUMS!!!! All I ever see on the news reports are those retards jumping up and down like a buncha baboons yelling "allah akbar" (my apologies to the baboons....) If they spent half as much time doing something constructive as they do jumping up and down in the middle of the street, they might, just might, have something!
AND WHERE ARE THE FRIKKIN' WOMEN IN ALL THIS?
Another thing that cramps my cookies....
If the WOMEN over there would get OFF THEIR FLAT BUTTS, take OFF the tents they "have" to wear, BE WOMEN and SPEAK OUT AGAINST what the "men" are doing, they might discover that they might have a profound impact on this "so called" "war". Culture and custom be damned.... there's a difference between "culture" and survival! And they WONDER WHY it's being said that we would ALL be better off in a matriarchal, Pagan society???? PUH-LEEZE.
Support the troops, not the Chimp-in-Charge!
Sorry folks, off my soapbox for now....
Love to all
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| Anything We Can Do To Make Their Lives Easier | Aug 24th. at 6:13:37 pm EDT
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AnnieBW (Laurel, Maryland) - Email Me
Our military folks are stuck over in the "litter box" in 120 degree heat, with people that hate them for doing their jobs. And then they come back and some a**hole Fundy is telling them that they're evil because they're Pagans. To me "supporting the troops" means doing anything you can to make their lives a little easier - and working to bring them all home safely and soon.
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| Support Troops | Aug 24th. at 2:58:09 pm EDT
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Jskelly (Ashland, Virginia) - Email Me
It's very annoying to hear anyone say"they didn't have to join military." My daughter had already been in Navy 2 years on 9/11. She of course reported to her assignment that evening after the attack. The military is like a family-you stick together even if dad or mom is getting pretty strange.There are many reasons to serve in uniform and I repect those serving our country, even if I don't agree with the com.-in-chief.
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| Support The Troops, And Not The War | Aug 24th. at 2:46:04 pm EDT
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MysticGhostWolf (Sparks, Nevada) - Email Me
I wish many of those who support the war could understand that simple truth, that you can support the troops without supporting the war. I've seen and heard about rallies to support the troops and protest the war that had counter protesters calling them communists and the like because they don't support the war. The only action of the war I would support is the return of our troops Home. The War in Iraq is a failed mission.
Some how people believe that if you don't support the war then you can't support the troops. I just believe these people have succumb to too much propaganda and are not able to think clearly or independantly from what they are being spoon fed.
SUPPORT THE TROOPS, NOT THE WAR!!!
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| I Support Our Troops | Aug 24th. at 12:24:30 pm EDT
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Seeker (Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan) - Email Me
I am a former member of the Canadian Air Force. I came out of the broom closet back in '93 and had a discussion with the Protestant Chaplin at 4Wg Cold Lake. I told him about Raymond Buckland's "Complete Book of Witchcraft." I suggested he purchase a copy from the local book store and start reading. He was interested in understanding what Wicca was all about. Most of the Wiccans on the Base at the time did not talk about their beliefs to any one. They were afraid of being harassed by their superiors and the community at large. I, myself didn't care what my superiors thought so long as I did my job while at work. The Roman Catholic Padre at Cold Lake didn't care for my beliefs or my attitude. I knew I was protected by the Canadian Constitution and by Military Laws. He actually tried to harass me into converting to the Roman Catholic Faith. I went to the JAG's office which was next door to the Padre's Office and told the JAG what was going on. The RC Padre was posted out that summer.
I have had long talks with many different Chaplins or Ministers about Wicca. Most of the Chaplins or Ministers have actually been accepting of my beliefs. I have actually had great conversations on theology with all of these good people.
By helping the Padres to understand what our Beliefs are, then they can better help all Pagans, Wiccans and Heathens while over seas.
Blessed Be to All
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| I Support Our Troops. | Aug 24th. at 11:26:45 am EDT
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Medea (Somewhere, Massachusetts) - Email Me
I don't like the policies of our current administration, I disagree with the reason they were sent there. But the fact is, they're over there now.
I've heard some people say "They had a choice, they didn't have to join the military". This is true. However, the decision as to what to do with their lives was theirs, and I don't think they deserve to be vilified or ignored to their fate simply because they chose a different path in life than I chose. For many people, especially low income folks, the military offers hope for something better, if they survive. This is not a current phenomenon. Military history bears this out.
It's a tough job, dangerous, potentially deadly. Those folks fighting and dying over there deserve our support and our prayers.
They are our warriors. I'm not going to let them swing in the wind over there just because I'm not down with the agenda which sent them. It doesn't matter if they're ours (Pagan) or some other faith, my thoughts and prayers go out to them all.
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| Thanks | Aug 24th. at 7:46:34 am EDT
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The Shadow Knight (Columbus, Georgia) - Email Me
I am a soldier currently delpoyed in Iraq. I am the Distinctive Faith Group Leader (DFGL) for the open circle on Foward Operating Base (FOB) Rustamiyah in Baghdad, Iraq. I would like to say thanks to Project We Care for the supplies that we would not have been able to get otherwise with out great expence. As for showing support for deployed soldiers just a note or letter or a kind word on a forum like this goes a long way in lifting our spirits in these forsaken enviroments that we are in. Just something to let us know that others are thinking of us and that we are not alone no matter where we are or how isolated we feel.
Thank You
SGT Marcus P. Rice
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| Supporting The Troops... | Aug 24th. at 3:51:09 am EDT
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Rhiannon Dragonraine (St. Robert, Colorado) - Email Me
Supporting the men and women who do what they do because of a sense of honor and duty has nothing to do with politics and everything to do with caring for another human being...if you put yourself in their place you would see that some times you need to know that someone cares. Supporting the troops can be as simple as writing a letter to someone you don't know who may be in a combat zone and letting them know someone appreciates and thinks about them that is what it really means being compassionate to another human being who is sacraficing of themselves for thier belief in their country. Now I don't agree with the politics or the War either but I agree that this should not turn into another Vietnam, but every person in the military is SOMEONE and deserves the respect and compassion that anyone else does, sometimes even more so because they give up time with their families and comforts that most people take for granted and are asked to do harder things than any of us will ever be asked to do and for this they deserve our understanding and respect.
That being said I noticed someone else asked about ways to help soldiers in combat zones and I know of another site that is seeking to help Pagan soldiers through distributing mini portable altars so that they can have a way to practice their spirituality as well and this is something that I believe is important. It is called project A.R.E.S. and i have included the link to it so that others may be able to help with this noble effort as well.
Bright Blessings and compassion to all,
Solstice Rayne
Find More info -- HERE
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| I Live In An Army Town | Aug 24th. at 3:20:58 am EDT
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Katmandu (elba, Alabama) - Email Me
and get to see soldiers past and present daily in my work. I thank them personally for their service even if I don't agree with whatever operations in which they might've taken part. The operation does not define the soldier. She/He is following orders. Many of them joined for patriotic reasons (although some are also in it for the money) . Let us not bash them. Let us perhaps question why they are in the places they are, but NEVER bash them. Did not post-Vietnam soldier mistreatment teach any of you a lesson? My generation seems to have learned one.
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| HOOAH I Say HOOAH!! | Aug 24th. at 2:39:38 am EDT
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jake blues (Algonquin, Illinois) - Email Me
As a former member of the US. Army, to Project We Care.
To you folks I say a loud and proud HOOAH!!!
and thank you, pay no head to the nay sayers and keep on helping the soldiers fight the good fight.
we got your back, and we are glad to see you have ours as well.
with all the gratitude of the armed forces,
Jake
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| Not In Our Names | Aug 24th. at 2:03:22 am EDT
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Terry (Irvington, Virginia) - Email Me
The podcaster who wrote this tripe has some interesting content at times on his audio program, but to issue this kind of media propaganda as if it reflects all pagans is like inviting Karl Rove to issue press statements for libertarians and Democrats.
Several years ago, it was credible to hear some troops claim they were tricked by recruiter lies, and were in the tough position of being obligated to refuse illegal orders, which is EVERY order to deploy or offer logistical support to an illegal invasion of a foreign sovereign intended as economic and political aggression. That no longer applies (with many declining to re-up one stint short of 20) , and so troops now in the Mideast either have too little awareness to know they're violating their oaths of service when they think of war crimes as better jobs than many in rural areas had previously, or are there because of intent to be war criminals.
If there were troops who could benefit from our support while serving this nation, such as by "stopping" war criminals up and down the chain of command right up to the Chimp in Chief, it would be a worthy cause to support them. Under the present corrupt regime, that would likely only be practical after regime change in DC, and then by calling for pardons or reclassification of court martials or dishonorable discharges.
Troops in the mideast now have all signed up or re-uped knowing how our criminal regime would use them. It's sad to see pagan organizations pretending those war criminals are anything but an embarrassment and worse, who deserve exactly the same support we extend to dangerous predator Dominionist war criminals.
Where is our support for the nearly million innocent Iraqi civilians our troops have genocidally exterminated, directly or by consequences of infrastructure destruction?
Where is our support for education of potential enlistees to help them understand how both on the national policy level for tampering in foreign affairs with no just cause, or as a personal choice, the only ethical and functional choice is not to play?
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| Whereas..... | Aug 23rd. at 7:16:20 pm EDT
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Elwin Shadowstrider (Bartlett, Tennessee) - Email Me
....I don't agree the WHY of the war, I do support all our troops overseas. As a Navy Brat, I understand that they are just following orders, the politics isn't in the ship out orders at all. Support is crucial, far more so than most here at home realize. Our Pagan Brothers and Sisters are indeed fighting two fronts, and to receive this kind of support from home is wonderful. It reminds them that we Pagans will care for our own, no matter where they may be. I am happy to see that someone does care to support them, myself, I will investigate how I too can help out. It means the world to our Brothers and Sisters abroad.......
Brightest Blessings to all!!!!
Elwin Shadowstrider ) O (
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