What Lengths

Witchvox has posted a write-up of Pagan Pride Day in the Finger Lakes. It was the usual tents, open rituals, vendors and childrens activities but this one also points out the amount of grief from conservative Christian groups we can get. First from a Christian Blogger who organised a protest of the event and talks about it in length on his blog.

“If you had seen the number of children there, our hearts were troubled by this, I’m sure yours would be as well. If the Lord does return before any of these children are called to God, they will be the ones that endure the tribulation, yet if they die without knowing Christ, they will still pay the price that we all owe. I don’t wish that on any person, not even my enemies.” – Adam Weigert

Here is more on his take on things, and the tract he wrote for the event. Weigert, though agreed to stay outside the event and keep things peaceful. This can’t be said for some other groups who watched from the sidelines.

“A few members of an extremely conservative Christian sect had quietly planned to be present at Pagan Pride Day all along. Sometimes, it seems that those you don’t hear about are the ones you have to worry about. Two gentlemen, one who identified himself as “Hans” made a point to slip in and out of the activities at Finger Lakes Pagan Pride and proselytize to children and those who were alone or unaccompanied. On several occasions, he and his companion had been sternly asked to cease and desist by those they were preaching to. Finally the Finger Lakes Public Safety staff (headed by Matt Morseman, Ed Measheaw and Bob Hamlin) had to intervene and insist that the gentleman return to the designated location. Yet once more, one of the Christian protestors decided to test the limits, and the Canandaigua Police Department was called in. After arriving, it was discovered that the gentleman had “fled the scene”. For the rest of the day, the Christians were quiet, after having seen the police could easily become involved.” – Rev. Mirlin Poplar

That isn’t the end of it, apparantly some members of the “Army of God” also came to make sure no “abominations” were taking place. Once they saw it was a picnic with drumming and speakers, they quickly grew bored and no doubt left to rough up some Satanists.

Keep in mind that this is in a “Blue” state, not the Midwest or South. Which is why events like Pagan Pride Day are so important, we can’t take our rights as a minority religion for granted, more and more Evangelicals are moving beyond issues like abortion, feminism and gay rights are are targetting non-Christian religions specifically modern Paganism. This represents a great danger to our rights and signals a need for members of minority religions to get involved in politics and their local communities. Christians can only demonise that which is misunderstood by the public.

Tags: Neopaganism