Prayer circle for religious freedom in the military to be held near Jefferson Memorial

Ellicott City, MD - June 15, 1999: On Monday June 28, 1999 at 7:00pm the Military Pagan Network, Inc and supporters will hold a full moon prayer circle on the west lawn near the Jefferson Memorial in support of continued religious freedom in the military. John Machate, Coordinator of the Military Pagan Network, said, "We will gather together and ask our Gods to give strength to the supporters of the Constitution of the United States. Religious freedom is one of America's founding principals."

Currently, all branches of the military support free religious practice among members of the Armed Forces. "When the practice of one religion is threatened, all religions are threatened. Religious freedom in the military is protected by the Constitution, and that protection is outlined in current Department of Defense directives and military regulations," said John Machate.

Rep. Bob Barr (R-GA) has assailed the rights of Wiccans to use military facilities in pursuit of their religion. Religious Right organizations, such as the Traditional Values Coalition, have called for an "enlistment strike" against the Army until Wicca is prohibited on Army bases.

Wicca is a nature-oriented Neopagan religion. Wiccans worship God and Goddess, and see their deities embodied in the cycles of nature. Wiccans often meet to pray on the night of the full moon.

Spokespeople from the Military Pagan Network and the local Pagan community will be available for interviews beginning at 6:00pm.

Founded in 1992,incorporated in 1997 the Military Pagan Network Inc. acted as a store and group information resource for Neopagans in the military. The corporation now provides material regarding various Neopagan religions to the Chaplaincy, as well as fulfilling its original goal of providing contacts near military bases around the world. In 1997 the corporation expanded its services to include assisting military members with the proper handling of harassment and discrimination. In 1999 the IRS gave the Military Pagan Network, Inc. tax-exempt status in accordance with Internal Revenue Code 501(c)3.

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Copyright 1999, Military Pagan Network Inc.

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