Witchcraft Suppression Law: When the Oppressed become the Oppressors

A member of a yahoo group to which I belong passed along a very saddening email. I found it quite disturbing that in this day and age such ignorance on the part of a government in what is far from a backward nation still exists. The email concerns a proposed piece of legislation in South Africa called "The Witchcraft Suppression Act."

What harm has the Pagan faith ever done? Compare their history to that of the Christians or Muslims in terms of persecution and wars. Look at the current situation in the Middle East and the legacy of religious intolerance and hatred is more than evident. What is odd is that much of modern day religious belief is actually based upon ancient Pagan ideas and most Christian holidays are merely Christianized versions of Pagan celebrations.

I am not a Pagan, although I know of and highly applaud their beautiful beliefs and their respect for our planet, our Earth Mother; a planet that is definitely in need of respect if we are to continue to live here. If we, a civilized society, keep our silence and allow these types of laws to pass, what belief system will be outlawed next? If you think that South Africa is too distant for your concern, remember that in this modern age, ideas can spread very quickly-and they are not always good ideas!

The individual that sent the following email is crying out for help. He is attempting to save his faith from being destoyed by a government that exists because it fought against persecution. How quickly we all forget. Those who fought for their freedom are doing the exact same things as their former oppressors. Why is so hard for people to learn and remember the lessons from history?

"Greetings everyone,

As most of you know, many of us are deeply concerned about a proposed amendment to the Witchcraft Suppression Act in one of the provinces here in South Africa. In a nut-shell, if the Bill is passed, many of our spiritual practices will be outlawed. As Pagans and friends of Pagans we simply cannot allow this to happen... I am therefore appealing to each and every one of you to email me directly at andi@cbd.co. za in order to join our growing list of objectors against such an atrocity. Please, every individual who lends support to this cause will add weight to our argument that our freedom to practice our spirituality should be protected. I personally guarantee that nobody's contact details will be made public, as I have registered several groups as Interested & Affected Parties under who's banner individual members or objectors can be listed. For example, the CNCI (Correllian Nativist Church International, inc) is a registered I&AP, all CNCI members and supporters who object will be listed by (craft) name only, giving my personal contact details not the individual objector's. I will however need your names and email addresses to prove - in the event that I need to - that I did not make-up objectors to simply boost the numbers on the petition. I have also registered the Universal Spirit Sanctuary as an I&AP, under which all USS members who agree to participate can object to the Bill. The Universal Spirit Sanctuary is a non-denominational, all inclusive spiritual community that recognizes all paths as valid. The 5Feathers community will be listed under the banner of the USS or CNCI for this cause.

South Africa may sound like a far-away country who's laws cannot affect you. However, international objectors will be recognized as interested and affected parties simply because if/when you do have the occasion to visit this country, you will not - as Pagans - be allowed to gather in circle, participate in divination or practice any of your (Pagan) spiritual practices - if this Bill is passed. We cannot allow this to happen...

I therefore appeal to each of you to lend your support to our plight. Traditional Healers and Pagans in South Africa are fighting this fight, please help us by adding your name to the list of objectors too.

Send me a short email with your name (either craft name or mundane name) so that I can add you to the list of objectors. The more petitions we can present to parliament, the more likely they will be to seriously re-consider passing this Bill and thereby outlaw our practices.

We depend on and look forward to your support.

Blessings, in Love & Light

Andi

Email: andi@cbd.co. za

Website: www.correllian. org

Website: www.uss.za.org"

By the way, Pagans are not what you see portrayed in the movies and I hope anyone reading this article will do a little research before making any comments about cults.