Druids recognized as religion for first time in UK

[Dale_M]

The ancient pagan tradition best known for gatherings at Stonehenge every summer solstice has been formally classed as a religion under charity law for the first time in Britain, the national charity regulator said Saturday. That means Druids can receive exemptions from taxes on donations — and now have the same status as such mainstream religions as the Church of England.

The Druid Network fought for nearly five years to be recognized under the semi-governmental Charity Commission, which requires proof of cohesive and serious belief in a supreme entity and a moral framework.

news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101002/ap_on_re_eu/eu_britain_druids_recognized

I don’t know anything about modern day Druidism (or ancient Druidism, for that matter), but I found it interesting that the UK requires a religion to have a belief in a supreme entity. I wonder if that requires some form of monotheism, or whether polytheism is allowed? Does Druidism actually have gods or are the nature spirits it addresses lesser in nature?

About 10,000 Britons identify as followers of Druidism.

 

[Byzantine_Wolf]

*No one knows who they were or what they were doing… *

 

[cyberwolf001]

news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101002/ap_on_re_eu/eu_britain_druids_recognized

I don’t know anything about modern day Druidism (or ancient Druidism, for that matter), but I found it interesting that the UK requires a religion to have a belief in a supreme entity. I wonder if that requires some form of monotheism, or whether polytheism is allowed? Does Druidism actually have gods or are the nature spirits it addresses lesser in nature?

About 10,000 Britons identify as followers of Druidism.

Most Druids I know are a lot like Shinto with the approach to the gods. Usually it is a massive pantheon of spirits. The gods being very powerful spirits, as for the supreme entity most likely they used Danu or The Dagda or one of the other heads of the Celtic Pantheons.

 

[Patrick_Joshua]

The Druids is an ancient pagan religion, mostly from the Celts. Specially in Ireland.

St.Patrick had a couple of runnings with them back in Pagan Ireland.

Pirate radio station in the Irish Sea had been broadcasting songs into Ireland for “St. Patrick’s Day.”

This is one of them;

When childhild’s fire was in my blood, I dreamed of ancient dreemen,
Against the Church who boldly stood, as Pagans and as Heathen.
And then I prayed I yet might see, the Druids in the glen,
And Ireland long the churches’ toy, be Pagan once again!
Be Pagan once again, be Pagan once again,
And Ireland long the churches’ toy, be Pagan once again!

The Old Gods only sleep you know, although betrayed and slandered.
They guarded us from every woe, and blessed each crop and fine herd.
Then Patrick, he drove the snakes away, and brought the churches in.
'Twas a bloody poor bargain, I would say – let’s be Pagan once again!
Be Pagan once again, be Pagan once again,
'Twas a bloody poor bargain, I would say – let’s be Pagan once again!

And ever since that wretched day, when first Ireland went Christian,
We’ve suffered woe in every way, with our freedom made the worst “sin”.
They set us at each other’s throats, to murder kith and kin.
Too long we’ve been their starving goats – let’s be Pagan once again!
Be Pagan once again, be Pagan once again,
Too long we’ve been their starving goats – let’s be Pagan once again!

Both Catholic and Protestant, led us round by our noses,
Distracting from the deadly scent, of England’s bleedin’ roses!
Kick every preacher 'cross the sea, burn out their golden dens.
It’s the only way we’ll ever be free – let’s be Pagan once again!
Be Pagan once again, be Pagan once again,
It’s the only way we’ll ever be free – let’s be Pagan once again!

I think if people ever caught someone singing these songs, it would pretty much cause mayhem.

May St.Patrick pray for us, and help us convert these Druids.:shamrock2:

 

[kenofken]

I’m a bit surprised it’s taken them this long to win legal recognition there. Druidic reconstruction movements have been around for decades in the UK, I believe even longer than Wicca, which has its roots in the 1950s. Wicca and other pagan religions have had IRS recognition here I think since the 1970s or very early 80s. If England is anything at all like what we have, recognition is basically just demonstrating to the government that you are a “real” religion vs a beer drinking society or tax dodge. That is, you just have to demonstrate that what you’re about is religious in nature - attempting to provide answers to life and death’s big questions, coming together at regular intervals for some sort of worship service, having a definite theology of some sort, perhaps a clergy. In a free society, government has no business determining whether your religion is theologically “correct” or popular, only that it’s sincerely held and not a front for money laundering or some other criminal activity.

 

[LDNCatholic]

I’m glad for the British Pagan reconstructionists.

I am sure there are many good people in that movement. Far more benign than the Saxon/Norse Pagan reconstructionist movement, which in my experience is almost invariably filled with white nationalists.

 

[AngloCatholic1]

news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101002/ap_on_re_eu/eu_britain_druids_recognized

I don’t know anything about modern day Druidism (or ancient Druidism, for that matter), but I found it interesting that the UK requires a religion to have a belief in a supreme entity. I wonder if that requires some form of monotheism, or whether polytheism is allowed? Does Druidism actually have gods or are the nature spirits it addresses lesser in nature?

About 10,000 Britons identify as followers of Druidism.

Lets get something straight here. The term “Druid” refers to the priestly class of the ancient pagan religion of the Celtic peoples of Europe and Britain. They were the leaders in education and the guardians of the law. But don’t be decieved; the education they espoused and the laws they held to can in NO WAY be thought of as Christian. Many of the Druid rites were exceedingly cruel; human beings were commonly offered in sacrifices. Sometimes the victims were criminals, but often innocents were slaughtered as well. The Druids reverenced, amongst other things, serpents and oak trees. In fact, an oak tree with mistletoe growing on it was deemed too holy for anyone but a Druid priest to touch. Ceremoinal gatherings took place in groves containing such trees, and sacrifices made there.

It’s a known FACT that the civilizing of Europe and Britain was accomplished by Christianity. The pagan Romans arrived in Britain just before the birth of Christ, and ruled over the Celts for over 400 years. The built walled cities, bridges, roads and systematic government. During this time Christianity became the official religion of Rome, and so the Romans in turn converted the Britons. When the Romans left Britain, the island was invaded by waves of pagan Angles and Saxons from northern Germany. The Holy See then sent missionaries to convert the Anglo-Saxon kings and peoples, one by one, over the next few centuries. Then, just when Brtain had become wholly Christian again, another invasion of paganism occurred, this time from Northern Europe. The viking “Danes” (although most of them were in fact from Norway) succeeded in taking two-thirds of England. The Kingdom of Wessex was the only hold-out, under the leadership of Alfred the Great. Then, again, the Danes slowly conveted to Christianity and the descendants of the kings of Wessex became the Kings of all-England, crowned by the Archbishop of Canterbury. This was achieved just before A.D. 1000. It is interesting to note that England has been undeniably Christian since that time, and that it’s journey to civilizing itself, and then the ENTIRE WORLD, began THEN.

And NOW, for the first time since then, the government has decided to officially recognize “Druidism” as an “acceptable” religion. The pagan Druids! And we’re not talking about the Druids who never knew Christ, we’re talking about the ones who DO, but have chosen to REJECT Him! Superstitious nature worship. Human sacrifices. It’s all OKAY now!!!

**How FAR has “Merry 'ol England” fallen!!! Notice that three things had to happen first:

1. they “offically” broke away from the Holy See in Rome, thus severing themselves from “The Rock” of St. Peter.
2. they became “officially” accepting of divorce/remarriage, birth control, abortion and homosexuality
3. they “officially” opened the floodgates to massive third-world non-christian immigration.**
   “All religions are the same!” And now it’s “cool” to be a Druid! Well, I think we all know that there is indeed something “officially” wrong with England, and I think we ALL know who the enemy is, don’t we? But this time he’s not attacking from without, in a fair fight, but WITHIN!

 

[kenofken]

Lets get something straight here. The term “Druid” refers to the priestly class of the ancient pagan religion of the Celtic peoples of Europe and Britain. They were the leaders in education and the guardians of the law. But don’t be decieved; the education they espoused and the laws they held to can in NO WAY be thought of as Christian. Many of the Druid rites were exceedingly cruel; human beings were commonly offered in sacrifices. Sometimes the victims were criminals, but often innocents were slaughtered as well. The Druids reverenced, amongst other things, serpents and oak trees. In fact, an oak tree with mistletoe growing on it was deemed too holy for anyone but a Druid priest to touch. Ceremoinal gatherings took place in groves containing such trees, and sacrifices made there.

It’s a known FACT that the civilizing of Europe and Britain was accomplished by Christianity. The pagan Romans arrived in Britain just before the birth of Christ, and ruled over the Celts for over 400 years. The built walled cities, bridges, roads and systematic government. During this time Christianity became the official religion of Rome, and so the Romans in turn converted the Britons. When the Romans left Britain, the island was invaded by waves of pagan Angles and Saxons from northern Germany. The Holy See then sent missionaries to convert the Anglo-Saxon kings and peoples, one by one, over the next few centuries. Then, just when Brtain had become wholly Christian again, another invasion of paganism occurred, this time from Northern Europe. The viking “Danes” (although most of them were in fact from Norway) succeeded in taking two-thirds of England. The Kingdom of Wessex was the only hold-out, under the leadership of Alfred the Great. Then, again, the Danes slowly conveted to Christianity and the descendants of the kings of Wessex became the Kings of all-England, crowned by the Archbishop of Canterbury. This was achieved just before A.D. 1000. It is interesting to note that England has been undeniably Christian since that time, and that it’s journey to civilizing itself, and then the ENTIRE WORLD, began THEN.

And NOW, for the first time since then, the government has decided to officially recognize “Druidism” as an “acceptable” religion. The pagan Druids! And we’re not talking about the Druids who never knew Christ, we’re talking about the ones who DO, but have chosen to REJECT Him! Superstitious nature worship. Human sacrifices. It’s all OKAY now!!!

**How FAR has “Merry 'ol England” fallen!!! Notice that three things had to happen first:

1. they “offically” broke away from the Holy See in Rome, thus severing themselves from “The Rock” of St. Peter.
2. they became “officially” accepting of divorce/remarriage, birth control, abortion and homosexuality
3. they “officially” opened the floodgates to massive third-world non-christian immigration.**
   “All religions are the same!” And now it’s “cool” to be a Druid! Well, I think we all know that there is indeed something “officially” wrong with England, and I think we ALL know who the enemy is, don’t we? But this time he’s not attacking from without, in a fair fight, but WITHIN!

Yes, I can see where freedom of conscience and democratic pluralism would be galling to you.

 

[cyberwolf001]

The Druids is an ancient pagan religion, mostly from the Celts. Specially in Ireland.

St.Patrick had a couple of runnings with them back in Pagan Ireland.

Pirate radio station in the Irish Sea had been broadcasting songs into Ireland for “St. Patrick’s Day.”

This is one of them;

When childhild’s fire was in my blood, I dreamed of ancient dreemen,
Against the Church who boldly stood, as Pagans and as Heathen.
And then I prayed I yet might see, the Druids in the glen,
And Ireland long the churches’ toy, be Pagan once again!
Be Pagan once again, be Pagan once again,
And Ireland long the churches’ toy, be Pagan once again!

The Old Gods only sleep you know, although betrayed and slandered.
They guarded us from every woe, and blessed each crop and fine herd.
Then Patrick, he drove the snakes away, and brought the churches in.
'Twas a bloody poor bargain, I would say – let’s be Pagan once again!
Be Pagan once again, be Pagan once again,
'Twas a bloody poor bargain, I would say – let’s be Pagan once again!

And ever since that wretched day, when first Ireland went Christian,
We’ve suffered woe in every way, with our freedom made the worst “sin”.
They set us at each other’s throats, to murder kith and kin.
Too long we’ve been their starving goats – let’s be Pagan once again!
Be Pagan once again, be Pagan once again,
Too long we’ve been their starving goats – let’s be Pagan once again!

Both Catholic and Protestant, led us round by our noses,
Distracting from the deadly scent, of England’s bleedin’ roses!
Kick every preacher 'cross the sea, burn out their golden dens.
It’s the only way we’ll ever be free – let’s be Pagan once again!
Be Pagan once again, be Pagan once again,
It’s the only way we’ll ever be free – let’s be Pagan once again!

I think if people ever caught someone singing these songs, it would pretty much cause mayhem.

May St.Patrick pray for us, and help us convert these Druids.:shamrock2:

That was a song written by ADF founder Isaac Bonewits. Oh you missed a line the last line of the song “Be Pagan Once Again” is Erin Go Bragh.

Isaac believed that if people did return to Paganism a lot of our problems would go away, One reason for this is the new clergy would be largely elected and self supporting, their just isn’t a whole lot of “power” to be head as a Neo-Pagan Priest.

Yes, I can see where freedom of conscience and democratic pluralism would be galling to you.

Well said. Also funny how many get angry about any criticism of their faith yet well smear another at the drop of a hat.

 

[latin_rite]

Druidism is no better than Scientology. Well at least scientologist know what their founder wanted them to worship. Druidism. Is a more legitimate form of religion than wicca. but only in the sence that is older and isn’t from the imagination of 1950’s hippy. If the catholic faith was wiped off the map today. And in a few thousand years. People. Who only know of the existence of Catholicism. were to start calling themselves catholic. And make up customs rites etc. Would be as authentic Catholics as the “druids” of today.
The early Christians released my people from the yoke of the the druid religion. Now we have childish clowns who are trying to revive it. Aw well. At least they will never be true druids.

 

[latin_rite]

Lets get something straight here. The term “Druid” refers to the priestly class of the ancient pagan religion of the Celtic :

Yes. I always have a giggle. When i hear someone claim to be a druid “priest” A even bigger laugh when a woman claims that mantle. If they knew anything about the “faith” they claim to follow. They would know. That The title of druid was handed down much like the title of pope is today. By succession. Someone today claiming to be a druid priest is no better than me claiming to be king of England. Sure i can act like one. And sure i can claim it. But it really means diddly.

 

[cyberwolf001]

Druidism is no better than Scientology. Well at least scientologist know what their founder wanted them to worship. Druidism. Is a more legitimate form of religion than wicca. but only in the sence that is older and isn’t from the imagination of 1950’s hippy. If the catholic faith was wiped off the map today. And in a few thousand years. People. Who only know of the existence of Catholicism. were to start calling themselves catholic. And make up customs rites etc. Would be as authentic Catholics as the “druids” of today.
The early Christians released my people from the yoke of the the druid religion. Now we have childish clowns who are trying to revive it. Aw well. At least they will never be true druids.

You guys seem obsessed with hammering in the we aint “real” line. Hate to tell you but we REALLY don’t care.

 

[Patrick_Joshua]

I have to say I have a black sense of humor so I find a certain ammount of humour in that rearranging of ‘A Nation Once Again’.

I thought it was quite funny aswell.

I’m glad for the British Pagan reconstructionists.

Your glad pagan movements, are happening in a Christian country?
I thought Protestant movements was bad enough,but pagan?

 

[kenofken]

You guys seem obsessed with hammering in the we aint “real” line. Hate to tell you but we REALLY don’t care.

More than that, pronouncements on whose religion is “real” is a glass house, at best. I doubt very much whether most of today’s Christians would measure up as the real deal in the eye of the ancients. Love em or hat em, the original Christians were a pretty tough lot. Many had lived their lives as slaves, and they walked the walk when it came to their ministries, working in the squalid alleyways of First Century Rome and Antioch, knowing and accepting that many of them would die in horrible ways for their faith.

I can’t imagine they would be all that impressed with most of today’s movement: the megachurch “prosperity Gospel” preachers getting fat off of donations, the Prada-wearing cardinals and their palatial residences. The faithful who attend Mass every once in a while and almost never confess or do pennance. Guys who cry “persecution” every time pop culture gives them a razzing? How many of today’s lot would have the stones to give up their possessions to serve the poor and follow their faith to the bitter end in the gladiator’s arena or some crucifixion ground? Do your headcount carefully before proclaiming who is “authentic” to their own traditions.

I think it says something about the power and beauty of the old pagan ways that they survived even in diluted form after many centuries of cultural (and literal) genocide by those who presumed to “save” our ancestors. Today’s druidism and other pagan faiths are not exact reproductions of the old ways for two reasons: the actions of self-righteous missionary invaders and because the old ways would not serve us well in these times. We are not Iron-Age Celts. We live in the here and now and we work with our deities as modern people in the best ways we know how.

 

[gurneyhalleck1]

I’m in the mood to go watch “The Wicker Man” now

 

[tomarin]

Maybe someone should try to revive Catharism next.

 

[Publisher]

Maybe someone should try to revive Catharism next.

catharchurch.wordpress.com/

 

[latin_rite]

You guys seem obsessed with hammering in the we aint “real” line. Hate to tell you but we REALLY don’t care.

Pagans were real. And i think there are people who today are pagan. But druids? Nah sorry. The “druids” of today are about as authentic as a three dollar note. And off course you don’t care. Because ignorance is bliss.

 

[Esdra]

Lets get something straight here. The term “Druid” refers to the priestly class of the ancient pagan religion of the Celtic peoples of Europe and Britain. They were the leaders in education and the guardians of the law. But don’t be decieved; the education they espoused and the laws they held to can in NO WAY be thought of as Christian. Many of the Druid rites were exceedingly cruel; human beings were commonly offered in sacrifices. Sometimes the victims were criminals, but often innocents were slaughtered as well. The Druids reverenced, amongst other things, serpents and oak trees. In fact, an oak tree with mistletoe growing on it was deemed too holy for anyone but a Druid priest to touch. Ceremoinal gatherings took place in groves containing such trees, and sacrifices made there.

It’s a known FACT that the civilizing of Europe and Britain was accomplished by Christianity. The pagan Romans arrived in Britain just before the birth of Christ, and ruled over the Celts for over 400 years. The built walled cities, bridges, roads and systematic government. During this time Christianity became the official religion of Rome, and so the Romans in turn converted the Britons. When the Romans left Britain, the island was invaded by waves of pagan Angles and Saxons from northern Germany. The Holy See then sent missionaries to convert the Anglo-Saxon kings and peoples, one by one, over the next few centuries. Then, just when Brtain had become wholly Christian again, another invasion of paganism occurred, this time from Northern Europe. The viking “Danes” (although most of them were in fact from Norway) succeeded in taking two-thirds of England. The Kingdom of Wessex was the only hold-out, under the leadership of Alfred the Great. Then, again, the Danes slowly conveted to Christianity and the descendants of the kings of Wessex became the Kings of all-England, crowned by the Archbishop of Canterbury. This was achieved just before A.D. 1000. It is interesting to note that England has been undeniably Christian since that time, and that it’s journey to civilizing itself, and then the ENTIRE WORLD, began THEN.

And NOW, for the first time since then, the government has decided to officially recognize “Druidism” as an “acceptable” religion. The pagan Druids! And we’re not talking about the Druids who never knew Christ, we’re talking about the ones who DO, but have chosen to REJECT Him! Superstitious nature worship. Human sacrifices. It’s all OKAY now!!!

**How FAR has “Merry 'ol England” fallen!!! Notice that three things had to happen first:

1. they “offically” broke away from the Holy See in Rome, thus severing themselves from “The Rock” of St. Peter.
2. they became “officially” accepting of divorce/remarriage, birth control, abortion and homosexuality
3. they “officially” opened the floodgates to massive third-world non-christian immigration.**
   “All religions are the same!” And now it’s “cool” to be a Druid! Well, I think we all know that there is indeed something “officially” wrong with England, and I think we ALL know who the enemy is, don’t we? But this time he’s not attacking from without, in a fair fight, but WITHIN!

Hi

I think druidism has not that much to do with the “original” pagan cults of the Irish or the Germans - I mean with human sacrifices and so…
As far as I know “Modern Paganism” has not too much to do with the original one.
I mean they do know the legends of their gods etc, they do magic and worship the nature. - In fact love nature.
As far as I know Paganism was “reinvented” by Garner and it has many ties to Wicca.
To be perfectly honest: before I became a (reborn) Christian I liked the pagan cults (not only the ones of the Celts and other nordic peoples but also and especially of the Ancient Egyptians) very much and I especially liked their sense for nature and trying to live with nature, instead of against it.
I still like this religion and I am happy for the druids in England to be recognized as a religion now.

Esdra

 

[gmcbroom]

While I’m no longer a pagan if ever I really was (those were rebellious days before I was baptized). I am happy they are being recognized. Why would I say this as a Maronite Catholic Christian? It’s simple. Choice. There are many countries in this world of ours where freedom of speech, and religion are mere dreams and not laws. It’s good to see that others have the right to worship as they please. Oh don’t get me wrong I still think they’re making a mistake. But, that is between them and God, not us. However, if we insist on making it an issue. Then there really is only one thing to do. Convert them. Yes, I’m being serious.