Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance

Christian groups have objected to allowing Wiccans to serve in the U.S. military. However, Wicca has been recognized as a valid religion since as early as 1988 and has been active in the United States since the 1950s. Wiccans on military bases have not been granted special privileges; it is the mainstream religions that have benefits-such as chaplains, onbase meeting halls, and office support-that are not available to Wiccans. Concerns about the effects of allowing Wiccans in the military are unfounded. Wiccans will not undermine the readiness or functioning of the armed forces. The Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance is an organization that provides accurate information about minority religions, cults, and sects and attempts to expose religious fraud and misinformation.

Lt. Col. Robert L. Maginnis (U.S. Army...