Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Satanists are in the army now

Andrew Marshall
Friday 11 June 1999 00:02 BST
Comments

A GROUP of American conservative religious organisations is demanding that Christians boycott the US Army and all of its works until the military ends support for its latest denominations: witches and satanists.

The Army has decided to allow other religions to practice their beliefs on US bases, including the adherents of Wicca, or witchcraft. A handbook for Army chaplains also includes the Church of Satan among groups allowed to worship.

"An Army that sponsors satanic rituals is unworthy of representing the United States of America," said Paul Weyrich, president of the Free Congress Foundation, a right wing group.

The Military Pagan Network (MPN) hit back by saying that the Constitution specifically rules out discrimination based on religion. John Machate of MPN said: "All religions are, and should be, permitted free practice on military bases, within reasonable limits."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in