Wiccans Continue to Seek Worship Space at Fort Bragg, North Carolina

August 23, 1999

Source: Morning Star

On August 23, 1999 Morning Star reported that "Members of the Coven of the Dragon Warriors say they have been encouraged and threatened since going public about their hope to worship at Fort Bragg. Laurie MacNeill, the group's high priestess, said she would not withdraw plans to apply. 'We want soldiers to feel safe enough and free enough to worship without being harassed for their beliefs,' said Ms. MacNeill, a former Army sergeant. Lt. Col. Sam Boone, Fort Bragg's garrison chaplain, said he met last week with Ms. MacNeill to discuss the application process for religious groups that want to worship on post. The 10-member coven is asking for a place on Fort Bragg to hold its outdoor ceremonies and festivals and a room for study groups. 'Everybody is concerned for the fact that this can be a controversial and sensitive issue for some people,' Lt. Col. Boone said. The Wiccans, who call themselves witches, practice Wicca, a pagan religion more than 2,000 years old and often referred to as witchcraft. Wicca was federally recognized as a religion in the United States in the 1960s. Wiccans say Wicca is a nature-based religion and is not to be feared. 'All we want is to live in peace and love,' Ms. MacNeill said. But some pastors view Wicca as a dangerous influence on the community and do not want to see the group established on post... The Wiccans would like to be on post by winter, but they must first establish that the needs of Wiccan soldiers can't be met elsewhere, Lt. Col. Boone said."