I think this religious recognition is long overdue...

Maharlika · Post by **Maharlika** » Sat Oct 02, 2010 4:52 pm

...then again, as they say: Better late than never.

[url="http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101002/ap_on_re_eu/eu_britain_druids_recognized"]Druids recognized as religion for first time in UK.[/url]

galraen · Post by **galraen** » Sat Oct 02, 2010 7:06 pm

I don't know if you're being serious or have your tongue firmly in your cheek Mah, but I'm appalled.

These people are not really religious at all, they are just playing at it. They dress up in their silly costumes, trot off to Stone Henge (on the wrong day I might add) perform made up rituals that have nothing to do with the old Celtic religions, which isn't so bad really I guess, because of course Stone Henge had nothing to do with Druids!!!

However they are mostly bored, idle rich, with friends in high places, hence this idiotic ruling; as if we didn't have enough tax evading free loaders in this country all ready, most of whom of course are fully paid up members of the Tory party!!

End of rant.

Lady Dragonfly · Post by **Lady Dragonfly** » Sun Oct 03, 2010 12:15 am

Falks who regularly send letters to Santa, rejoice! Now you can also send email to King Arthur. The noble king is listed as a permanent officer of the Council of British Druid Orders. According to the website, he joined the ranks in 1991.

Loyal Arthurian Warband - Vote Pendragon!

Galraen, does the "official religion" status come with special perks and tax breaks?

galraen · Post by **galraen** » Sun Oct 03, 2010 5:47 am

Tax breaks are what it's all about Lady Dragonfly. By pulling this move they now have to pay no taxes.

By the way, I should point out that these people are nothing to do with Wiccans, or any other like minded group.

jklinders · Post by **jklinders** » Tue Oct 05, 2010 6:50 pm

galraen wrote:I don't know if you're being serious or have your tongue firmly in your cheek Mah, but I'm appalled.

These people are not really religious at all, they are just playing at it. They dress up in their silly costumes, trot off to Stone Henge (on the wrong day I might add) perform made up rituals that have nothing to do with the old Celtic religions, which isn't so bad really I guess, because of course Stone Henge had nothing to do with Druids!!!

However they are mostly bored, idle rich, with friends in high places, hence this idiotic ruling; as if we didn't have enough tax evading free loaders in this country all ready, most of whom of course are fully paid up members of the Tory party!!

End of rant.

But but...it's cold in midwinter. We can't have them freezing in the dark can we? :laugh:

QuenGalad · Post by **QuenGalad** » Thu Oct 07, 2010 10:37 am

Hah, there was a very enterprising businessman here, about 10 years ago. He registered his employees as members of a religious congregation, listed the factory as a temple and claimed they prayed there from 7 to 15

No law could touch him, actually, and the workers were happy to participate because part of the money saved on taxes went for their raises. They were only defeated by the catholic church and its stampede towards ultimate power.

Back on topic, I still think it's a good thing. I live in a country where you can't even learn about other religions as in Poland, everything that's not christian is a sect. Then again, it's not my taxes we're talking about... Sorry, Galraen

endboss · Post by **endboss** » Sat Nov 13, 2010 5:18 pm

Religions shouldn't receive any tax exemptions or special treatment unless they provide charity. Do the druids organize free day care services, gather donations for the homeless, or help out their community in any way? I didn't see anything in that article that suggested as much.

Sean The Owner · Post by **Sean The Owner** » Mon Nov 15, 2010 6:13 am

endboss wrote:Religions shouldn't receive any tax exemptions or special treatment unless they provide charity. Do the druids organize free day care services, gather donations for the homeless, or help out their community in any way? I didn't see anything in that article that suggested as much.

I most definitely agree.

Curry · Post by **Curry** » Tue Nov 23, 2010 6:53 am

Fortunately I live in a secular country where openly religious people are shunned.

QuenGalad · Post by **QuenGalad** » Tue Nov 23, 2010 10:53 am

All of them? Or just some particular types?

I've recently been interested in pastafarianism. True, they explicitly state that they are an parody, but their 'commandments' are actually very catchy. And I already adore spaghetti.

However, I'm not sure whether they're actually allowed to eat it?

Darth Gavinius · Post by **Darth Gavinius** » Tue Nov 23, 2010 12:17 pm

I think before giving them tax free status they should at least make sure that they really are Druids and not just charlatans... I mean... call them to the houses of Parliament and tell them to summon a badger! I mean what druid can't summon a badger... or entangle... pretty basic for your average druid!:laugh:

galraen · Post by **galraen** » Tue Nov 23, 2010 1:04 pm

Darth Gavinius wrote:I think before giving them tax free status they should at least make sure that they really are Druids and not just charlatans... I mean... call them to the houses of Parliament and tell them to summon a badger! I mean what druid can't summon a badger... or entangle... pretty basic for your average druid!:laugh:

:laugh::laugh:

The joke is that the sort of rural/suburban Hooray Henrys and Henriettas that are 'Druids' are probably also in favour of gassing badger sets!

QuenGalad · Post by **QuenGalad** » Tue Nov 23, 2010 2:16 pm

:laugh:

Jury : Thank you for coming, ladies and gentlemen.
Reps : Why did you call us? We thought it was all arranged already?
'Just a minor formality, nothing to be nervous about.'
'...'
'Well?'
'Well what?'
'Let's see it.'
'See what?'
'Something Druidic. Perhaps you could Entangle my collegue here with this potted plant? No? All right, how about befriending this badger?'
'This is a badger?'