Pagan group gets the boot (Told they Could Not use Inn & Covention Center)

[truthpusher]

http://www.showmenews.com/2005/Feb/20050203News007.asp

Pagan group gets the boot in Hannibal
Wiccans settle on Columbia after hotel pulls reservation.

By CHUCK ADAMSON of the Tribune’s staff
Published Thursday, February 3, 2005

Cooper County pagans are coming to Columbia this weekend after being refused service in Hannibal.

Rose Wise, high priestess administrator of the Ozark Avalon Church of Nature-Wicca, said the Hannibal Inn and Convention Center sent them a letter about 10 days ago saying their retreat planned months ago couldn’t be held there.

<snip>

Wise said Ozark Avalon, located on 160 acres in rural Cooper County just west of the Missouri River, has had a contract with the hotel since August. She said the hotel sent her a letter that cited "threats of boycotts and protests should this event occur at our property. … The overwhelming amount of concern that has been generated is a genuine threat to the Hannibal Inn."

Wise said she didn’t know who was planning to protest.

<snip>

"It sounds like religious persecution to me," Viets said. "What if they did this to Protestants or Catholics? It’s like saying we don’t want a group of black people here because people in Hannibal are going to protest."

<more>

http://www.showmenews.com/2005/Feb/20050203News007.asp

[liberalnurse]

1. If they broke the contract

the Pagans should file suit. Discrimination......

This is just the beginning of their domination. Another form of the Klan.

[rocktivity]

2. Their civil rights have also been violated

They can't be objected to on religious grounds.

:headbang:
rocknation

[Freedom_from_Chains]

3. Welcome to Jesusland

However, if you're not saved yet, I wouldn't hang around for long.

[daleo]

4. Is this the area Mark Twain wrote about?

Weren't Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn set in Hannibal, Missouri?

[MountainLaurel]

7. Yes,

I think that's where Twain grew up.

[daleo]

16. I thought so.

They produced at least one really great person anyway. I don't want to stretch the analogy between slavery and this limited persecution of non-Christians but I think they both come under the general category of not respecting difference. It's too bad Twain wasn't around to comment, as it would probably be hilarious.

[genieroze]

5. This is nuts, I'm starting to be ashamed of being a Christian. What

are these nuts doing in Christs name?

[TygrBright]

6. But... but... but....

....isn't this a FAITH-BASED group?

Shouldn't they get a government subsidy for their meeting or something?

Someone explain, please...

sarcastically,
Bright

[MountainLaurel]

8. Now, those faith-based funds

Only are available to white fundamentalists. No one else need apply. (Though in the faith-based scenario, I think that pagans would do one hell of a job at running Interior and the EPA.

[frictionlessO]

10. actually I have it on pretty good word that a pagan group or two did

get faith based fundage, BUT! only because it came through a UU request... Imsure if they knew that the UUs gave some to pagans they would mark Unitarians off the list.

[Behind the Aegis]

9. SUE!

I hope they sue the hell out of the hotel! Groups have a right to protest, but to deny a group, for which you already had a contract, access like any other group is a very dangerous thing. I hope they get sued to the point of closing!

[frictionlessO]

11. Well I thought this was going to be my group of pagans...

A couple hundred of us descend on a very rural hotel every year, they try and dissuade us by having Christian conventions at the same time. Which thrills many of us no end (and in a sincere and good way).

We have a couple of spies at the property and they say that most of the staff is scared shitless of us, but that we are far and away the most polite and clean (pagans by and large try to leave places where we've guested cleaner than when we got there) convetioneers there all year!! lol...

I love Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Pagans all of em excpet for atheists!! They suck!! (just kidding!!!)... compassion is not just about loving and caring for people like you but sometimes your exact opposite.

blah blah blah... pardon.

[Blue Gardener]

12. I used to think Hannibal was a nice town

Seems maybe I need to re-think that position. I hate to think the whole town is that hateful though. Hopefully it's only a handful of loudmouth nutjobs.

[Ian David]

13. You know, the fundies are planning an anti-gay conference in Boston

In addition to the anti-gay theme, they're having workshops on how to convert your co-workers at the office.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=221x4737

[Ian David]

14. The Pagans and Wiccans seem to have a fighting spirit...

Fall 2003
Lady Liberty League Report
Published in CIRCLE Magazine

One art teacher told Sarah that Sarah’s self-portrait was rejected because of its religious theme and pentagram symbol. However, another student’s art piece with a religious theme and symbol was accepted; one of Sarah’s friends had depicted an individual hanging from a Christian cross. Sarah’s parents were able to finally resolve the issue by citing laws against religious discrimination in the schools to the School Board. Sarah’s art will now be hung on the Wall of Fame. Sarah’s mother hopes that others will see that they are not powerless when bigotry happens, and will choose to take action. The school was surprised to know that Sarah’s family’s church, Ozark Avalon, is recognized by both the state and the federal governments as a Wiccan church. Special thanks to Rev. Rose Wise of Ozark Avalon who called the principal on Sarah’s behalf. Well wishes to Sarah and her family can be sent to them: [e-mail].

http://www.circlesanctuary.org/liberty/report/fall2003.htm

See also:

OZARK AVALON, )
)
Complainant, )
)
v. ) Appeal Number 00-52500
)
JAMES LACHNER, ASSESSOR, )
COOPER COUNTY, MISSOURI, )
)
Respondent. )

DECISION AND ORDER

HOLDING

Decision of the Cooper County Board of Equalization sustaining the assessment made by the Assessor and rejecting Complainant's claim for exemption, SET ASIDE. Subject Property found to be exempt as a religious use property.

Complainant appeared by Counsel, Daniel S. Simon, Columbia, Missouri.

Respondent appeared by Counsel, Douglas Abele, Prosecuting Attorney.

Case heard and decided by Chief Hearing Officer, W. B. Tichenor.

ISSUE

The only issue in this case is Complainant's entitlement to an exemption on religious and/or charitable grounds.

SUMMARY

Complainant appeals the decision of the Cooper County Board of Equalization which sustained the valuation of the subject property. The Assessor determined an appraised value of $8,900 (assessed value of $1,070, as agricultural property). Complainant does not contest either the valuation or classification of the subject property, but appeals on the sole ground of the asserted entitlement to an exemption on religious/charitable grounds. A hearing was conducted on July 12, 2001 at the Cooper County Courthouse, Boonville, Missouri.

The Hearing Officer, having considered all of the competent evidence upon the whole record, enters the following Decision and Order.

<snip>

ORDER

The determination by the Assessor and sustained by the Board of Equalization for Cooper County that the subject property is not exempt from taxation is SET ASIDE.

The Assessor and Clerk of Cooper County are ordered to place the subject property on the list of exempt properties for said county.

More:

http://www.dor.mo.gov/stc/ozark_avalon_v_lachner.htm


I think they've picked the wrong group of tree-hugging Pagans to mess with this time.


See also:

Church of Ozark Avalon Wins Property Tax Case
Another Precident for us All!

"The Ozark Avalon Church of Wicca is pleased to announce the positive resolution of a property tax dispute, which has continued for two years. On August 8, 2001, the State Tax Commission of Missouri set aside a previous decision of the Cooper County Board of Equalization upholding the determination of Cooper County tax assessor Jim Lachner that Wicca is not a religion as defined by Missouri law. Among other things, Chief Hearing Officer W. B. Tichenor found that "Complainant's (Ozark Avalon) evidence was substantial and persuasive to rebut the presumption of correct assessment by the Board of Equalization. The subject property is actually and regularly used exclusively for religious worship and for purposes purely charitable and not held for private or corporate profit." Ozark Avalon's volunteer clergy, Rose Wise and R. Tom Dixon III, report themselves satisfied with this decision. Ms. Wise states, "We are happy that Wicca is now recognized at all levels of government and hope this decision paves the way for other Pagan churches in Missouri and other states." Mr. Dixon adds, "Wicca is a living religion, and one of the fastest growing religions in the US. By some estimates, there are several million Pagans worshiping in this country alone."

Fritz and Wren wish to extend their deepest congratulations to Moose and all the folks at "Ozark Avalon" for fighting the good fight and thank them for what they are doing for us all.
More:
http://www.witchvox.com/homepages/hp_2001/hp_20010827.html


See also:
http://archive.showmenews.com/2002/Oct/20021019Feat003.asp

[Ian David]

15. Ozark Avalon presents... Ostara- The Awakening

http://www.witchvox.com/vn/vn_detail/dt_ev.html?a=usmo&id=34044

Ozark Avalon presents...

Ostara- The Awakening

When: Mar. 18th. 2005 - Mar. 20th. 2005
Where: Boonville, Missouri

Celebrate the Spring Equinox

Event Details: Ostara We celebrate the Spring equinox by focusing on healing and personal growth. Look for workshops on herbalism, Tai Chi and massage and a healing drum circle. We welcome all beings of good heart to come celebrate the magic of the new-born spring at Ozark Avalon Church of Nature. The weather may be a little cool still so pack appropriately. Children are welcome and can expect egg dyeing, egg hunting and a visit from the Great Bunny. The Saturday night feast is feature a lamb roast.

<snip>

Event Location: 26213 Cumberland Church Road in Boonville
Event TIME Details: Registration opens at 1noon Friday

<snip>


Website: http://www.ozarkavalon.net

To view ALL of our listings: Click HERE
http://www.witchvox.com/vn/vn_detail/dt_all.html?a=usmo&id=3178



Now, please tell me...

Who would YOU rather have in YOUR town for a weekend....

These Pagans...






.... or these Christians....

[plasticwidow]

23. Pro-active...

Its good to see them being pro-active and not just sitting around and rolling over. Other groups need to do the same, not just the Wiccans. In a legal manner.

Hooray!!

[greyXstar]

17. More of that great compassionate conservatism

:grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr:

[Scout]

18. kick

because I think it's worth it!

[Ian David]

19. Kick

[spunky]

20. Not to piss anyone off, but I would like to make one point

First, I do not condone any sort of discrimination. The Inn should have let them have their meeting there, and if the group has grounds, they should sue for discrimination, BUT

Isn't the whole point of boycotts to get companies to change things? Didn't people here scream about boycotting companies who gave $ to Bush's inauguration? If you are truly going to be angry that this hotel reacted to a boycott, then you shouldn't call for boycotts of any other companies in the future, because that would be hypocrisy. What if they actually changed their policies based on your boycott? They'd be changing their policies and possibly breaking contracts.

Again, not trying to anger anyone, just thinking logically and playing devil's advocate here.

[jayfish]

26. A Boycott To Change A Companies Policy Or...

politics is one thing. A boycott to force discrimination (although I'm not sure this is)is another. I don't have a problem with this as long as all religious groups are banned. Religion is after-all a belief system that one chooses, they are not born with it.

Jay

[KayLaw]

28. There is a difference

The people who are protesting these Pagans are doing simply because they resent the group's existence. The Pagans are not a hate group or a group whose members harm others or to the environment. They're just a harmless group who quietly practice their religious beliefs--unless I'm wrong, or missing something. The people who wish to deprive them of their rights are in the wrong.

I wish Fundies didn't exist, but they do, and I won't get in their way as long as they obey the law. If they had a convention at a hotel near my house, I'd roll my eyes, but I wouldn't bother them. Now, the KKK or the MLBA (?) people are a different story.

[Blue_Tires]

21. let them lose their business then

[shrike]

22. Why the heck are people so afraid of pagans?

We've got a few pagan groups in this area, and for pete's sake, they mind their own business, just want to do their thing.

I'm not pagan, btw.

[hvn_nbr_2]

24. Why are Christians so afraid of witches. After all, who burned whom?

[jayfish]

25. More Importantly,...

why is God afraid of witches? He's God for crying-out-loud.

Jay

[Walt Starr]

27. It's the end result of conflicting views

On the one hand you have an andro-centric death cult preaching about the importance of afterlife and subservience to a male godhead and on the other hand you have a matri-focal sex cult extolling the power of female sexuality in this life.

The two philosophies are nearly mutually incompatible.

[frictionlessO]

29. Sex cult? C'mon Walt, many pagans can get down right hedonistic

but sex cult? Or are you referring just to the gender identification of a female deity? If thats the case then you must remember that many pagans, include a male godhead in most of their rituals. Its about balance for most, not dominion.

Maybe its just the wording... I dont know.

No... to most pagans and buddhists and many atheists even, the problem is with proselytizing.

Going back further, the reason why many fundies cant stand pagans (and trust me we are on their "list" right after gays and pro-choicers), is because King James freaked out in his typical delusional paranoid way and had a nice little passage added/retranslated to the bible (the KJV) stateing that "thou shalt not suffer a witch to live". He suspected witches of blighting crops and cursing him, thus trying to bring ruin down on top of merry ol' England.

From what I understand the original intent of that line was something like "thou shalt not suffer a posioner/assassin to live".... however Im ignorant on this particular topic and wouldnt mind being schooled by some other posters!

Peace Walt.

[Behind the Aegis]

30. nice reply!

You are correct about the change in KJV. Of course, it is not the only passage "loosely" translated. I think what gets me is that not all pagans are witches and not all witches are pagans. However, people mistakingly interchange the two terms and it just adds more confusion.

You are right about many pagans believing in a god and goddess. This is balance, in my opinion.

Anyway, nice reply!! :)

on edit: corrected style issue