Re: The Guardian suddenly discovers paganism



"Baird Stafford" <baird@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:baird-78A761.17580523062009@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
In article <1j1rqoy.1ghs51k1nx04s4N%dcohenspam@xxxxxxxxxxxx>,
dcohenspam@xxxxxxxxxxxx (Daniel Cohen) wrote:

"Self elected" seems acceptable wording to me. Anyone can start a coven
and call themselves a High Priest or High Priestess (that part of the
article was specifically referring to Wicca). AS distince from most
branches of Christianity and Judaism where already established members
(not necessarily clergy) determine ordination and status.

Depends on the Trad, whether or not "anyone" can start a coven, etc.
Gardnerian and Alexandrian Wicca and their direct offshoots do have a
hierarchic setup with pretty stiff rules about who is qualified to hive
off and who is not.

That was what I meant, yes, along with the fairly lengthy process leading to initiation / further degrees. I agree with Daniel that anyone can *call* themselves a 'wiccan priest' but by the same token anyone can *call* themselves a 'christian priest'. Doesn't make it so ;)

Jani




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