Campaign to De-Criminalize the Worship of the
Greek Gods in Greece - and the Preservation
of the Diverse Religions of the World
This site is
being reviewed and updated.
February 2008
This
campaign has now changed its emphasis somewhat so as not to address purely the
difficulties the worshippers of the Greek Gods (counted in many thousands) face
in modern Greece - but to look at these problems in the broader context of
religious freedom generally in society. It is felt that this new "state of
mind" is more positive than the more "insular" approach of just
looking at our own problems. Indeed, a more tolerant world for everybody is
really what this campaign is now about, although of course, the main area of
focus will still be the problems of the Greek Gods worshippers in Greece.
This
website is also being reviewed and updated in view of the many changes (mostly
positive) that have been happening over the last few years in Greece in respect
to these issues. It is important now to consider which remaining issues effect
followers of the Hellenic religion specifically, and which others although
important, are civil liberties of interest to the wider community in general.
For example, if we take the issue of cremation of the deceased and compulsory
religious education in schools, this might well be of concern to many sectors
of the Greek population including even those without much religious faith at
all. Many people outside of the followers of the Greek Gods (perhaps even some
of our many Christian friends) might prefer to be cremated and not see
religious dogma taught in schools. In these circumstances therefore it might
well be better and more sensible to try and address such issues through the
wider civil community rather than a purely "intolerance to the Greek Gods
worshipers" approach.
Similarly,
some followers of the Greek Gods in Greece feel that the ancient Greek temples
should be available for their own use for worship whenever and however they
wish. On the other hand, many other followers, like the majority of the wider
Greek population, see these temples as important and "fragile"
archaelogical and heritage sites which should be protected and preserved. There
seems therefore to now be a need for a sensible discussion and compromise with
all the parties involved in these matters rather than just "protests and
claims of intolerance".
For
the reasons suggested above, and several more like these, this website is now
being carefully and slowly reviewed and updated from time to time. Apologies
for any inconvenience caused for the brevity of information now posted here.
However, anyone wishing to get more information on the specific issues in
Greece as regards religous intolereance and inequality is welcome to contact us
on the email below and we will try to answer your inquiry as best we can with
the latest information and status.
May
we take this opportunity to thank all those of you from many countries, and
indeed from many religious faiths and traditions who have emailed us with your
kind messages of support over recent years.
Demonstration and Parade for the Preservation of the Religions of the World
Landmark Legal Decision On Religious Freedom In Greece
(Athens News March 7th 2008)