Why do we need to ‘Stand up and be counted?’
For too long we have known that there are significant numbers of people who identify as Pagan. The estimates have been from 20,000 to 140,000 or more. But we’ve never had any really accurate figures for a number of historical reasons. We now have the chance to know just how many of us are there. Why do we need to know?
In the 2001 census some 30,000 people wrote Pagan. An additional 10,000 Pagans wrote their path specifically (Druid, Wiccan, witch etc.). Combined, this made us the 7th largest faith in the UK. While this number is significant, in the course of speaking to Pagans at various moots, events etc, we found there were approximately only 1 in 5 who had expressed their beliefs. This leaves a significant number not accounted for, or even counted. As a further problem the Heathens were originally counted with the Atheists in the results — which did not please them one bit!
If the Office of National Statistics has our true numbers:
- We can then be officially recognized as a serious religious choice,
- The government can see that we vote and there are enough of us to make a difference,
- Pagan organizations can show they are representative,
- We can achieve more representation within the local and wider community,
- Pagan organizations will have credibility when dealing with both businesses and the government to provide the services you need.
This means it will be easier for us to be heard, our religious / spiritual sensitivities taken into account - and especially at those times when it is really important - in hospitals and hospices, for our children in schools, in the military and police and other places of work, in courts and prisons, when dealing with social workers and health visitors, at times when we face prejudice and discrimination.
So, what can you do to help?
- Tell your friends!
- Get your Pagan organization involved
- Bring it up at your next moot
- Put a link on your website to www.pagandash.org
- Give us your ideas about how to get the word out
If you want to get involved just Contact Jon at admin@pagandash.org.