Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by dano martinez on January 13, 2011 at 1:08pm

Our Rural Fire Association is made up of mostly Christians (we're a VFD). Every month we open and close our business meeting with a Jesus prayer. I just sit here and think pleasant thoughts while they do this (a sort of mini-meditation). It has never been an issue that I don't remove my hat and bow my head like everyone else. When I started four years ago, one member asked me why I didn't do this and I simply replied that I'm not a Christian and have my own beliefs. It has never come up since and being secretary I sit at the front of the room in view of everyone. Religion and faith are not major topics of conversation at our station. We mostly talk about hunting or FF stuff in our free time. It seems the majority of people on our crew are "LIVE & LET LIVE" kind of folks. My faith / beliefs center around THE GREAT SPIRIT (and Native American teachings) & they're cool with that.
Stay Safe & Be Free.
- dano

Permalink Reply by Patricia Carol Lewis on January 14, 2011 at 9:45pm

That is what I do at fire union meetings. I am lucky that I don't get hassles. I know Pagans that have been fired or had their house damaged by good Christians, but than Memphis is the buckle of the bible belt. My last company I was assigned to was one that should have not worked at all. My driver was an ultra-conservative, bible-thumping Christian, one of my privates was an atheist, the other a buddhist, and I their lieutenant, a tree hugging, dirt worshipping Pagan witch. We got along great because we respected each other. We were together for 7 years but due to promotions and transfers we are all on different companys now but still talk a couple of times a week and meet for supper a couple of times a month. We've been apart for a year and still are as close as if we ever were. They will be my family for life. Respect is the key.

Permalink Reply by David Earl Gregory on January 25, 2011 at 12:59pm

I'm out of the fire service now and have been for many years. I wasn't Pagan when I was in but I always felt like something didn't "fit" with how I was raised. Anyway, if you're experiencing any form of discrimination because of your beliefs, there are numerous organizations out there to help you. Everything from the ACLU to WARD and the EEOC on the federal level. The major concern is, do you really want to open a case of worms? Is it worth the potential added discrimination and alienation if you do make a formal complaint? I've found over the years that most times, it's much easier and far better to try to establish an open dialogue and live by what you profess to believe in. Once you've established a reputation, intelligent individuals will see "who" you are and "what" you are by your interactions with others. In other words, "What you do speaks so loud, I can't hear what you're saying."

I'm a Celtic High Priest and have a great reputation in the community in general, as well as among my personal associates. While it's true that some will dismiss you outright and tell you you're going straight to hell because you don't believe as they do, when it comes down to the nut cuttin', I seriously doubt they'd rather die than let "you" rescue them. If there are any of you here that would be interested, one of the groups I'm associated with holds an annual event at King's Mtn. on the NC / SC border at Beltane. Attendance is welcome to all beliefs and faiths so long as you come in peace. If you'd like additional information about this, feel free to contact me via this website. Blessed Be and Merry Meet to all of you.

Permalink Reply by Stephen Schornstein on May 14, 2012 at 10:11am

The VFD I am a part of opens every meeting with a Jesus prayer. I just keep my mouth shut and respect there choices. Luckily we don't talk about religion or politics,we just stick with everyday BS and topics revolving around the department.