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Air Force Academy Adds Chapel Space For Earth-Centered Faiths; Talks With Secular Student Group

By Howard M. Friedman

The U.S. Air Force Academy Chapel is adding a worship area for followers of Earth-centered religions, such as Wicca and Druidism. A release from the Academy reports that dedication of the new outdoor worship circle on the hill overlooking the Cadet Chapel and Visitor Center is tentatively scheduled for March 10. This will be the latest addition to sacred spaces already set aside for Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, Muslim and Buddhist worship. [Thanks to Rev. Jeanene Hammers for the lead.]

Meanwhile, the Colorado Springs Independent yesterday reported [scroll down] that the Air Force Academy's Freethinkers group has apparently gained consent of administrators to affiliate with national Secular Student Alliance and move out from the Academy's Special Programs In Religious Education. The move came after SPIRE discouraged the group last spring from officially inviting atheist Christopher Hitchens. (Background.) Instead Hitchens met off campus with cadets. [Thanks to Scott Mange for the lead.]

Full post as published by Religion Clause on January 29, 2010 (boomark / email).