Wicca

Wicca is a Neopagan religion that is found in many English-speaking countries and several other countries as well. It was originally founded by the British civil servant Gerald Gardner most likely in the 1940s, but was first openly revealed in 1954. Since its founding, various related Wiccan traditions have evolved or been created, the original being Gardnerian Wicca, which is the name of the tradition that follows the specific beliefs and practices established by Gerald Gardner.

Wicca in the United States

In 1985, as a result of Dettmer v Landon (617 F Supp 592), the District Court of Virginia ruled that Wicca is a legal religion, and is afforded all the benefits accorded to it by law. It was affirmed a year later by Judge J. Butzner of the Federal Appeals Court fourth circuit (799 F 2d 929).

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

However, Wiccans are still the object of stigma in America. They are often fired from jobs or lose custody of their children due to bias. And despite being legally recognized, not all priests or priestesses are legally clergy. High Priests or Priestesses of a Tradition sometimes gain this status,if they are legaly recognized and have their 501C non-profit status.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~