Date: Thu 28 Jan 88 14:44:52 From: Brad Hicks (on 100/523) CIRCLE SANCTUARY WINS (FIRST) ZONING BATTLE "Five to Ten Year Fight" Predicted The Brigham Town Board and the Iowa County Zoning Commission both voted unanimously to extend a church permit, and a church zoning variance, to Circle Sanctuary. Circle is celebrating with a series of private dedication rituals (both personal and for the land) from Friday 29 January through Tuesday 3 February. Selena Fox claims that hers is the first Wiccan Church (to her knowledge) ever to be granted a church permit after such lengthy public, government, and press scrutiny. Unfortunately, the harrassment of "The Witches of Barneveld" (as some of the town-folk call them) is continuing, and could take up to five years or more to finally resolve. The Brigham Zoning Commissioner, with the support of the Town Board, has reportedly filed a complaint alleging that Circle Sanctuary is in violation of their church zoning. At the heart of the complaint (which has not yet been forwarded to Circle or to the ACLU) is a claim by the Zoning Commissioner that Circle's national networking efforts and living quarters for non-family assistants exceeds permissible activities for a "local parish" and would require an "office" classification. The American Civil Liberties Union will continue to provide legal assistance to Circle Sanctuary in resolving this matter, so the worst of the legal fees are over (however, contributions to the ACLU are certainly not un-called-for). Press coverage has almost without exception been favorable. However, the outcome in uncertain and there are hints that even if Circle wins this round, the Town Board has other forms of harrassment in mind. Pagans and magical folks should NOT send letters or petitions to any of the principles in this case, Selena Fox insisted, as the she feels (and the ACLU concurs) that outside political pressure on local politicians is the worst possible thing that could happen to this case. If you have in mind some way to help Circle with these matters, please send a letter to Circle Sanctuary, Box 219, Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin 53572, USA, so that it can be discussed first with their lawyers. Selena Fox expressed her thanks to all of the "wonderful folks" who have beamed supporting energy to the Sanctuary, and claims that without that magickal support, they could never have survived the grueling negotiations and legal and political battles. She asked that all magical folks who care about religious freedom please continue to send magickal support, especially (if possible) as a part of the upcoming Imbolc celebrations. (If a precise time is desired, Circle will be holding a special dedication ceremony and energy-raising session for the upcoming fight starting at approximately 1:00 PM Central Time on Sunday, February 2nd.) One unfortunate consequence of this fight has been that Circle has not had time or energy for their regular fund-raising efforts, so financial support will be welcomed. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- OTHER NEWS FROM CIRCLE SANCTUARY Secretarial Opening at the Sanctuary Circle has an urgent need to fill an upcoming vacancy on the staff, especially as correspondence related to the zoning fight and other Pagan Rights cases snowballs. Any Pagan or person on a Pagan-oriented path with good typing and secretarial skills who is interested should apply immediately. Send a resume and a letter explaining why you are interested in the position to Circle Sanctuary at Box 219, Mt. Horeb, WI 53572. Due to space problems and issues related to the zoning fight, no one with pets or dependents will be considered (sorry!). For more information, please call the Sanctuary at (608) 924-2216 on a Tuesday or Thursday between 1:00 and 4:00 PM Central Time. Planning for 1988 Pagan Spirit Gathering Begun Contrary to some rumors which have been distributed by unknown parties, there =will= be a 1988 International Pagan Spirit Gathering. It is scheduled for June 21-26, at the same location where it has been held for the past several years, approximately one hour's drive from Madison, Wisconsin. If you wish to lead a workshop or a ritual at this year's PSG, please try to have your proposals in to Circle Sanctuary at Box 219, Mt. Horeb, WI 53572 by March 1st. --- * Origin: WeirdBase* St. Louis * 1-314-389-WYRD * (Opus 1:100/523)