Jediism

In Denmark you are allowed to believe whatever you want but there is the concept of an "official religion", that dictates which religions are allowed to perform legally binding rituals such as a marriage. For instance Forn Sídr (the Asatru) was only recognized as late as 2003 in Denmark (despite it's cultural significance). There's a long way before Jediism would be recognized as an official religion here.

Sven One wrote: I am not certain about Portugal but I know the UK jedichurch.org is one of the official churches in the UK

A quick Google search showed me there is no "official religion" list in the UK, can you confirm? Where can you find a list of official churches?

I'm asking, not challenging...

In the US, even the mainstream religions are "non-for-profit businesses"... No "officialdom"....

It depends what you mean by official. If you mean real, we are a real religion, if you mean whether your country recognises it, I don't know. (Sven, as far as I'm aware the UK doesn't recognise Jediism as a religion. The list of religions specifically recognised while the 2011 census was processed doesn't include Jediism (I looked).)

I understand but, here in the states I am mocked, laughed at and even was jumped by religious zealots deeming me evil. Just something your gonna have to except. People are people they have a right to their opinions and you got a right not to listen

Masters Jestor or Edan: remember this was several years ago almost I think five...but, its jedichurch.org itd there I assure you. If its official they claim it is. I could be wrong of course.

ah, Sven, you are just referring to being registered?

Yes, they are, just as we are in the U.S....

We are registered in the state of Texas as a non-for-profit...

We also were listed in the UK.. We, TOTJO...

TOTJO at the time, was listed as a non-for-profit in the UK, whereas The Jedi Church was listed as a for-profit entity...

It is possible they changed their status, but it was our opinion a church should not be a "for-profit" business....

We let our filing go, as at the time, we had no reason to maintain it....

++++++
Edan, wasn't there a news article about a member of your parlimemt declaring "the Jedi path" as not a legitimate religion?

I seem to remember a news article about it, but I'm having trouble locating it via phone...

Sven... Their website claims official religion re New Zealand what from I can tell.

I can't find that article Jestor... Will look later when I'm not on my phone.

I did find this though http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/471647/Star-Wars-Jedi-prisoners-planning-to-sue-prison-service-for-not-recognising-religion

Edit: As a side note, scientology was only recognised recently, and someone had to go to court for that.

Sven One wrote: I understand but, here in the states I am mocked, laughed at and even was jumped by religious zealots deeming me evil. Just something your gonna have to except. People are people they have a right to their opinions and you got a right not to listen

"Those who refuse to conform to the accepted ways of acting and thinking meet resistance from family, friends and society. The sage accepts this as an expected and natural reaction." (Lao Tse)

Sven One wrote: I understand but, here in the states I am mocked, laughed at and even was jumped by religious zealots deeming me evil. Just something your gonna have to except. People are people they have a right to their opinions and you got a right not to listen

That's unfortunate, Sven. But we live in the same state, right? I've never had such things happen to me in the Seattle area. I'm very open about my involvement with Jediism and people are sometimes curious, but never rude or insulting. I'm also part of a number of spiritual groups/organizations and they've been very keen on the idea of Jediism. And my friends and family have been particularly supportive and understanding.

I've lived in Washington for 40 years and have had only positive experiences within the various communities where I've resided. I know there are towns that are less tolerant, though I've never had the displeasure of encountering "religious zealots" anywhere in the state (other than one guy who shows up on a particular street corner downtown with a megaphone every few months).

I'm not suggesting this is your fault, but is there a chance the reactions you're receiving have anything to do how you are presenting Jediism to others... or the types of people that you choose to spend your time with? A change in company might be in order and/or a move to a more accepting environment. :dry:

Vraell wrote: Is "jedi" an official religion?

It isn't in Switzerland - but then, neither are Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism