The U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, has sacred spaces for Protestants, Catholics, Jews, Muslims and Buddhists to pray. Beginning on March 10th, the Academy's press office reports that followers of Earth-centered religions will have a new place to worship, a circle of stones near the Academy's Cadet Chapel and Visitor Center.

Sgt. Brandon Longcrier, a non-commissioned officer in charge of the Academy's astronautics labs, helped create the worship area with the campus chapel. He explains that Earth-centered spirituality includes traditions such as Wicca, Druidism and several other religious paths. According to the Academy, Longcrier became Pagan after arriving in 2006, at a time when religious tolerance had improved dramatically there.

"There really haven't been any obstacles for the new circle," he said. "The chaplain's office has been 100 percent supportive." Chaplain (Lt. Col.) William Ziegler, Cadet Wing chaplain, said, "Every service member is charged with defending freedom for all Americans, and that includes freedom to practice our religion of choice or, for that matter, not to practice any faith at all."

Academy chapel to add outdoor circle to worship areas

**********

Tolerance promotes freedom for all!: yinyang:

Peace,

Phyllis