Druids recognized as religion for 1st time in UK

[October 02, 2010]  LONDON (AP) -- Druidry has been officially recognized as a religion in Britain under charity law.

The Charity Commission has granted the Druid Network charitable status, giving it tax breaks and equal status to mainstream religions like Christianity.

The commission said Saturday that druidry has a coherent and serious set of beliefs and that it offers a beneficial ethical framework. It also says that the Druid Network's work in promoting druidry as a religion is in the public interest.

Druidry is an ancient pagan tradition that dates back thousands of years in Britain. Druids worship deities characterized as natural forces, such as thunder and sun, and spirits they believe arise from places such as mountains and rivers.

[Associated Press]

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