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Temple of the Jedi Order Denied Religion Status In Britain
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Star Wars has been making headlines around the world lately thanks to the attempts of a group of real-life “Jedi” who have been petitioning the U.K. government to recognize Jediism as an official religion.
Unfortunately for these Jedi masters and their young padawans, their most recent application was denied. The U.K. government’s Charity Commissioner issued a public statement of denial, stating that they do not believe the Temple of the Jedi Order (TOTJO) to be a religion, based on their existing deity-specific definition of what constitutes a religion:
Based on the proposed governing document, the evidence received in support of the application and the content of the website of TOTJO, the Commission is not satisfied that the observance of the Force within Jediism is characterised by a belief in one or more gods or spiritual or non-secular principles or things which is an essential requirement for a religion in charity law
Before you scoff at these Jedis as simply a group of overzealous fanboys and fangirls, consider that in several recent government censuses in the U.K., Jediism has ranked as the most popular alternative to organized religions. Given that science fiction stories (or at least a former science fiction author…don’t sue me please) have been known to lead to the creation of at least one worldwide religion before, it’s not out of the realm of possibility that the Temple of the Jedi Order might one day soon win their legal battles and let the Force be with us all.
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Jedi Believe
In the Force, and in the inherent worth of all life within it.
In the sanctity of the human person. We oppose the use of torture and cruel or unusual punishment, including the death penalty.
In a society governed by laws grounded in reason and compassion, not in fear or prejudice.
In a society that does not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation or circumstances of birth such as gender, ethnicity and national origin.
In the ethic of reciprocity, and how moral concepts are not absolute but vary by culture, religion, and over time.
In the positive influence of spiritual growth and awareness on society.
In the importance of freedom of conscience and self-determination within religious, political and other structures.
In the separation of religion and government and the freedoms of speech, association, and expression.
originally posted by: gortex
a reply to: karl 12
The U.K. government’s Charity Commissioner issued a public statement of denial
They can deny us but we will never be stopped , the Force is with us.
Advice Request: Negative reactions to Jediism
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How have you worked with people who negatively and condescendingly reacted to the idea of Jediism?
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~Lestaut
AveryR1988 replied ...
I've only been here a year. But I have found that it is helpful to call it something else at first. I called it Ashla around my family. Once they asked what the heck it was, I would tell them but not mention star wars or Jedi. Once they understood and accepted the concepts ( a few months as they are stubborn to see anything from another perspective), That's when I started using the name. They had already accepted it under another name so they just went with it. Of course they still had questions like if I worship Yoda or think Star wars is real, but they knew enough by then to accept my answers.
6. The definition of Jediism is “…a religion based on the observance of the Force, the ubiquitous and metaphysical power that a Jedi (a follower of Jediism) believes to be the underlying, fundamental nature of the universe.”
19. The Commission noted that TOTJO is an entirely web based organisation and the Jedi are predominantly, if not exclusively, an online community.
35. The Commission concluded that there is insufficient evidence that the characteristics of a religion in charity law are met for the reasons set out above.