Military Pagan Network Meets with USAF Chief Chaplain.
By Christopher Blackwell

On Dec. 11, 2006, at 3 p.m., U. S. Air Force Chief of Chaplains, Chaplain (MajGen) Charles C. Baldwin and his Deputy, Chaplain (BrigGen) Cecil R. Richardson met with the newly elected Executive Director of the Military Pagan Network, Inc.(MPN), Rev J. Michael Akins. Originally scheduled for a half hour, the courtesy visit was extended to a full hour at the AF Chief of Chaplains office at Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, D. C.

Rev. Akins brought up several subjects starting with explaining the Military Pagan Network, talking about military Pagans. He mentioned sources of information for commanders and chaplains, how they might establish communications to and from the military and Pagan community and the services, as well as kits and publications that could be provided.

He asked how MPN could help the Air Force, that Pagans be seen as “affiliated" and for an end to unwanted proselytizing of Pagan personnel.

He identified Pagan organizations that already have programs in place to train designated faith group/lay leaders, including:

Sacred Well Congregation, Converse, TX;
Isis-Invicta Military Mission, Cookeville, TN;
Aquarian Tabernacle Church (Woolston-Steen Seminary), Index, WA;
Circle Sanctuary, Barneveld, WI.

Director Akins mentioned regulations that were a problem in getting Pagans recognized and suggested ways to help. He pointed out formal training programs available and asked for a review the by AF Chaplain Service.

Chaplain (BrigGen) Richardson pointed out the need for USAF military Pagans to properly identify their faith on identity tags and personal records so that a proper allocation of resources could be made.

As stated on the USAF Chaplains Service web page
( http://www.usafhc.af.mil ) the chaplain service is charged to support the spiritual needs of all AF members regardless of the relative faith of the chaplains. When the chaplains cannot personally address the service member’s need, they are to try to locate the proper support.

The visit was cordial and ended with the chaplains accepting gifts of "A Pagan Book of Prayer" by Ceisiwr Serith.

I asked Rev. Akins, considering some past complaints from members of minority religions in the Air Force, if he thought the chaplains were serious or shining him on.

Director Akins replied, “That is always a valid question when dealing with the military chaplaincy, nowadays. However, I don't think so.

They did not even have to respond ( the other Services haven’t responded ), and they certainly did not have to give me twice the time they had scheduled. General officers don't have all that much time to "shine away", and here were TWO of them listening and talking. The office could just as easily passed me down to the captain that answered my initial contact- but no, they gave me two General-grade chaplains.”

He continued, “To my knowledge, no other Pagan organization has gotten into those offices. I checked with SWC, who has one of the best Pagan-Service relationships of any of the Pagan organizations.

We'll know if/when we present a valid request or complaint regarding treatment of Pagans in the USAF. THAT will be the proof.”

The Military Pagan Network, Inc. ( http://www.milpagan.org ) is dedicated to addressing the specific needs of those service members of all branches who follow the non-traditional faith and occult traditions gathered under the common banner of Paganism.

The MPN seeks to inform members and government agencies in the relative aspects of their interactions, and to address incidents of harassment or religious discrimination. The MPN is a 501(c)3-qualified tax-exempt religious organization incorporated in 1997 in Maryland.

Editor’s note: Information provided by Military Pagan Network and Executive Director Rev J. Michael Akins