Explain your responsibilities to other people within your religion, and to those outside it.

Explain why tradition discourages you from trying to convert people to your spiritual path. Discuss what might be a constructive attitude toward other religions and the people who practice them.

Discuss when it is or is not appropriate to discuss your religious beliefs and practices with others. Role-play a situation in which an acquaintance from another religion asks several questions about yours.

There are billions of people on this planet, with many different customs and religions. We need to learn how to get along with them, without necessarily having to think or act like them. Sometimes this involves being private about our religion. There are people in the world who believe that only their way is right, and who are not always respectful or kind to those who have different ways. Often the best way to deal with such folks is just not to talk about religion with them.

Before you meet such people, it is important to talk to your parents or guardians about what to do. But whether it is your family's policy to discuss your religion openly or not, remember this: Wicca is a wonderful way of life, and you can be proud to be Wiccan.

Not everybody has to agree with us, but they have to allow us the freedom to be Wiccan and celebrate in our own way. Wicca is legally recognized by the federal government of the U.S.A., and all Americans are guaranteed freedom of religion by the Constitution.

So earn the Hart and Crescent Award, wear it with pride, enjoy being who you are...and blessed be!

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