Hindus welcome recognition of Druidry as religion

Nevada (US), Oct 3 (ANI): Hindus have applauded United Kingdom for giving official recognition as a religion to Druidry, one of the oldest religions of the isles.

Welcoming the inclusion of Druidry, renowned Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that all religions were different ways to relate to the Divine, different responses to the Reality and were a positive sign of God's generosity.

Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, further said that a more inclusive understanding of religion was needed and we should learn to live together with mutual loyalty despite our seriously different faiths. He urged world religious leaders to leave behind selfish motives and work together for greater ideals.

Rajan Zed argued that recognition for Druidry should have come much earlier as Druidry, one of the earliest known spiritual traditions of United Kingdom, had been reportedly practiced in the area for thousands of years, much before the arrival of other religions.

The decision by Charity Commission for England and Wales means that druidry will enjoy the status of a genuine faith. Board Members were satisfied that "there is sufficient belief in a supreme being or entity to constitute a religion".

Consideration of the various characteristics of a religion by the Commission include: belief in a supreme being or entity; worship of, reverence for or veneration of the supreme being or entity; cogency, cohesion, seriousness and importance in the belief system; an identifiable positive, beneficial, moral or ethical framework promoted by the belief system.

Definition and practice of Druidry as given in registration application includes: Druidry was the native spiritual tradition of the peoples who inhabited the islands of Britain and Ireland, spreading through much of Europe...As an ancient pagan religion, Druidry is based on the reverential, sacred and honourable relationship between the people and the land...Druidic practice is based on honour for the ancestors...All life is deemed to be unconditionally sacred...Druidry is a religion...

The Charity Commission registers and regulates charities in England and Wales. Dame Suzi Leather is Chair of its Board. (ANI)