Minutes for November 15, 2005
In Attendance: Dr. Jeffrey Lidke, Dr. Steven Bell, Dean Debbie Heida, Dr. Michael Bailey, Dr. Anne Lewinson, Dr. Jim Watkins, Dr. David McKenzie, Dr. Harvey Hill, Provost Tom Dasher, Judie Thompson, Travis Miller, Emmie Newton, Zachary Greene, Robert Bice, Eric Duncan, Kathleen McMahan
I. Old Business
- Minutes from the past meeting were unanimously approved
A. Programs for Next Semester
- Steve was concerned that there would be no extra money leftover with the current schedule of events
- Anne agreed that it was not wise to use all of our finances
- Jeff pointed out that this schedule is not set in stone and that we will always be able to approach other departments for money
- Debbie reminded the council that December 1 is the deadline for turning in a schedule for the Student Calendar
- Emmie suggested a panel next semester that would be about women discussing their experiences in religion.
B. Discussion with Dee Winters
- Dee presented her beliefs as follows:
- She is currently in seminary in the Black Forest Clan and is currently in her second degree. It is at the third that she will become a cleric in the church.
- She is also part of a group that is setting up a church in Summerville.
- Rob asks how many clans there are in America
- Dee said that there are hundreds in America, but that new ones are being created each day, so there is no way to tell how many there really are.
- Emmie asked what Dee’s definition of Wicca is.
-Dee described Wicca as recognizing both the feminine and masculine within one deity, but worshipping two. Every action has a reaction, so everyone takes responsibility for their actions, and none expect forgiveness for their sins.
- Emmie asked Dee’s opinion on Jesus
- Dee stated that she saw him as a great teacher and man whose teaching may have been misread leading to the divisions in Christianity today
- Emmie asked what Dee would be doing at Berry.
- Dee stated that whatever IFC wanted her to do, she would. She could educate, eradicate rumors, most importantly, but also let the Wiccans on campus know that they have a nearby support group. Recruitment is not part of the Wicca tradition, and so there would be no evangelical elements to her visit.
- Tom asked what answers did Dee find in Wicca that she could not find in Christianity.
- Dee felt that there is a set of determined paths in nature and in every person
- Michael asked about the process of worship for Wiccans
- Dee broke down the worship as follows:
The planting seasons are the Sabbath, worship is done on every full and/or new moon, as are daily devotionals.
A worship area contains sacred stones within a fire pit and a slab of stone pointed north that is used as an altar.
The clerics walk through the area and cleanse it before each service
Candles are lit and there is often drumming and chanting which sends energy to the desired place.
Many times there is a spiral dance in which the congregation holds hands and dances in a circle.
She made it clear that there is no worship of Satan, only a knowledge of good and bad. The ultimate goal was balance
For more questions or comments, Dee encouraged those present to email her.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:00.