LONDON — Druids have been worshiping the sun and earth for thousands of years in Europe, but now they can say they’re practicing an officially recognized religion.
The ancient pagan tradition best known for gatherings at Stonehenge every summer solstice has been formally classed as a religion under charity law for the first time in Britain, the national charity regulator said Saturday. That means Druids can receive exemptions from taxes on donations — and now have the same status as such mainstream religions as the Church of England.
The move gives an old practice new validity, said Phil Ryder, chairman of the 350-member Druid Network. “It will go a long way to make Druidry a lot more accessible,” he said.
Druids have practiced for thousands of years in Britain and in Celtic societies elsewhere in Europe. They do not worship a single god or creator but seek to cultivate a sacred relationship with the natural world. There are about 10,000 Druid practitioners in Britain — and believers said the numbers are growing because more people are becoming aware of the importance of preserving the environment.
