Update

Rev. Patrick McCollum appeared today at the US Commission on Civil Rights in Washington, DC. He spoke at the Commission's briefing focused on prisoners' religious rights. The briefing included two panels.
The first panel examined the free exercise of religion by inmates and prison security issues. The second panel, which included a presentation by McCollum, focused on the free exercise of religion and separation of
church and state issues in correctional settings.

In his remarks, McCollum cited examples of some of the types of religious discrimination that Wiccan clergy and inmates have experienced in prison settings. He concluded his presentation with recommendations for achieving religious equality in prison settings, including a call for getting "rid of administrators and chaplains who believe that breaking the Law by violating inmates’ religious rights is justified by faith."

In a phone call following the briefing, McCollum told Circle Sanctuary
High Priestess Selena Fox: "My presentation at the briefing went well.
It was wonderful to have the opportunity to express Pagan perspectives on this important topic. I think that being part of this briefing has laid
The ground work for additional public education in the future."

Jeanet Ewing, also of Circle Sanctuary, covered the briefing for CIRCLE
Magazine and Circle Times. She reports "Patrick did an excellent job. He Was well-spoken, well-dressed, and well-received."

"Patrick's participation in this briefing has not only conveyed the
Importance of fair and equal treatment for Pagans and those of other
Faiths in prison settings, it has advanced the quest for equal rights for
Wiccans and Pagans in society as a whole," says Selena Fox. "Thanks to
Patrick and to everyone who has supported him on this historic occasion.
May we continue to work together so that there will truly be liberty and
Justice for all."

More information about the briefing, plus photos & links to press coverage:
http://www.circlesanctuary.org/liberty/usccr