Tuesday, November 16, 2004
SATANIC RITUALS ABOARD ROYAL NAVY SHIP ?
A reader sent in this article from Scotsman News:
The Royal Navy’s decision to officially recognise a non-commissioned officer as a Satanist – allowing him to practise rituals on board ship – was condemned today as “utterly shocking”.
Tory former minister Ann Widdecombe said there should be “no question whatsoever” of allowing naval technician Chris Cranmer to engage in Satanic worship practices at sea.
Ldg Hand Cranmer has become the first registered Satanist in the British Armed Forces after the captain of HMS Cumberland agreed to recognise his beliefs.
“I am utterly shocked by this,” Miss Widdecombe said.
“Satanism is wrong. Obviously the private beliefs of individuals anywhere including the Armed Forces are their own affair but I hope it doesn’t spread.
“There should be no question whatsoever of allowing Satanist rituals on board any ship in Her Majesty’s Royal Navy.
“What they believe and do in their own home is one thing, what they do at work is the business of their employer.
“The Navy should not permit Satanist practices on board its ships.
“God himself gives free will, but I would like to think that if somebody applied to the Navy and said they were a Satanist today it would raise its eyebrows somewhat.”
