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Original poster

To learn campinology as someone who identifies as a pagan/witch?

34 replies

Witchbells · 18/08/2025 16:38

Honestly, just looking for opinions as to if this is offensive.

My local church was asking for people to learn how to ring bells and keep the tradition going. I find the tradition itself interesting and despite obviously not following the Christian faith I find the history and atmosphere of a church compelling and have always loved the sound of the bells. I can respect the belief and the comfort it brings.

I am however a loosely practicing pagan, I observe the high days and attend a weekly circle.

I’am fairly certain it won’t come up in conversation and they know I don’t attend church, but at a practice meeting at the church the other day, another newbie made a throwaway comment about something being like ‘witchcraft’ and was obviously shut down.

I now am wondering if I’m being incredibly disrespectful for wanting to learn this skill?

I obviously wouldn’t advertise my beliefs.

OP posts:
Myoldbear · 18/08/2025 17:17

I'm a bell ringer and go down to church afterwards.
There are loads of people who have bell ringing as a hobby; maybe about half go to church.
After practice night most ringers go to the local pub and they are fascinating people.
You just wouldn't believe who you would come across!
I'm just getting ready for my practice tonight.
Please do this; it's fascinating!

Original poster
Witchbells · 18/08/2025 17:16

Alphabet1spaghetti2 · 18/08/2025 17:14

Both a witch and a bell ringer. The former never comes up in any conversation anywhere ever. The latter are just grateful for people wanting to try. You’re overthinking it.

It’s a fun hobby and great exercise both physically and mentally.
Try it.

Thank you!

I wasn’t sure if it’d be seen as disrespectful, though I wouldn’t advertise it I do have witchy tattoos and get asked a lot about them.

OP posts:
WhitegreeNcandle · 18/08/2025 17:15

Another Christian here saying go for it. Most of our bell ringers don’t attend services. I’m very grateful they do it as one of our bells has been sounding in our village since 1472!!!

Alphabet1spaghetti2 · 18/08/2025 17:14

Both a witch and a bell ringer. The former never comes up in any conversation anywhere ever. The latter are just grateful for people wanting to try. You’re overthinking it.

It’s a fun hobby and great exercise both physically and mentally.
Try it.

Original poster
Witchbells · 18/08/2025 17:14

NoVibrato · 18/08/2025 17:13

Oh please go for it! But it is campanology.

Thank you for the correction! :-)

OP posts:
IntoTheArk · 18/08/2025 17:13

I attend church every Sunday. Literally none of the bell ringers at my church actually attend the church services that they ring the bells for and meticulously practice for. I think it's just a hobby for all of them, although I have no idea if they think of themselves as Christian because they don't actually hang around post-bellringing to talk to any of us or share the coffee/biscuits they'd get if they came to the service!
I don't mind this at all, BTW, but I would be curious to get chatting to them and find out more about them all, as they're very dedicated to ringing the bells!

NoVibrato · 18/08/2025 17:13

Oh please go for it! But it is campanology.

ByLimeAnt · 18/08/2025 17:09

I'm a Christian and I don't see a problem.

Sweetpea333 · 18/08/2025 16:40

I think you need as many hobbies as you can get.