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

[Witchbells]

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.

The church will be glad of volunteers and if people want to hear the lovely sound of church bells on a Sunday, and continue a 1000 years of tradition (in the case of my church), it takes people to step up and lend a hand.

I’m a Christian and I also love the pagan festivals that have been absorbed into the modern day church. I do try to bring a bit of the goddess into my prayer life and my home. I know that witches have had a painful history at the hands of the church but the church and nature worship have always been enmeshed in this country imo. Sitting in the pews every week I see it so clearly in the liturgy, the rituals and the pattern of the church year.

I’m sure there are elements of the conservative church that would be horrified by my views, but my little parish church would quietly welcome you in and you’d soon be part of the team. A win win for both sides.

As a bellringer (but not a witch) I say yes definitely!

The nice thing about Paganism is that there is no correct way to practise, you can practise in whatever way works for you. There's no judgement from this Pagan and I've never heard the term plastic pagan either and I don't think I'd want to spend time with people who use the phrase. We need to include people in our faith rather than excluding them.

My parents were both vicars pre retirement. Neither would have minded at all - my dad would probably have wanted to discuss though, he finds witchcraft very interesting 😂

Well there is judgmental idiot in every religion I suppose. Personally I’d be thinking that someone’s faith and how they wish to observe it is not my business!

No I dont think this would be appropriate.

It's Campagnolo. Best bottom brackets ever made. Fact.

I'm agnostic and an occasional church attender (once a month or so). So what I'm about to say is probably a little hypocritical.

In principle, I agree with the majority of PPs that it doesn't matter. However, some churches would be horrified (thou shalt not suffer a witch to live, etc.). To avoid any future fallings out, I would be clear from the outset about your beliefs. That way, you will know whether this is a church you are happy to ring bells for.

Thank you for your thoughts.

May I ask why?

I’m honestly open to your opinion.