I find it preposterous that the Rev. Douglas Taylor would attempt to link a fictional book series to a real religious practice. He would do well to recall that the only religious holiday celebrated at Hogwarts is Christmas.

If Harry Potter is an authentic introduction to modern day paganism or, specifically, Wicca by the use of the word “witch” alone, then so must be “The Wizard of Oz,” “The Witch of Blackbird Pond,” any number of Shakespearean plays, the Arthurian legends and the list goes on.

I find it quite telling that Rev. Taylor complains (with a not-so-subtle edge of displeasure) that Wicca – as a religion – is considered on par with the Abrahamic-based faiths by the government. I believe this is the true cause of his ire, and his thinly veiled letter was only the vehicle used to expunge that anger.

Harry Potter? No, this is about one man’s belief in his religious superiority and the fact that religious freedom extends to all people, despite his obvious objections.

Yes, I would be outraged if Rev. Taylor’s proposed children’s book found its way into my youngster’s hands. A religiously based text of that nature has no place in a public school.

My point is that Harry Potter is not religiously based. It is a work of fiction, and parents are still free to inform teachers that they do not want their child to read it.

Ted Keyes, Toronto, Canada

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