100 pagans in British armed forces

LONDON, June 7 (UPI) -- Documents released by the British Ministry of Defense revealed about 100 service members classify themselves as pagan and 30 practice Wicca or druidism.

The documents, released under the Freedom of Information Act, revealed that the soldiers, sailors and airmen who listed themselves as pagan had multiple deities and a focus on worshipping nature, the Daily Mail reported Monday.

Wicca and druidism are pagan offshoot religions.

The majority of service members identified themselves either as Christian or "of no religion," the Daily Mail said.

Phil Ryder of the British Druid Network said there are likely more pagans in the armed forces than the figures indicate.

"Druids and followers of Wicca tend not to publicize their beliefs for fear of discrimination. In some areas it's seen as odd," he said.