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In a Reality Far, Far Away
By newsguy | January 23, 2008
First it was the flurry of “Jedi” entries under religion on the UK census. Now it’s a Jedi church.
The trend towards establishing Jedi as an official religion in the UK is escalating, whether it’s tongue-in-cheek or a genuine avocation for Star Wars lovers everywhere.
Photograph by Phillip West. Some rights reserved.
Barney and Daniel Jones of Anglesey, Wales (aka Master Jonba Hehol and Master Morda Hehol, respectively) are the self-appointed heads of the UK Church of the Jedi. They’re hoping the Jedi faithful will join them to engage in such rituals as harnessing The Force and undoubtedly reverent light sabre lessons.
The brothers run four Jedi religion web sites, and the idea sprung forth from a sermon posted on one such site. Barney…pardon me, Master Jonba Hehol, further explained the concept: “My brother and I will wear the Jedi robes, the dark brown robes… the congregation would be in black. Really to bring a sense of unity to the meetings.”
That unity will only go so far—any members attempting to harness the Dark Side of the Force will be warned or, in a worst case scenario, shown the door.
Although the present congregation is entirely male, the brothers are open to the idea of women joining. In a further gem of Jedi wisdom, Barney added, “Princess Leia helped them out a lot.”
Topics: Just Plain Weird |