The greatest action of religious tolerance i have ever seen came from my ex fiances parents. In the beginning they were very very very worried about their daughter dating a Pagan it actually scared them to the point where they where worried about children should her and I have had one. After a few years, many family dinners, and vacations that i was privileged to be a part of they had come to understand and trust in me and my ethics even in light of different beliefs. Then came Christmas one year in which her and I usually exchanged gifts keeping with the spirit of the season, she asked that i would go to her parents house for bat and when I got there the whole family was there, both of her sisters, little Zachary (her sisters son, whom i'd grown very attached to) Zacharys father, and her parents they held out a small box and told me it was a gift from the family and hoped i would appreciate and accept it. Upon opening this box my heart sank and for the first time in a long time i became speechless (which mind you is quite a task... as i LOVE to talk) in this box was pendant, a pentacle to be exact with Celtic knot work in it. This was coming from a devout, highly devout southern baptist family (which through experience i've grown to see as possibly some of the most stubborn, and opinionated amongst the Christian community.) Its a moment that will stick with me for the rest of my life, as it is the most notable moment of religious tolerance, acceptance, and caring that i have seen. They chose the gift after hearing how i tend to pass my charms onto others i think it will benefit more, knowing that i had not replaced the one i had given to a close friend years before and that i am infatuated with Celtic knot work found such an item. I was awed that they could put aside their difference in belief to create such an astounding moment.

-Jay

its very nice that they were able to put aside their differances in beliefs and welcome yours.

It makes my heart light to hear of such tolerance. I recently moved to Santa Cruz for college, and this town is very accepting (spiritual shops practically everywhere. havent gone into one yet....). My parents have bought me objects that have fueled my early contact with Wicca and Paganism, and even now that they know my path, they still accept it (beyond the fact that I am their daughter, but that may have more to do with it.).

The fact that her family gathered as one to give you their gift shows a lot, along with the gift itself. I'm happy that you were accepted

As to the giving away of objects, I never do that. But then again, no one has ever asked me if they could borrow/have any of my ritual objects. So I guess I wouldn't know.

That's so awesome... I'm actually at a loss for words.

Thats such a great story. I hope you don't mind me saying (as a newbie that doesn't know anyone yet) but I think it shows that your a pretty special person to have been patient enough while they got used to the idea. Its nice to know that little by little people are becoming more excepting.