A mayoral proclamation recognizing Earth Religions Awareness Week, is being criticized by local ministers who say the event invites witchcraft into town. We just wanted to counter that by making a positive statement that we believe Jesus is Lord,'' said Pastor Ken Lewis of the West Asheville Baptist Church. Rev. Jim Dykes, chairman of the Community Council for Biblical Values, asked Sitnick to designate ''Lordship of Jesus Christ Week'' instead. The Christian group also plans to ask city and county school systems for permission to present a ''historical account'' of the Christmas story in schools.
State law allows for programs about religious holidays.
The Wicca religion celebrates seasonal and life cycles using rituals from pre-Christian Europe.