The certificate, meant to encourage children to read, honoured its recipient for completing a term at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the school young Harry attends. The books feature Harry fighting against the forces of evil, aided by spells, flying brooms and magical instruments. After learning of the certificates from his church, John Miesburg complained to the Board of Library Trustees and the Jacksonville City Council, and contacted Liberty Counsel, a religious rights organization. If they are going to pass out witchcraft certificates, they should promote the Bible and pass out certificates of righteousness. It was taken out of context.
Witchcraft means something different to people who have read the books.
Last year, the series topped the list of books that parents or certain groups have tried to strip from library shelves, according to the American Library Association. En Francais Ken Sivulich, director of the Jacksonville public library system, holds a copy of the certificates the library was giving out to kids. 1999 - 2000 TV Season Preview . We welcome your feedback. All rights reserved.