Mr. Write's Page

In case you missed it, we now have a religion based on the mythology created in the Star Wars films.

It’s the International Church of Jediism, headquartered in the UK. It’s all about belief in “the Force” — the one that binds the universe together.

The Jedi Church claims to have half a million members, with chapters in Canada, New Zealand, Scotland, Maryland, Ohio, Tennessee, and, of course, California.

It’s hard to know what to make of this. Some of these folks might be really and sincerely into it, like teens playing Dungeons and Dragons.

Or they might be more like the crowd at a midnight showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Odds are, it’s probably a helping of both.

Anyway, check out this recent item from the news and judge for yourself.

—————

Bangor, North Wales — The founder of a religion inspired by the Star Wars films was thrown out of a supermarket recently for wearing his distinctive hooded brown robe.

Daniel Jones, 23, founder of the International Church of Jediism, was told that wearing his hood was against store rules. He was ordered to remove it or leave the supermarket.

The Tesco supermarket chain established the policy because security cameras cannot see faces if hoods are up.

The International Church of Jediism has some 500,000 members around the world. The Jedi Church Handbook dictates that heads be covered in public places.

Jones, who also goes by the Jedi name Morda Hehol, a Jedi Master, claims he was victimized and humiliated by Tesco.

“I told them it was a requirement of my religion, but they just sniggered and ordered me to leave,” he told reporters. “I walked past a Muslim lady in a veil. Surely the same rules should apply to everyone.”

He said he will advise church members to boycott Tesco if it happens again. “They will feel the Force,” he said.

A Tesco spokesman said, “Jedi are welcome in our stores, but we ask them to remove their hoods.”

“Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda, and Luke Skywalker all went hoodless without going to the Dark Side,” the spokesman said.

“If Jedi walk around our stores with their hoods on, they’ll miss lots of special offers.”

Jones has made an official complaint to Tesco and is seeking legal advice.

———————

The church’s website is here. I note that there is no fee to join, but you may purchase a certificate of membership for only $20.00 US.

On a related note, please enjoy “The Jedi Song.”

Church founder Daniel Jones / Morda Hehol.