Pagans at the Parliament Update II
While Saturday is just beginning for us in America, it is already finished in Australia, and a large influx of updates and reports from the Pagan delegations at the Parliament of the World’s Religions have appeared. Let’s start with Dave Linton of Circle Sanctuary’s report of Patrick McCollum’s Saturday-morning ritual at the Parliament.
“Today started with the Solstice Sites and Celebrations program and ritual, which was held outdoors at 8:00 am under a sparkling blue sky, next to the Yarra river, and outside the massive glass walls of the Melbourne Convention Center. Patrick McCollum started the session with a discussion of the combined Northern Hemisphere Winter Solstice and Southern Hemisphere Summer Solstice celebration. This led to how Solstices have been celebrated through the ages, and sacred places where these celebrations have been held historically, and are today.”
But that wasn’t the only Pagan observance happening at Parliament, EarthSpirit’s blog brings us an account of Friday afternoon’s “Peace at the Heart of the World” ritual, co-facilitated by Deirdre Pulgram Arthen, Andras Corban Arthen and Angie Buchanan.
Peace ritual procession. Photo by Moira Ashleigh.
“In the ritual many Pagan presenters offered a spoken piece including T Thorn Coyle, River Higginbotham, Drake Spaeth, Anna Korn, Don Frew, Patrick McCollum, Sue Curewitz Arthen, Kaye Hughes Kittredge, Chris LaFond, Moira Ashleigh and several of the Queensland Pagans. The sacred waters of the worlds were brought to bless everyone as well as the sacred symbolic rattles by Julee Higginbotham. MotherTongue led several chants and closed with a Gaelic Blessing.”
Meanwhile, Don Frew from COG gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the chaos sometimes involved in putting such a ritual together. In fact, the COG Interfaith Reports blog has been refreshingly candid about the frustrations and hectic-paced nature of an event of this magnitude. I’m amazed at how often they’ve been able to update. According to a communication I’ve had from author and Cherry Hill Seminary teacher Michael York, there’s barely time to breath, let alone eat, due to the oft-times frenzied pace. Perhaps that’s why Thorn Coyle wisely decided to share short vignettes in her latest update, rather than even attempt a longer narrative.
“Saami in embroidered clothing. Orange robes. Grey robes. Business suits. Saris. Brown robes. Golden robes. Celtic patterns. Jeans. Turbans. Hijab. Bare heads. Skin of many hues and hair of many textures. Many, many smiles.”
As for local Pagans, they shared their hospitality at Friday’s Parliament Local Community Night, where the Melbourne Reclaiming group organized a ritual and local Pagan rock-star Wendy Rule (among others) performed. There hasn’t been much written about it (yet), but I’ve heard nothing but good things from the folks who’ve been in contact with me.
Turning briefly to mainstream coverage of the Parliament, Pagans haven’t been mentioned all that much, save for a brief aside in an article about the items for sale in the exhibitor’s hall.
“The sceptics are the only ones missing in action. But the pagans have set up shop with a contingent of about 50 from the United States. At their stall they sell celebratory music for the winter solstice – a bargain at $20.”
I suppose our lack of impression on the global media (so far) is understandable considering the many religious (and political) heavy-hitters presenting and giving talks at the Parliament. This state of being lost in a sea of religious voices only underscores why it’s important for Pagan organizations and journalists to work together in getting the word out, something that I think is starting to happen with events like this.
As always, stay tuned to the Pagans at the Parliament blog for more updates, I expect we’ll be hearing from more folks as the paces starts to slow down a bit, and attendees have a moment to collect their thoughts and report in. I’m still arranging audio interviews, so more on that as it happens.
26 responses so far
Well, that's nice.
Don't put too much faith in anything of value coming out of this thing. I remember the one in 1993 and it was a truly Shakespearean event, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing. The words of religious leaders have a simple effect, those who matter don't care what they are and those who do don't matter very much.
Jason,
Thank you for covering this event. It has highlighted for me the importance of Interfaith work, not only for the Pagan Movement, but WITHIN the Pagan Movement!
Peace,
Pax
Hell, any time an event like this can take place without getting run out of town, protested, bombed, threatened with varying degrees of GBH or divine wrath, or reasonably peaceful participants getting tasered or arrested for "public disruption" or "terrorist threat", I see progress. Let it roll.
HI Pax,
This has definitely become apparent. It is difficult and we also suffer from a lack of representation by traditions and our spiritual leaders. It is almost as noticable who is not here as much as who is here.
Why is it that the self-proclaimed representatives of the Pagan community all seem to hail from a very small coterie of folks? They all seem to be in the Circle Sanctuary / Gaia's Womb set. Paganism is much more diverse than that; the impression these representatives are sending is that all Pagans are hippy-dippy feminist Goddess worshipers. No Druids? No Asatruar? The folks on the panels representing "indigenous European religion" don't have anything to do with reconstructionist religions like CR, Religio Romana, Asatru, Hellenismos, etc.?
These folks aren't a true representation of the Pagan community. They're all come from the same mold.
“These folks aren’t a true representation of the Pagan community. They’re all come from the same mold.”
Then go buy yourself (and a few of your buddies) a plane ticket and make your way down under. He who doesn’t want to join in on a good thing will always complain about not having been invited.
A few thoughts:
1.) I think that what's important is that a good number of Pagans are taking part in this Parliament, not that any media take particular notice of them,
2,) Interfaith is a long term dedication. Folks begin at the local level and, maybe, over time, find themselves involved on a national or international level. Events such as this one are not like concerts or movies that somebody can just get a ticket for and attend. Folks who are there have a "calling" to interfaith.
3.) In some technical sense, I suppose the Pagans at the Parliament represent themselves and the organizations and movements that they are part of. Not each and every Pagan or Pagan group. But their over all and consistent presence does offer an amicable representation of Paganism to a variety of international figures and opinion leaders. That, I think, is good for all of us.
So why aren't you there? If they are predominant, maybe they're the ones who got off their butts and raised the cash to go?
BTW, the Trad you're referring to is correctly spelled "Hippae-Dippai". Sheesh . . . .
(bows with forehead to floor)
Ed,
Is this lack of interest or lack of communication with/on the part of those not in attendance?
Peace,
Pax
"AMEN"!!!
Stand Up or Shut Up!!
To EVERYONE who has impugned the Pagans attending the Parliament of World Religons or otherwise questioned their right to be there please read this post at Chrysalis… <a href"http://chrysalis1witchesjourney.wordpress.com/2009/12/04/stand-up-or-shut-up/">"Stand up, or Shut up!"
Thank you,
Pax
Yes, people who raise concerns about representation or the effectiveness of such events must be envious and insecure. How adolescent.
Yes, especially when they simply leave some remark without either explaining WHY they have such cynicism or doubt, or can outline how it could be done more effectively! In that case its whining pure and simple.
You misunderstand. I was commenting on your adolescent tirade. Who is present to represent pagans at an important international assembly is a viable concern. Simply denouncing people who raise such concerns as envious and insecure is just childish and devoid of intellectual engagement. And let's be realistic, not everyone has the economic capacity or even the interest to travel half-way across the globe to attend the parliament. That doesn't mean, however, that they are not entitled to voice their concerns.
Jake,
The thing is that few if any of the commentators I referenced are ACTUALLY raising any concerns. They are spouting off one or two rather negative sentences without articulating WHAT their concerns are or what the context for them is. If they were actually engaging in effective adult communication instead of trying to come up with the best hiprly cynical blurb, maybe I would have more respect for the objections and objectors.
Admittedly, for me, a lot comes down to attitude and articulation and the willingness to stand by and up for ones assertions.
for example,
Posting…
"Well Who elected THEM to represent us? I have my doubts about some of these so-called elders!"
Is a very different tone, and has some very different implications, than posting…
"So, how are the Parliament representatives chosen? It seems like they are clustered around a small group of Neo-Pagan groups and Witchcraft Trads and that there is little to no Druid, Heathen or Hellenic Recon presence, at least from what I can tell."
The first is rather simplistic and childish, especially if you are going to be posting it about some fairly respected and well regarded Elders within a number of Traditions. The second ACTUALLY raises concerns rather than just making a snotty remark and throwing in that dash of innuendo that some folks feel compelled to add when simply trying to stir the pot for attention or to increase their own glory.
If the commentators lacked an interest in attending or participating in the event, why begrudge those who did?
If the commentators lacked the economic wherewithal to attend, but had the desire to, why are they badmouthing or belittling the persons or efforts of potential allies in getting to the next Parliament?
And, for the record, no I didn't misunderstand, I was responding in kind. Given your second posting, however, my opinion of you and your comments is improving.
Pax
Excellent post! (bows again)
People raising concerns or stating problems isn't bad; what I'm sick of is just what you mentioned above:
"Look at me I'm so cynical I'm funny and on the cutting edge . . . "
The whole Superior Malcontent Trend is juvenile, unimaginative, and lame. Are people so dull that all they can manage is to piss all over everything, no matter what it is? You get the feeling if you gave them a gold brick, they'd whinge because it wasn't shiny enough, or was the wrong shape, or didn't come gift wrapped.
And how, exactly, does one get on the board? Is it just a question of being willing and having the money for a plane ticket? If so, then look for me in 2014, but I daresay the selection process might be a tad more involved than you're intimating. Of course, if it's just based on who knows who, then it's pretty meaningless.
I must have missed the clarion call, put forth through all the various branches of Paganism, looking for representatives to this Congress. All I see is that three folks, all of a kind, just seem to have appointed themselves. I would prefer a little more diversity in those who claim to represent me. Maybe even one who actually comes close to doing so…
So being on the Board of the Committee for a Congress of the World's Religions is just a question of showing up?
In that case, I'll be there in 2014 with bells on.
Yes, yes it does. So what organization or Pagan path or community is it if I may ask? The fact that you folks were able to raise the funds for such an outing is impressive and I know I'd like to know more!
Peace,
Pax
Being on the board is a matter of committing yourself to the functioning of the Parliament itself, not many Pagans are interested in that sort of work. The folks who are there have invested themselves in the Parliment process.
As for diversity, there are around two hundred Pagan delegates there, from a number of different groups. That includes a Heathen, a Hermetic Magician, members of Feri, Reclaiming, COG, Romuva, The Pagan Federation, Circle, the World Congress of Ethnic Religions, EarthSpirit, and Solar Cross. It isn't everyone, but it also isn't the theologically narrow picture that some are painting.
"I must have missed the clarion call, put forth through all the various branches of Paganism, looking for representatives to this Congress. . . . . I would prefer a little more diversity in those who claim to represent me."
That's the part you need to process, sport – NOBODY is "claiming" to represent anybody.
You attend on your own. You may be part of a formally recognized group of some sort, but you don't speak for anyone other than yourself. And you get on the board the same way you get on any decent organizational board; you prove you're worth the trouble of having by busting your tail to make the thing happen. Some of it is probably who knows who; people remember who has actually contributed real effort, and who sat around picking their noses while everybody else worked. That's how I recruit for the stuff we do if I can.
The idea here is to foster dialogues among various belief systems, and recognize that the planet has a diversity of them. The only representing happening is that PHAs are being represented as having a place in the world religious community, by virtue of participating. Frankly, I'm relieved that someone with your Tude isn't.
We get people who want in on events because they're concerned with some social politics pecking order, not because they want the event to accomplish something. All they do is drive the good people off, and leave the major work to everybody else.
I can't speak for everyone present at that event, but I do know that our local representatives were elected in the form of donations collected almost in its entirety to fund their presence there.. that says alot !
"I must have missed the clarion call, put forth through all the various branches of Paganism, looking for representatives to this Congress. . . . . I would prefer a little more diversity in those who claim to represent me."
That's the part you need to process, sport – NOBODY is "claiming" to represent anybody.
You attend on your own. You may be part of a formally recognized group of some sort, but you don't speak for anyone other than yourself. And you get on the board the same way you get on any decent organizational board; you prove you're worth the trouble of having by busting your tail to make the thing happen. Some of it is probably who knows who; people remember who has actually contributed real effort, and who sat around picking their noses while everybody else worked. That's how I recruit for the stuff we do if I can.
The idea here is to foster dialogues among various belief systems, and recognize that the planet has a diversity of them. The only representing happening is that PHAs are being represented as having a place in the world religious community, by virtue of participating. Frankly, I'm relieved that someone with your Tude isn't.
We get people who want in on events because they're concerned with some social politics pecking order, not because they want the event to accomplish something. All they do is drive the good people off, and leave the major work to everybody else.
ummm- what's the name calling all about, anyway? What's wrong with Old Hippies & Goddess worshipers???
Honestly! We are our own worst enemies…
While I am not at all happy with our "representation" at the Parliament of World religions, this sort of name calling makes for some bad feelings all around: A good many of the NeoPagan faiths were begun by those Hippies a generation ago and they are now the "famous Pagans" who give the talks, write the books and deflected the stones cast, and are the *first* to jump up an defend *your* rights. Let's be kind to our Elders, OK? (Because no one else will.) <Goddess worshiper and Old Commune dweller, and proud