NetNews Usenet Archive 1992 #27/NN_1992_27.iso/spool/alt/pagan/13046

Internet Message Format | 1992-11-19 | 24.8 KB

Path: sparky!uunet!mcsun!uknet!bradford.ac.uk!K.M.Hetherington
From: [e-mail] (KM HETHERINGTON)
Newsgroups: alt.pagan
Subject: Paganlink Update part 1 of 2 (long)
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Date: 19 Nov 92 12:53:17 GMT
Organization: University of Bradford, UK
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Nntp-Posting-Host: ccw302

Paganlink Network Update 1 (part 1) - Samhain 1992
****************************************************
Contents
* About the Update
* Rousing editorial bit
* Press Officer's bit
* Your Rights Under the Patients' Charter
* A Very Brief Summary of the National Moot
* Freedom and Responsibility of the Press Bill
* Blade Cases Continue
* The Group for the Preservation of Ancient Heritage
* Orkney Reprt Published at Last
* English Heretics?
* Peace Library Requests your Help
****************************************************
About the Update

The Update is a forum for Paganlink developments, and issues, campaigns
and projects of interest to Paganlinkers--with suggestions for practical
and magickal action to support these.  It also includes information on
events of all kinds around the UK and amendments and additions to other
Paganlink listings etc.

It is complementary to the Info Pack which contains full details of
Paganlink contacts around Europe, other networks, magazines and
newsletters and an introduction to Paganlinking. The pack costs #1 from
National Clearing House.

Please send in information on anything of interest and importance to
Paganlinkers. The update is a resource for all on the Network to share
information on what's happening.   It can be used to voice suggestions
or requests for action, and ways in which Paganlinkers can become
actively involved in working with each other and the Earth Spirit.

Please note Network policy is to promote events which are accessible to
all who are interested, as far as this is possible.  For this reason, we
have decided not to publicise events which are particularly expensive as
these are, in practice, accessible only to well-off Pagans.  There are
plenty of reasonably-priced events. We would like to support these--our
listing service is free.  Please send information on any events, large
or small, of interest to Pagans of all kinds.  Even if the details are
not yet finalised, let us know about any prospective happenings,
especially open festival celebrations and Link-Up type events.  Please
let us know what sort of event is being planned, the approximate dates
and area where it will be held, and details of someone to contact for
further information.  The deadline for the next update is Yule--it will
go to the printers around January 11th and be distributed in time for
Imbolc.

(Please e-mail any info about events in Europe to
[e-mail], before December 11th)

****************************************************

Welcome to Paganlink's first Network Update.  We've been working hard
since March's national moot to implement the decisions made then.  A
summary of this is inside. In the last six months, the five volunteers
have been developing the Network into a viable, self-financing
organisation with the support of other helpers.  As well as setting up
the National Clearing House, producing the Info Pack and this Update,
Paganlink had a busy summer out and about around the country.

We have been involved in several Link-Ups which have all gone well.
Neil's Beltaine Link-Up was a particularly good experience--working
together with Pagans of many traditions and experience to create a group
ritual for the New Moon.  The way the camp was facilitated encouraged
everyone to participate and work together creatively, sharing ideas and
skills.  Let's have more events like this.

Paganlink also, for the first time, set up Pagan spaces at the Forest
Fayre and the Glastonbury Festival. These were good opportunities to
link in with the Pagan spirit of these events and provide a focal point
for ritual and meditation--the sacred spaces we established were for
everyone who wished to share them.

The Network has also supported the setting up of two important new
initiatives--the Campaign for Pagan and Druidic Rights at Stonehenge
(PADRAS) and the Group for the Preservation of Ancient Heritage.  Both
are featured in this Update.  These projects are excellent examples of
what Paganlink works for--our aim to encourage Pagans to work together
and share skills and energies for the benefit of the community and the
land we live on.  Paganlink isn't a rival to other Pagan organisations,
nor some kind of Pagan council with a mandate to represent Pagans in an
official capacity.  It is fundamentally about shared power and
encouraging Pagans to empower themselves individually and collectively.
Paganlink supports all positive initiatives in the Pagan community,
whether or not they originate from people within the Network.  We wish
to develop links and work with other Pagan organisations, inter-faith
initiatives, Green campaigns and cultural/arts groups.  This is
something all Paganlinkers can do (a nationwide list of multi-faith
organisations is available from Clearing House--please enclose an SAE
and a couple of extra stamps).  Please let us know about projects you're
involved with which may be of interest to other Paganlinkers.

One of Paganlink's fundamental principles is the multi-denominational
approach--very important in a community as diverse as ours.  There is a
tendency for different groups and different Pagan traditions to be
judgmental about one another, leading to hostility and ill-feeling to
the detriment of the community.  As Paganlinkers, we need to cultivate
an open-minded attitude to different traditions and encourage others to
do the same.  Paganlink supports people in making their own decisions
over which approach suits them best.  We can develop our knowledge of
different paths through open meetings, talks, workshops, open rituals,
link-ups etc.  This time of year is particularly appropriate for
starting new courses and getting involved with new groups.  People are
returning to college and home, re-energised by the travels and
experiences of the summer.  Now is the best time to start a new group or
a series of open workshops. Some area are already well served, and we
have tried to list as many as possible in our listings.  However, we
rely on people to let us know what's going on, so please tell us about
events, courses and projects of interest to Pagans.  In areas short of
open groups and events, Paganlinkers could get something going--get in
touch with  your local contact for support and advice.

Some areas are without local contacts and facilitators.  If you are
interested in becoming a local Paganlink contact, get in touch with a
national facilitator to chat about what it involves.  We also encourage
the production of local newsletters to give more information on local
events than we can in our Updates and focussing on local sacred sites
and folk customs. Some Paganlink newsletters have been going for
years--check them out for ideas.

There's lots happening over the winter so there's no excuse for not
linking with other Pagans.  The next Update is due to come out in early
February so let us know of any events.  Keep weaving a bright web.

Anne Barrowcliffe
****************************************************
Press officer's bit

As I'm sure most people are aware by now, I'm the chap wot got lumbered
with the job of Paganlink press officer at the meeting in Bristol last
March.  You may already know me as a co-editor of  "Pagan Voice".

I've already circulated copies of the Paganlink initial contact form,
and a listing for the Network to all UK Pagan periodicals.

I'm here to offer support, advice and to provide a contact point for the
media and individual Pagans who deal with the media.  This means that,
if necessary, I'm willing to be "suggested" as a representative on
behalf of UK Pagans generally (and I'll do my best to represent the
diversity of ways people follow), and to have my name and address passed
on to the media.

I'd like to hear from others around the UK who are happy to give
interviews etc.  My aim is to compile a regional list of people, with
some background information as to their particular Pagan interests, who
are happy for their details to be passed on.

Publicity and Paganism are often uneasy bedfellows and the Pagan
movement has seen its fair share of media paranoia and self-styled
spokespeople with little credibility.  I am offering to do my best in
speaking to the media on behalf of Pagans in the UK, and helping others
in their interactions with the press.

Please feel free to contact me at 13 Barnstaple Walk, Knowle, Bristol
BS4 1JQ. Tel: [phone].

Julian Vayne

****************************************************

Your rights under the Patients' Charter (UK specific)

All health authorities are now required to respect patients' religions,
whatever these are.  If you are admitted to hospital, you can insist
they enter your religion as Pagan, Wicca, Asatr or whatever.  NHS
managers have also been told they should "employ suitably qualified
staff to meet spiritual needs, contract with local religious
organisations to provide services, and facilitate visits to patients by
their religious or spiritual leaders".

Those Paganlinkers who feel sufficiently confident could approach their
local health authority to ask them to recognise the needs of Pagans
admitted to local hospitals and offering themselves as available if a
Pagan is needed to minister to someone in hospital. Let Paganlink and
other Pagan organisations know, especially ones in your area, so we can
build up a record locally and nationally of Pagans who are prepared to
act in this way. A Pagan priest in Coventry has successfully approached
the local health authority and is now registered to provide ministry to
any Pagans who request it.

For advice to Pagans admitted to hospital, the Pagan Hospice and Funeral
Trust have produced a leaflet on the subject. For a copy, write to:
PHFT, BM Box 3337, London WC1N 3XX.

****************************************************

A very brief summary of major decisions taken at the National Moot

The following is only a review of the most important decisions made at
the National Moot in Bristol last March. Except where stated otherwise,
the decisions were reached by consensus.  The meeting went on all day
and included many long, involved discussions and minor decisions.  It
would not be possible to print a detailed summary and still have room
for anything else.  The minutes are a voluminous document.  If you would
like a copy, please get in touch with National Clearing House and sort
it out  with John!

Brief statement of aims:--

*    "Paganlink exists to provide an information exchange between
Pagans; to enable them to make easy contact with any other Pagan or
Pagan organisation.  To do this, Paganlink must be easily accessible and
multi-denominational, promoting harmony between different paths".

Accessibility:--

*    Raise Paganlink's profile, engage in dialogue with other
religions and link with other organisations and individuals concerned
with the future of our planet.

Funding:--

*    market products to raise funds rather than charge a membership
fee.  Ideas include T-shirts, Sweatshirts and a multi-denominational
guide to Paganism (a booklet separate from other listings).  Also raise
funds at local events.

*    Merchandising, info and funding co-ordinated by central clearing
house, but not dependant upon or controlled by any "big, fat spider".

*    To join the Network, send two 1st class stamps to Clearing House
for standard form itemising various options, services and products to
tick and return.  Listings to be updated regularly.

Responsibility:--

*    Someone needs to take on a degree of responsibility to ensure
the Network functions as intended.  Policy decisions to be made by
yearly meeting, also to support, guide and mandate people with
co-ordinators' responsibilities.  Co-ordinators to present report on
their activities for discussion, criticism and praise.

*    Five co-ordinators including 2 signatories--a Secretary and a
Treasurer--to be kept fully informed of nature of any expenditure.  This
information to be available to any Paganlinker (Ed's Note: Dave and John
are in charge of the money).

*    The volunteers are John Male, Anne Barrowcliffe, Steph (Signey),
Dave Hicks and Feorag, who will co-ordinate the Network for 1992-93.
They may co-opt others from the Network to help.

The Media:--

*    A long and heated debate!  Paganlink does not intend to
duplicate the work of organisations such as SAFF and the Pagan
Federation and will refer cases of media abuse to them.

*    Consider an 0898 phone line as a way to disseminate continually
updated information.

*    The media are not welcome at any Paganlink open event on the
grounds of safety and well-being of those present.  (This was passed by
vote rather than consensus--27 for, 4 against).

*    A press officer to be appointed--Julian Vayne volunteered and
was accepted.

*    A specific person should liaise with SAFF and the Pagan
Federation--Tanith volunteered.

*    Any cases of abuse of our Network by media to be aired at next
year's meeting.

"Any Other Bright Ideas":--

*    Paganlink to be involved in the campaign to have Stonehenge
re-opened as a site of worship, with free access for all.

*    Paganlink to be represented on Glastonbury Festival Green Field
this year.

****************************************************

Freedom and Responsibility of the Press Bill (UK)

A private member's bill has been published which promises to help the
general public and minorities get fair treatment from the press.  It
would also enshrine the freedom of the press from interference and
censorship.

Labour MP Clive Soley's Freedom and Responsibility of the Press Bill, if
passed into law, would establish an Independent Press Authority and a
Press Complaints Adviser.

The Independent Press Authority would:

*    promote the highest standards of journalism, and produce a code
of professional and ethical standards for the press

*    investigate and monitor issues relating to press freedom and
report to Parliament accordingly

*    investigate and monitor ethical standards of the press,
distribution of newspapers, ownership and control of media, access to
information, reporting restrictions etc.

*    have the power to determine cases of factual inaccuracy, and
demand corrections.

Anyone will be able to complain to the Authority--individuals, groups of
people or organisations--whether or not they are directly affected by
the inaccuracy.  If such an Authority had been around at the time of the
"She" or "News Of The World" articles, any Pagan, group or organisation
(such as the Pagan Federation or SAFF) would have been able to make a
complaint rather than just the individuals concerned.

If inaccuracy is proven, the Authority would be able to order the editor
to publish a correction, free of charge, as prominently as the offending
article, in the next possible edition.  Editors who did not comply could
be taken to the High Court (Court of Session in Scotland) and compliance
enforced.

Complaints would be made initially in writing to the Press Complaints
Advisor within 3 months of publication.  This time limit could be
extended in cases where it is unreasonable to expect the complaint to be
made within this time.  The Advisor would take up complaints and seek
conciliation in cases where corrections are not appropriate.
Complainants would be able to voice their grievances at an oral hearing
and the Authority would reach a decision within 28 days.  It would have
the right to dismiss any complaints which are trivial or "vexatious".

One of the cases used to illustrate the need for the Bill is
particularly relevant.  Desiree Ntolo built a traditional African shrine
in her back garden in which she buried the umbilical cords of two of her
children and prayed according to her Cameroon tribal tradition.

The press were alerted by a council official with whom she had checked
to see if she needed planning permission (she didn't, but it broke a
council rule which itself contravenes the Citizens' Charter).  The
papers called her Mrs Muddy and a "tom-tom raver", even though no
parties had taken place in the shrine.  They sent unsolicited gifts to
persuade her to speak to them and reported she was begging for cash to
build the hut when she told them what to with their gifts! Her
neighbours did not object to the shrine but the tabloids said they
wanted it knocking down.  A Sunday Times columnist condemned her, but
did not even speak to her, relying instead on the tabloid cuttings.

As a result, she received racist hate mail and her 12-year-old son was
attacked at school.  Council officials came to see her with police and a
mis-typed, unstamped "court order" for the shrine to be knocked down.
It has been partly demolished, which she feels is an act of desecration.

The Bill was published on October 22nd.  Between now and December 15th,
3 special hearings will hear evidence from dissatisfied individuals,
unions, businesses and charities, and the editors and proprietors.  The
most important day is January 29th when the Bill goes for its second
reading in the Commons.  MPs will vote on whether it will go to
committee stage, and nearer to becoming law.

The Bill has the support of the Campaign for Press and Broadcasting
Freedom.  If you wish to see it passed, it is very important to lobby
your MP now.  The government are themselves planning to introduce a bill
to regulate the press but it is feared this would be more to gag the
press and prevent stories in the public interest being published, rather
than guaranteeing its accuracy but maintaining its freedom as Clive
Soley's Bill proposes.

****************************************************

Blade Cases Continue

Two recent legal cases of interest:

In July Jason Scott, an Odinist, was convicted of possessing an
offensive weapon after carrying his sword to a religious meeting.  The
magistrates ordered the sword to be destroyed.  On appeal, the judge
ruled Scott could keep the sword as long as he kept it at home.  The
conviction was upheld.

Scott, 25, told Derby Crown Court the sword was part of his ceremonial
dress and the order to destroy it was an infringement of his religious
rights.  He said he would not go to Valhalla if he died without the
sword as he would be unable to fight his way over the bridge.  The sword
is part of his soul.

Scott is a lifelong Odinist, his parents were Odinists and his four
children have Norse names.

In Manchester, similar charges against Chris Kelly, a ritual magician,
have been dropped.  He was arrested on the morning of the Summer
Solstice with a friend whilst they were out cutting hazel wands.

The case was originally due to be heard at the beginning of September
but was delayed until mid-October.

A Professor of Comparative Religion at Manchester University wrote to
the prosecution confirming that their actions were part of a genuinely
held religious belief.  Unable to get anyone of similar standing to say
otherwise, the prosecution dropped the case.

As the case did not reach the courts, no legal precedent has been set,
but it does demonstrate a useful approach.

****************************************************

The Group for the Preservation of Ancient Heritage

A meeting of the Group for the Preservation of Ancient Heritage was held
in August.  Present were representatives from Paganlink, the Dragon
Project, the Ley Hunter, Robin's Greenwood Gang, the Council of British
Druid Orders and the Pagan Federation.  It is hoped more organisations
will become involved as the Group becomes known.

The aims of the group are:

*    to raise funds for the purchase of the the Rollright Stone
Circle, together with such associated sites as may become available.

*    subsequently, or in the event of this site not becoming
available, or of there being insufficient funds for its purchase, to use
the funds for the purchase of other pre- and protohistoric ceremonial
monuments and sites.

*    to arrange management of the Rollright Circle, to ensure its
continuing guardianship and preservation, and to ensure access to the
public and specialist interest groups.

*    to seek the views of all interested parties with a view to
incorporating these into the sites management where possible.

*    to promote interest in, and disseminate information on this and
other ancient ceremonial sites.

*    to set up a Trust and/or Limited Company to enable these aims to
be achieved.

John Male is Paganlink's representative.  Feel free to contact him at
National Clearing House with comments and suggestions.

****************************************************

Orkney report published at last

Kirkwall social workers were condemned in Lord Clyde's report into the
Orkney "ritual sex abuse" affair.  Nine children were removed from their
homes last February after allegations of abuse in satanic rites with the
local minister.

The report said social workers failed to keep an open mind about the
allegations, consider alternatives to removal, treat the children as
individuals or properly assess the risk to them.

The original allegations were made by a child whose father was convicted
of sexually abusing him and subsequently imprisoned.  Parents
campaigning for the boy to return to his mother complained social
workers were suspicious of them.

The report makes 194 recommendations which will form the basis of a
White Paper on reforms to Scottish child care law.

As no charges were brought, the families have been unable to clear their
names in court.  They have taken out separate cases in the European
Court of Human Rights.  All four families have lodged cases on three
articles of European law: the right to liberty and security; the right
to a fair and public hearing; and the right to respect for private and
family life.  In addition, one of the families has asked the Court to
rule on the freedom of religious observance.  All cases have passed
through the first stage and been accepted.  The UK government must
respond now, but have requested a postponement until November.  As well
as making a point of principle, the families are asking for
compensation.

Since the affair, the locals have developed a distrust of officialdom.
Only one family has moved to the Island since.  The social workers were
around to check them out almost immediately.

****************************************************

English Heretics?

Many of sacred sites are at risk from English Heritage's latest proposal
to "privatise" them.  203 monuments have been earmarked for disposal,
even though English Heritage is obliged to look after them in
perpetuity.  The hit-list includes: Avebury henge and stone circles;
Arbor Low henge, King Arthur's Round Table henge, Penrith; Castlerigg
stone circle; Hetty Peglar's Tump; The Hurlers stone circle, Cornwall;
Kit's Coty; Knowlton henge; Mayburgh henge, Penrith; Stoney Littleton
long barrow, Bath; Uffington White Horse; Wayland's Smithy; Kingston
Russell stone circle; Mitchell's fold stone circle; Nine Ladies stone
circle; Rollright Stones (which I'm sure they don't actually own
anyway!), Stanton Drew stone circles and cove; and many others.  The
sites have been rated according to their development potential.

Many of the organisation's members have threatened to resign if the
plans are put into action.  They hope to pass the monuments onto local
authorities, but few are able to maintain them--Avon, one of the richest
in terms of sites has just cut its county archaeologist.

A representative of the Council for British Archaeology said it"looks
like a policy of: keep the monuments we can best display, and junk the
rest."

Future access to the monuments is in doubt.  It will be far cheaper for
new owners to lock the sites and do nothing, rather than maintain them
for the public.

Unfortunately, English Heritage plan to hang on to Stonehenge, the one
site which would be best out of their "care".

English Heritage, PO Box 43, Ruislip, Middlesex HA4 0XW

****************************************************

Peace library requests your help

The Commonweal Collection is an independent collection of books and
journals on Gandhian non-violence and issues relating to movements for
peace and social justice.  It is loosely connected with the Bradford
University Department of Peace Studies and serves students and
researchers as well as peace and "green" movements throughout Britain.

The Collection has very limited funds and has depended almost entirely
upon donations from publishers and individuals to build up over 3,000
books and about 80 currently received journals.

The Collection contains a number of Pagan journals including The Beltane
Papers, Wood and Water, Pandora's Jar and From the Flames.  They would
like to increase this and ask any editors to consider donating a free
subscription and copies of any back issues.  If this is not possible,
they would be interested in hearing from subscribers who would consider
passing on old copies.

Please send the magazines to The Commonweal Collection, c/o J.B.
Priestly Library, University of Bradford, Bradford, West Yorkshire BD7
1DP United Kingdom.