In response to recent, harmful, commentary regarding the rise of interest in witchcraft and non-traditional spirituality, The Pagan Federation has directly contacted The Daily Mail to retract these false equivalencies and issue a formal clarification to rectify any harm caused to our vulnerable, minority, communities.
You can read our direct response here
Equating criminal harm, abuse, and historical atrocities with modern Pagan beliefs is not only factually false, but it actively incites prejudice against minority faith communities across the UK.
Sarah Kerr, President of The Pagan Federation, comments:
“There is something deeply troubling about seeing modern Pagan communities discussed alongside child abuse, Nazism and acts of cruelty, without any evidence connecting those communities to such atrocities.
Throughout history, fear and misinformation about witchcraft and minority religious beliefs have been used to justify discrimination, persecution and violence. We know where these narratives can lead, and we have a responsibility to challenge them when they reappear in public discourse.
The Pagan Federation doesn’t seek to place any religion or belief beyond criticism. Indeed, we welcome informed discussion, scrutiny and debate, but there is a fundamental difference between challenging beliefs and encouraging suspicion of entire communities through sensationalised associations.
Modern Pagan traditions are diverse, with their own ethical frameworks, values and practices. They deserve to be understood on their own terms, not measured against the prejudices and misconceptions of centuries past.
Religious literacy matters because the consequences of misinformation are felt by real people, in their workplaces, schools, families and communities. We should be moving towards a society where differences in belief are understood and respected, not reviving the fears that have historically been used to marginalise them.
Freedom of religion or belief belongs to everyone. So does the right to be represented fairly.”