This declaration is intended as a tool for anyone to use in vetting organizations, kindreds, groups, and peers. It serves as a benchmark, challenging those who fall short of its standards to elevate their practices. My community and I believe that the following is what constitutes true inclusivity, and I challenge any other community to demonstrate why we should settle for less than this standard.
It is written in the first person so that when you speak, you are taking ownership and speaking with your own voice, especially when addressing those you intend to confront or engage with.
If anyone rejects any portion of this Declaration, it falls to them to provide a compelling explanation as to why. Similarly, if you find that any of the language set forth in this Declaration elicits a negative reaction from you or those around you, you should reflect on why that is.
“Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire.” ~Gustav Mahler
Within Heathenry, and paganism broadly, there is a serious issue that must be addressed: the issue of hatred and bigotry. These cancers are the rot that festers in the dark when left alone and unchallenged. They create breeding grounds for harmful ideas that spread and infect, lurking in the corners where you least expect them. Many who come seeking to sincerely practice their faith are turned away by those polluted by ignorance and hate, and if allowed to go unopposed these blights will destroy even the good and valid practices of inclusive faiths and practitioners.
Standing against this darkness is a daunting task – to be the lone voice to speak out against the hate that would see us silenced. One may feel as though they don’t have the tools necessary to stand alone in the dark, fanning the flames of inclusivity. For most, it is unsafe to be that voice, and it is in these perilous conditions where this creeping darkness finds its strength – allowing this hate to fester and thrive where none can oppose it.
In the relentless surge of hate and bigotry that grips our world today, once-bold declarations falter, failing to resonate with the urgency of our situation and uphold the ideals of a welcoming, equitable pagan community. These past statements, forged in bygone eras, were crucial products of their time. They were stepping stones, but their reach has been diminished and their impact limited. Too many pagans evade accountability, allowing the insidious weeds of hate and prejudice not only to endure but to flourish unchecked in a realm deprived of the necessary instruments to denounce them.
I submit this declaration to unequivocally reject this vile hatred with all the power of a raging inferno. A fire that blazes to burn away all of the rot that has marred our faiths and practices for far too long. A shining beacon that cuts through the oppressive darkness seeking to silence. A flame that burns warm and bright to provide a space of safety and sanctuary for those who so desperately need it.
Take this declaration and use it as both a sword and a shield. It is both a call to action and a standard by which to measure one’s own practices and beliefs. It is a light in the dark for those who have long been outcast from or marginalized within the pagan community, offering them a path forward toward greater acceptance and understanding. To those who would turn a blind eye to its principles, however, it is a challenge—a summons to examine their own values and practices in light of a more inclusive worldview. It demands accountability from all who claim the identity of paganism, insisting that they uphold the standards of respect and equality set forth within these words.
I acknowledge that no text or culture is infallible. The reconstruction of past traditions does not and should not require bringing harm into modernity. Pagan faiths place extraordinary value on the virtues of hospitality and reciprocity. As such, we should constantly strive to uphold these virtues with respect to the needs of our time, and to enable others with empathy and the education to grow and learn alongside us in our fight against the pestilence of hate. Our understanding of the world around us, and the people we share it with, has undergone exponential growth since ancient times. Incorporating these insights is emblematic of paganism’s pursuit of wisdom and greater knowledge.
In light of this, I stand against those actions that would cause unnecessary harm to those in my community and my world.
The standards of inclusivity this declaration sets forth are below. While not exhaustive, they are comprehensive. Take this mindset forward and work to make your spaces a welcoming place to all those who share these values.
I reject discrimination based on:
• Race/Ancestry/Ethnicity
• I light my first flame against the darkness to declare that there shall be no discrimination based on race, ancestry, or ethnicity. When we embrace people of varying racial backgrounds, ancestries and ethnicities, we promote attitudes of understanding and solidarity. This serves not only to honor perspectives and experiences from across the whole spectrum of humanity, but to enrich the culture and growth of our faiths. The Gods and Spirits are magnificent, They call whom They please, irrespective of race, ancestry, or ethnicity – They are not bound by blood.
• Place of Origin
• I light my second flame against the darkness to declare that there shall be no discrimination based on place of origin. When we embrace people of all cultural backgrounds and places of origin, we foster a diversity of thought and practice. This serves not only to enrich the tapestry of our faiths and prevent stagnation, but also forges strong bonds of international community. The Gods and Spirits are inspiring, They call whom They please, irrespective of place of origin – They are not bound by soil.
• Sex/Gender/Gender Identity/Gender Expression
• I light my third flame against the darkness to declare that there shall be no discrimination based on sex, gender, gender identity, or gender expression. When we embrace people of diverse sexes, genders, Identities, and expressions we foster communities that celebrate authenticity and diversity. This not only serves to deconstruct antiquated and harmful attitudes towards sex and gender, but helps us better understand the Gods and Spirits in Their multifaceted forms and natures. The Gods and Spirits are ethereal, They call whom They please, irrespective of sex, gender, gender identity, or gender expression – They are not bound by biology nor social constructs.
• Sexual and Romantic Identities
• I light my fourth flame against the darkness to declare that there shall be no discrimination based on consensual sexual and romantic identities. When we embrace people of varying sexual and romantic identities, we are able to celebrate the many beautiful forms that love and relationships can take. This not only strengthens the bonds within our communities, but creates spaces where families can learn, grow, and thrive. The Gods and Spirits are communal, They call whom They please, irrespective of sexual and romantic identities – They are not bound by orientation.
• Socioeconomic Status
• I light my fifth flame against the darkness to declare that there shall be no discrimination based on socioeconomic status. When we embrace people of all economic and educational backgrounds and situations, we encourage compassion and mutual support. This serves not only to promote awareness and kindness towards the circumstances of others, but to create opportunities for us to share the many gifts the Gods and Spirits have given us. I maintain that a person’s socioeconomic status shall be reasonably accommodated to minimize its impact on their religious and group participation. The Gods and Spirits are reciprocal, They call whom They please, irrespective of socioeconomic status – They are not bound by earthly wealth or attainment.
• Ability
• I light my sixth flame against the darkness to declare that there shall be no discrimination based on ability. When we embrace people across the spectrum of ability, we foster environments that emphasize education, empathy, and care. This not only allows us to gain valuable perspectives and insights, but also provides critical social and spiritual support for people affected by disabilities in all forms. I maintain that a person’s disability, be it visible or invisible, temporary or permanent, shall be reasonably accommodated to minimize its impact on their religious and group participation. The Gods and Spirits are powerful, They call whom they please, irrespective of ability – they are not bound by the human condition.
• Appearance/Presentation
• I light my seventh flame against the darkness to declare that there shall be no discrimination based on appearance or presentation. When we embrace people of all appearances and presentations, we foster environments that celebrate the unlimited variety that the Gods have gifted us with. This not only allows us the full authority to express ourselves for ourselves, but prevents our religions from being used as cudgels to enforce unreasonable or unattainable standards. The Gods and Spirits are diverse, They call whom they please, irrespective of appearance – they are not bound by physical variety.
• Age
• I light my eighth flame against the darkness to declare that there shall be no discrimination based on age. When we embrace people of all ages, we foster environments that cherish both youth and experience. This not only allows us to better understand the unique opportunities and challenges that our shifting society has created, but also gives us the chance to learn from people journeying through different stages of life. The Gods and Spirits are wise, They call whom they please, irrespective of age – they are not bound by mortality.
• Religion
• I light my ninth flame against the darkness to declare that there shall be no discrimination based on religion. When we welcome people of all religions who have inclusive, non-harmful expressions of faith, we strengthen the bonds of religious pluralism. This serves not only to espouse understanding, solidarity, and reflection, but also creates a supportive environment for people to explore new possibilities and expressions for their faiths without having to fear a loss of community. I maintain that a person’s religion shall be reasonably accommodated to best facilitate their group participation, however within this understanding, respect to initiatory traditions and processes must be maintained . The Gods and Spirits are many, They call whom They please, irrespective of religion – They are not bound by creed.
These are but words to give strength and aid to actions. Agreement with this declaration is good, but it is not enough. Continued actions and a mindset of inclusivity are the only way to keep the fire raging.
I have now lit this fire. I charge you all with keeping this flame.
Unlike preceeding declarations, there is no signatory page. That is because this declaration sets forth standards that require constant work and attention in order to practice and live them to the fullest – these are values to be acted upon, not merely to be signed and forgotten. There is no whitelist, there is no approval process. It is up to each and every one of us to uphold these standards every day.