The Pagan Activist

Why do journalists (in South Africa) insist on using the little ‘p’ when referring to adherents or practices of the modern religion of ‘P’aganism? I can understand why one would use the common noun ‘pagan’ to describe pre-Christian religious practices. After all, the word in this context does not describe a specific identifiable religion. The term was first applied to almost all pre-Christian religions by Christians. It was never used by pre-Christians to describe their religions.

But journalists aught by now to have realized that Paganism is a modern religion. The word describes a specific and identifiable religion and is therefore a Proper Noun; Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism and Paganism.

I suspect that some people, journalists and editors in particular, don’t want to use the proper noun because their own personal religion dictates either that Pagans don’t, or shouldn’t exist or that Paganism isn’t a “real” religion. How blind can you be? And then of course there are those who say, but we’ve always written it this way and our editor/s won’t budge. Are you sure your editor knows the difference between a common noun and a proper noun? I don’t think so! A small minority may in fact be deliberately using the common noun simply because they refuse (on religious grounds) to accord proper noun status to Paganism. Pathetic!

Is Paganism a religion? Well let’s see, a ‘religion’ is defined by the Concise Oxford as:

a. a particular system of faith and worship,

b. human recognition of superhuman controlling power and especially of a personal God or gods entitled to obedience and worship, and

c. thing that one is devoted to or bound to.

Did you notice the Oxford’s use of the common noun ‘gods’? Were the authors / editors of this entry blind, uneducated or pathetic?

Most (but not all) Pagans are polytheists. We believe in the existence of many Gods and Goddesses. Note the correct use of proper nouns when referring to Pagan Deities please. Our Gods and Goddesses are derived directly from Nature and represent natural forces with which Pagans interact and commune in religious ritual. Our ‘faith’ is based on our reverence and worship for and of Nature.

I am personally not a polytheist but rather a pantheist Pagan. I worship Nature as an expression and body of the divine forces of creation. I believe the Gods and Goddesses to be archetypal manifestations of the divine creative forces within Nature. I relate to some of these archetypal thought-forms as Nature Spirits.

Clearly Pagans do practice a system of faith and worship, recognize superhuman controlling powers, worship personal Gods and Goddesses and are devoted to our own religious beliefs and spiritual practices. Paganism is a religion.

It’s about time you started respecting that fact?!

30 days of Advocacy against Witch Hunts:

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South Africa: SATURDAY 29 MARCH TO SUNDAY 27 APRIL 2008

'30 days of Advocacy against Prejudice and Violence'

Should cultural practices and religious beliefs that promote the murder of innocents on the basis of belief be tolerated in any society? The answer must be a resounding NO.

Here’s a reminder of the events leading up to this advocacy campaign…

In September 2007, 62 Pagans, almost all of whom represented existing South African Pagan covens and organizations, met in Melville, Johannesburg to discuss the imminent threat of the tabling of a bill known as the (2007) Mpumalanga Witchcraft Suppression Bill. That meeting elected five self-defined Witches to act as representatives, under the auspices of the South African Pagan Council (SAPC), in order to fulfill the 'Melville Mandate'.

The delegation has already instructed Lawyers for Human Rights to initiate the repeal of the Witchcraft Suppression Act in order to prevent any further or future unfair discrimination and prejudice against citizens of a free and democratic country founded on the recognition of human dignity, equality for all - irrespective of religion or belief, and the advancement of human rights and freedoms for all South African citizens equally.

The 'Melville Mandate' also seeks to reclaim the terms 'Witch' and 'Witchcraft' within a modern Pagan context and representatives have been tasked with fulfilling the goal of reclamation through various educational and other processes, including the possible establishment of a formal Commission of Enquiry to investigate ongoing violence against innocent persons accused of practicing malefic Witchcraft. A Pagan Witches TouchStone was written with this in mind.

Download a free copy of A Pagan Witches TouchStone
http://www.paganrightsalliance.org/press.htm

Send a copy to three friends and encourage each of them to send a copy to three more friends.

SIGN THIS PETITION
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/end-witchcraft-related-violence-in-south-africa

Tell your friends to sign this petition.

The 30 day advocacy campaign (from 29 March to 27 April) against religious prejudice and witch hunts will focus on a) highlighting the tragedy of sporadic and ongoing Witch hunts, b) exposing the religious beliefs and cultural prejudice against Witchcraft, and c) asserting the right of Pagan Witches to self-definition, self-determination, religious freedom and safety and security.

For more information visit:

South African Pagan Rights Alliance (SAPRA)
http://www.paganrightsalliance.org

Pagan religious marriage officers:

In February this year the Department of Home Affairs approved an application submitted by the South African Pagan Rights Alliance's (SAPRA) for designation as a religious organisation in terms of and in accordance with section 5 (1) and (2) of the Civil Union Act (Act 17 of 2006).

According to section 5 of the Civil Union Act SAPRA may now solemnise marriages and civil partnerships. This is the first time in history that Pagans will be permitted the opportunity of becoming religious marriage officers. SAPRA is the first Pagan organisation to be granted this designation.

Prior to the advent of the Civil Union Act in December 2006 the Marriage Act (Act 25 of 1961) prohibited religious marriages conducted according to Pagan religious rites of custom and tradition by stating that religious marriages may only be conducted 'according to Christian, Jewish or Mohammedan rites or the rites of any Indian religion.

In SAPRA's public comment on the passage of the Civil Union Bill in 2006 the Alliance supported same-sex unions and marriages and encouraged the Home Affairs Parliamentary Portfolio committee to pass the Civil Union Bill in order to give effect not only to the constitutional court ruling against the Marriage Act, but to the constitutional guarantee of equality to all South Africans irrespective of religion or sexual preference.

South African Pagans are humbled by the realisation that this designation milestone will, in the true course of time and fate, become a part of our collective Pagan history as a religion and as a people. We are the generation blessed by the Fates and a new political dispensation to undertake the rebirth and renewal of an ancient faith of many faces. Without the revolution of conscience that brought an end to the dark days of enforced racial and religious segregation, without the creation of a constitution and bill of rights founded on the principles of equality and human dignity, none of this would ever have been possible. We owe our liberty, as a people and as a religion, to those who sacrificed their lives that others may be set free.

The designation of Pagan religious marriage officers is one more step in the right direction for our fledgeling democracy. We hope that other minority religions are afforded equal opportunity to fully participate in the religious freedoms enjoyed by other larger and more prominent religions such as Christianity.

SAPRA has submitted applications for 13 Pagans of good standing within the national Pagan religious community seeking to become religious marriage officers in terms of the provisions of the Civil Union Act. The nominated religious marriage officers will be required to write an examination set by Home Affairs and will be given six months in which to write this examination from the date of registration (12 February). If they pass the examination they will be registered under the Civil Union Act as religious marriage officers and will be permitted to solemnise both marriages and civil unions irrespective of whether engaged couples are heterosexual or of the same sex.

A Pagan Witch’s Touchstone:

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South Africa: SATURDAY 29 MARCH TO SUNDAY 27 APRIL 2008

'30 days of Advocacy against Prejudice and Violence'

One annual event will be gathering South African Pagans across the country in celebration of religious freedom under a new constitution in which equality and religious freedom are enshrined.

On 29 March South African Pagans, including members of the South African Pagan Council (SAPC) and the South African Pagan Rights Alliance (SAPRA) will be launching '30 days of Advocacy against Prejudice and Violence' (29 March to April 27 2008) to highlight the tragedy of incidences of violence against people incorrectly alleged to be Witches or falsely accused of practicing Witchcraft in South Africa.

The 30 days of Advocacy against Prejudice and Violence will culminate on Freedom Day (April 27) with Pagan Freedom Day celebrations in 5 cities around the country. [1]

In order to highlight the tragedy of ongoing violence and religious and cultural prejudice against Witchcraft as well as offer accurate information on real Witchcraft as practiced from a Pagan perspective, three self-defined Pagan Witches, Morgause Fontleve, Luke Martin and myself have compiled a book entitled A Pagan Witch’s Touchstone. [2]

A Pagan Witch’s Touchstone details actual witch-hunts in South Africa between 1980 and 2007, examines steps taken by the South African government to bring an end to Witchcraft-related violence, explores the underlying beliefs and assumptions held by many South Africans about Witchcraft, the Occult and Paganism that promote and engender accusations of Witchcraft, and challenges these beliefs by offering accurate information on these subjects by South African Witches themselves.

The Violence

In a media briefing on 3 July 2007 Minister For Safety & Security Charles Nqakula said,

"The report on crime trends shows that crime levels in South Africa continue to drop. We are deeply concerned, though, that crime continues to be rife and that the crime rate continues to be high. The fact that instances of serious and violent crime are very high is disconcerting and unacceptable." [3]

On 4 July Reuters reported, "South Africa's security minister on Wednesday dismissed calls for his resignation over new statistics that showed many of the most violent crimes on a frightening upswing." [4]

According to the Crime Information Analysis Centre,

quote: Eight serious crimes are grouped together as contact crime or violent crime against the person of victims. These crimes are murder, attempted murder, rape, assault GBH (assault with the intent to inflict grievous bodily harm), common assault, indecent assault, aggravated robbery and other robbery. The crimes in question account for 32,5% of South Africa’s recorded serious crime. These crimes involve physical contact between the victims and perpetrators and such contact is usually of a violent nature. end quote [5]

A Crime Information Analysis Centre Executive Summary states,

If crime figures for 2006/2007 are compared to those recorded during 2005/2006, the following transpires:

- Six of the eight contact crimes, namely rape, attempted murder, assault GBH, common assault, indecent assault and common robbery, decreased by between -8,7% (common assault) and -3,0% (attempted murder). The decreases in these crimes in order of significance are as follows:

Common assault -8,7%

Common robbery -5,8%

Indecent assault -5,5%

Rape -5,2%

Assault GBH -4,9%

Attempted murder -3,0%

quote: An overall decreases of -3,4% in the incidence of contact crime was recorded during the period under review. Two of the eight contact crimes, namely aggravated robbery and murder, increased by 4,6% and 2,4% respectively. The marginal increase of 2,4% in the incidence of murder - and the smaller decrease in the reported number of attempted murders (-3,0%) compared to the previous two financial years (2004/2005 and 2005/2006) in particular - can be explained in terms of the 4,6% increase in aggravated robbery. In more then 70,0% of aggravated robberies, firearms are used (this is basically almost a trademark of aggravated robberies). Whenever perpetrators, victims or bystanders shoot at one another during an aggravated robbery, attempted murders will be registered. end quote [6]

The CIAC does not distinguish between violent crimes associated with Witch hunts from other violent crimes in its December 2007 analysis and one must wonder how many recorded crimes are associated with false accusations of Witchcraft.

According to InsidePolitics.org however the number of convictions for Witchcraft-related crimes in South Africa between 1994 and 2004 has increased.

• 1994: 10 (case withdrawn); 13 (guilty); 0 (acquitted)

• 1995: 8; 7; 9

• 1996: 26; 16; 26

• 1997: 30; 33; 49

• 1998: 121; 45; 36

• 1999: 256; 84; 88

• 2000: 272; 109; 133

• 2001: 463; 173; 139

• 2002: 676; 231; 181

• 2003: 547; 247; 144

• 2004: 567; 345; 141

quote: 345 convictions for witchcraft-related crimes is a staggeringly big number for a country which boasts one of the most liberal and progressive constitutions in the world and often boasts about the strength and merits of its democracy. In 2004, 74% of all cases reported were in Limpopo, 9% in Mpumalanga and 7% in KwaZulu-Natal. The majority of cases reported are by black South Africans. In 2004, 1 053 (92%) out of the 1 138 cases reported in 2004 were brought to the police by black South Africans, 17 (2%) by whites, 33 (3%) by coloured people and 34 (3%) by Asians/Indians. Those proportions also hold generally true going back to 1994. The majority of cases are also reported by men. In 2004 717 (69%) of the 1 038 cases were reported by men and the remaining 421 (31%) by women. 52% of all cases reported are by people between the ages of 21 and 35. While the number of cases being reported is increasing, so is the conviction rate. In fact, 2004 represented the highest conviction rate since 1995 - 30% - up from 20% in 2002. There has always been a high number of witchcraft- related crimes in South Africa but better reporting and less tolerance means they are increasingly making it into the public domain. end quote [7]

Witchcraft-related violence in the new South Africa has not decreased since 2004. Chapter one of A Pagan Witch’s Touchstone details reported Witch hunts between 1980 and 2007. It must be remembered that the accused victims of witch-hunts in this country are not self-defined Witches.

The Prejudice

Prejudice against Witchcraft and the Occult in general is widespread in South Africa and originates primarily from Traditional African belief systems and Christianity. Chapter two of A Pagan Witch’s Touchstone looks at these and other urban legends associated with Witchcraft in this country, urban legends that in effect justify prejudice and violence against suspected Witches.

Under the South African constitution no person may discriminate against another on the basis of belief and religion, but as you will see, some beliefs are by their very nature discriminatory. Those who hold and propagate these beliefs may claim freedom of belief, religion and speech. Those targeted by this hate speech have good cause to challenge the propagation of definitions and beliefs which tend to criminalize their own religious beliefs and practices.

South African Witches regard harmful stereotypical definitions of Witchcraft as injurious to the dignity of self-defined Witches and the use of the terms Witch and Witchcraft to describe criminal activities as harmful discrimination against self-defined Witches. The use of the English term Witchcraft with which to describe harmful magical practices brings into disrepute anyone who may self-identify as a Witch, irrespective of whether or not said self- defined Witch is a European Pagan or a practitioner of Traditional African magic.

The Scapegoats

In Chapter three the authors introduce the Occult, Paganism and Witchcraft from a Pagan Witch’s perspective in order to dispel some of the false myths propagated by traditional African religions and Christianity

South African Witches have determined that the right to define the words Witch and Witchcraft rests with self-defined Witches themselves and no one else.

The Solution

A Pagan Witch’s Touchstone humbly suggests exploring the potential of a true South African ‘renaissance of the soul’, one in which the ignorance and fear that perpetuates Witch hunts is relegated to a painful but never forgotten history; one in which citizens of every religious persuasion will embrace a common vision of humanity, compassion and true enlightenment.

Without a moderating perspective on the question of Witchcraft and a true renewal of both theological and cultural understanding of the nature of evil in relation to this question, no room will ever be created within which to achieve any form of true equality, dignity or humanity in South Africa.

Advocacy against Prejudice and Violence

During the 30 days of Advocacy against Prejudice and Violence from 29 March to April 27 2008 South African Pagans who self-define as Witches are encouraged to send a free .pdf copy of ‘A Pagan Witch’s Touchstone’ to the media, radio stations, local political parties, local Municipalities, members of Parliament, Parliamentary Portfolio Committees, Directors- General and Ministers of both government and religion throughout the country.

If you would like to support this Advocacy Campaign against prejudice and violence against persons suspected of or accused of practicing Witchcraft in South Africa contact Damon Leff – damon@gardenroute.com

Coming soon....Click HERE to read the PDF document on 'A Pagan Witch's Touchstone'

End Witchcraft-related Violence in South Africa.
Sign this petition against prejudice and violence today.

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/end-witchcraft-related-violence-in-south-africa

References:

[1] Pagan Freedom Day Initiative (PFDM)

http://www.geocities.com/zapfdm/

[2] A Pagan Witch’s Touchstone - Witchcraft in South Africa

Damon Leff – damon@gardenroute.com

[3] Building a Safer South Africa - Media Briefing, July 3, 2007

Charles Nqakula, Mp Minister For Safety & Security

[4] S.Africa minister under fire over shock crime stats

By Muchena Zigomo

[5] Crime Information Analysis Centre Report (CIAC)

South African Police Service

[6] Executive Summary - Crime Information Analysis Centre (CIAC)

South African Police Service

[7] InsidePolitics.org

South African Paganism - 2008:

It’s a brave new year for South African Pagans seeking full and equal recognition as a religious minority. In January the South African Pagan Council will be meeting with Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR) [1] and the Traditional Healers Organisation (THO) to discuss the possibility of an alliance between Pagans and Traditional Healers in LHR’s action to have the Witchcraft Suppression Act of 1957 repealed. [2]

One annual Pagan event will be gathering Pagans across the country in celebration of religious freedom under a new constitution in which equality and religious freedom are enshrined. On 29 March South African Pagans, including members of the South African Pagan Council (SAPC), [3] the South African Pagan Rights Alliance (SAPRA) [4] and the Pagan Federation South Africa (PFSA) [5] will be launching '30 days of Advocacy against Prejudice and Violence' (29 March to April 27 2008) to highlight the tragedy of incidences of violence against people incorrectly alleged to be Witches or falsely accused of practicing Witchcraft in South Africa. The 30 days of advocacy will culminate on Freedom Day (April 27) with Pagan Freedom Day celebrations in 5 cities around the country. [6] Read my February 2008 column for more details of this important event.

In April South Africa celebrates Freedom Day [7] and Pagans will be gathering in Johannesburg (Gauteng Province), Wilderness (Garden Route – southern Western Cape), Durban (Kwazulu-Natal), Cape Town (Western Cape Province), and Nelspruit (Mpumalanga Province) to celebrate 14 years of participatory democracy and religious freedom. [8]

In my March column I’ll be taking a closer look at the Pagan Freedom Day initiative, the first of its kind to have succeeded in uniting Pagans and non-Pagans annually since 2004 under the banner of ‘Unity through Diversity’. I’ll also be interviewing the five regional coordinators of PFD - Spiral, myself, Ginney May, Raene Adams and Luke Martin.

Since its formation in 2006 the South African Pagan Council has gathered Pagans from a wide diversity of existing and newly emerging groups, covens and Pagan organizations. The Council was set up as a ‘round-table’ for inter-Pagan discussions on common issues and has proven its potential for future inter-faith dialogue and action. [9]

If you would like to show support for the work being done by the Council on behalf of South African Pagans please contact Luke Martin the Convenor of the SAPC.

Here’s wishing you and yours a blessed new year and good fortune.

References:

[1] Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR)

http://www.lhr.org.za/

[2] Refer to my December 2007 column on the Melville Mandate.

[3] South African Pagan Council (SAPC)

http://www.pagancouncil.co.za

[4] South African Pagan Rights Alliance (SAPRA)

http://www.paganrights.net

[5] Pagan Federation South Africa (PFSA)

[6] Freedom Day – South Africa

http://scnc.ukzn.ac.za/doc/SOC-cult/holidays/freedomday.htm

[7] Pagan Freedom Day Initiative (PFDM)
http://www.geocities.com/zapfdm/

[8] South African Pagan Council (SAPC)

http://www.pagancouncil.co.za

Witchcraft and the battle for reclamation in South Africa:

by Damon Leff

In September 2007 South African Pagans elected five self-defined Witches (myself included) to act as representatives, under the auspices of the South African Pagan Council (SAPC) chaired by Luke Martin, in order to fulfill what has become known as the 'Melville Mandate'.

Said representatives have secured the legal services of Lawyers for Human Rights in order to have the Witchcraft Suppression Act of 1957 revoked. We are fairly confident given the protections afforded to religious minorities in our country's constitution that we will succeed in having said act revoked in due course.

persons accused of practicing malefic witchcraft.

The Witchcraft Suppression Act of 1957

The Witchcraft Suppression Act (Act 3 of 1957 as amended by Act 50 of 1970) determines that any person who professes to use any supernatural power, or witchcraft, or professes knowledge of witchcraft or the use of charms, or for gain exercises any supernatural power or witchcraft shall be guilty of a criminal offence.

South African Pagans who self-define as Witches argue that Act 3 prohibits South African citizens from practicing their religion. These citizens of the Republic of South Africa have been and are being denied their constitutional rights to religious freedom, expression, equality, liberty, dignity, security and their right to choose and practice their occupation within South Africa.

The 'Melville Mandate' seeks to initiate urgent legislative reform to the Witchcraft Suppression Act in order to prevent any further or future unfair discrimination and prejudice against citizens of a free and democratic country founded on the recognition of human dignity, equality for all - irrespective of religion or belief, and the advancement of human rights and freedoms for all South African citizens equally.

Reclamation of the terms 'Witch' and 'Witchcraft'

Historically the words 'Witch' and 'Witchcraft' have been used in South Africa to describe evil or criminal practices associated with ritual killings, human mutilations and misfortune in general. The 1995 Report of the Ralushai Commission of Inquiry into Witchcraft Violence and Ritual Murder in the Northern Province, defined the term 'witch' to mean a person who,

"…through sheer malice, either consciously or subconsciously, employs magical means to inflict all manner of evil on their fellow human beings. They destroy property, bring disease or misfortune and cause death, often entirely without provocation to satisfy their inherent craving for evil doing."

Testifying before a Truth and Reconciliation Commission Amnesty Hearing in July 1999 Professor Ralushai confirmed his Commission’s definition of 'a witch' when he was asked by attorney Patrick Ndou to define what a Witch was. Ralushai stated,

"A witch is supposed to be a person who is endowed with powers of causing illness or ill luck or death to the person that he wants to destroy."

The recently proposed Mpumalanga Witchcraft Suppression Bill attempted to define Witchcraft as:

"…the secret use of muti, zombies, spells, spirits, magic powders, water, mixtures, etc, by any person with the purpose of causing harm, damage, sickness to others or their property."

These definitions of 'witchcraft' stereotype witchcraft as harmful by portraying Witches as a danger to the communities within which they live and work. These harmful stereotypical definitions merely serve to justify irrational public fear of witchcraft as a harmful practice that is associated with criminal activity.

Maintaining and reinforcing a definition of 'witchcraft' predisposed to eliciting violence against alleged or accused witches does not promote religious tolerance, but serves to incite further malice and violence against suspected witches, and fosters further discrimination against Witchcraft.

The characterization of a person or group of persons (witches) as 'evil' and so deserving of criminal classification by default makes a mockery of the values of human dignity, equality and the advancement of human rights and freedoms on which the Republic of South Africa is founded.

South African Witches regard harmful stereotypical definitions of Witchcraft as injurious to the dignity of self-defined Witches and the use of the terms 'witch' and 'witchcraft' to describe criminal activities as harmful discrimination against self-defined Witches. The use of the English term 'witchcraft' with which to describe harmful magical practices brings into disrepute anyone who may self-identify as a Witch, irrespective of whether or not said self-defined Witch is a European Pagan or a practitioner of Traditional African magic.

The 'Melville Mandate' seeks to reclaim the terms 'Witch' and 'Witchcraft' within a modern Pagan religious context and determines that the right to define the words ‘Witch’ and ‘Witchcraft’ rests with self-defined Witches themselves and no one else.

The following definition is a good standard definition of Witchcraft as understood and as practiced by South African Witches.

“Witchcraft is an ancient religio-magical technique and modern Pagan spirituality that employs the use of divination, sympathetic magic and Pagan ritual practices.” - SAPRA

As self-defined Witches we stand as testimony to the existence of both Witches and Witchcraft, but we wish to reiterate that we are neither evil nor criminals. As Witches, as practitioners of Witchcraft, we claim the right to self-definition and self-determination of our own spirituality and its practices. As equal citizens of South Africa we claim our right to freedom of belief and religion.

For more information visit the following websites:

South African Pagan Rights Alliance (SAPRA)

http://www.paganrights.net

The South African Pagan Council (SAPC)

http://www.pagancouncil.co.za

Pagan Federation International South Africa (PFISA)

http://www.sa.paganfederation.org/

Christian spiritual warfare and the Satanic conspiracy in South Africa:

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A recent e-mail alert [1] originating from Pastor Conrad Kruger of 'Acts Christian Centre' of Constantia Kloof in Gauteng levels serious allegations of human sacrifice by "Satanic covens" in South Africa on Halloween. Acts Christian Centre is a 'spiritual warfare' ministry. The ministry's primary cause for existing is to counter what they regard and name as the dangers of the occult. The "spiritual warfare attack team" of Acts Christian Centre is led by Pastor Conrad Kruger and Nadia Oosthuizen.

South African Pagans, who, by their own admission neither identify themselves as Satanists nor practice human or animal sacrifice, have expressed offense at Kruger's deliberate demonization of the Pagan holy day of Halloween and at the Pastor's stereotypical criminalization of all Satanists as kidnappers, paedophiles and murderers.

In responding to several complaints from justifiably angry Pagans, Kruger, whilst admitting that Pagans are not Satanists, has repeatedly questioned why Pagans should be taking offense to his diatribe against Satanists and (his alleged) their predicted alleged activities between October 22 to October 31.

Pagan Charles Van Bergen has accused Kruger of hate speech against Pagans. "Halloween is a Pagan festival and has absolutely nothing, no matter which hemisphere we live in, to do with Christianity, and therefore, absolutely nothing to do with Satanism! This is therefore hate speech designed to induce fear of and hatred for Pagans by aligning us in the eyes of Christians with their natural enemies, Satanists. This kind of malicious and willful mis-/disinformation endangers each and every one of us. By turning Halloween into some sort of Satanic festival, even if only by association, they are attacking Pagans." [2]

Convenor of the South African Pagan Council Luke Martin, in a letter of objection to Pastor Kruger wrote, "Let me tell you with total honesty, you are wrong about Halloween and every one of your other malicious statements, which are in fact hate speech. The vast majority of "covens" in this country do not recognise the Judeo-Christian entity, Satan. Neither do they celebrate Halloween (Samhain) at this time of year. It is Beltane we are about to celebrate in the Southern Hemisphere." [3]

South African Pagans celebrate Halloween, a festival traditionally celebrated at the beginning of Winter on the eve of May 1. Also called Samhain, Halloween is regarded by Pagans throughout the world as a sacred feast day in honour of the Ancestors and the Dead.

Terri Moore, Executive Member of the South African Pagan Rights Alliance questioned Kruger's insistence on promoting the belief in Satanic ritual abuse in South Africa. "Satanic Ritual Abuse has been thoroughly debunked by the FBI as well as others, but these Christians just keep dragging it back from the dead, especially around this time of year." [4]

The e-mail in question lists very specific alleged activities to be undertaken by alleged Satanists, including (a) the ceremonial planning and kidnapping of a (?) sacrificial victim between October 22 and 29, (b) the sacrifice of the kidnapped victim on October 28, (c) another human sacrifice (presumably with a different victim?) and "sexual orgies with demons, animals and children in order to attempt to enter the gates of hell" on October 31, and (d) yet another human sacrifice to mark the end of Halloween between November 1 and 3. The Pastor adds that another human and animal sacrifice will take place on December 22, and that a male and female sacrifice will occur on December 25. Unfortunately Kruger mistakenly assigns December 22 as a "summer equinox" instead of the Summer Solstice, another sacred holy day for Pagans and one in which reverence is given by Pagans to the Sun as the source of Life and Light on Earth. [5]

The Pastor's apparent inside knowledge of these alleged occult activities is derived, by his own admission in correspondence with me, from the work of Kobus Jonker and F.A. Havenga. [6] The so-called 'Satanic Calendar' [7] originated by Havenga and adopted without question by Kruger in motivating his call to action against Halloween and its alleged Satanic practices, has been thoroughly discredited by a number of authoritative sources, including self-defined South African and international Satanists themselves.

According to encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com "Dr. Ed Murphy is the author of a modern 600 page tome on the subject from the point of view of deliverance ministry entitled The Handbook of Spiritual Warfare.... [ ] ...The excesses of unsubstantiated allegations made in the Satanic Ritual Abuse phenomena of the 1980s and 1990s has also prompted critical reviews. Some apologists in the Christian countercult movement have expressed concerns that spiritual warfare techniques seem at times to have been based on spurious stories and anecdotes without careful discernment and reflection. Some of these general concerns have been expressed by apologists like Elliot Miller (Christian Research Institute), and Bob and Gretchen Passantino in various articles published in the Christian Research Journal. Others, such as Mike Hertenstein and Jon Trott, have called into question the claims of alleged ex-Satanists like Mike Warnke and Lauren Stratford whose stories have subsequently influenced many popular books about spiritual warfare and the occult. Bill Ellis' work Raising the Devil has detected the presence of folkloric stories about the occult and demons circulating in evangelical and charismatic circles, which later become accepted as unquestioned facts." [8]

Despite existing evidence to the contrary on alleged Satanic ritual abuse and criminality internationally, the irrational and uncorroborated allegations leveled at Satanists and the Occult in general by Pastor Kruger finds an echo in an article published online by 'Africa Christian Action' based in Claremont Cape Town. [9]

"We are in a spiritual world war. Cruelty to animals, vandalism and even murders occur with far greater frequency during Halloween. Every Halloween many thousands of animals, and even people, are sacrificed in satanic rituals worldwide, while millions of other people, including well meaning Christians, participate in Halloween celebrations. Halloween is a prime recruiting time for witches and Satanists." [10] By their own admission however, Witches do not recruit or proselytize, and neither Witches nor Satanists practice human sacrifice.

The published work of Kobus Jonker, F.A. Havenga and many others on the subject of Satanism and the Occult in South Africa have become the definitive sources for almost all debate on the subject of Satanism in South Africa. They are studied by new police recruits, social workers and theology students. Their work is quoted as authoritative source in courts of law. The fact that little or no equally authoritative material exists to counter the bias of their work on the Occult and Satanism in South Africa in general is a reason for the mushrooming of "spiritual warfare" Christian groups and individuals. These groups and individuals accept the "authority" of the sources they consult, usually without question or further research.

Evidently ritual crimes in which human body parts are harvested for sale for use in magic which do occur in our country are most often incorrectly used by Havenga et al as de facto proof that Satanism is alive and well in South Africa despite the fact that actual evidence shows that human mutilations in South Africa are performed by criminals who do not identify as Satanists or as Witches. There are few if any exceptions to this rule. African Traditionalists accuse Witches of human mutilations. Christians in general blame Satanists. The truth of course is that neither are guilty. We're just convenient scape-goats.

In my opinion, the accusers are the actual criminals. They use lies to bolster their accusations against the innocent and perpetuate harmful and hurtful propaganda against Satanism and Witchcraft in order to give reason and purpose to their chosen form of spiritual warfare ministry.

References:

[1] E-mail alert originating from Pastor Conrad Kruger of 'Acts Christian Centre'

Halloween

Acts Christian centre

S.W.A.T Spiritual warfare attack team

Past. Conrad Kruger

On 31 October 2007 will be Blood and sexual rituals performed by Satanic covens around South Africa. There will be sexual orgies with demons, animals and humans AND THERE WILL BE A HUMAN SACRIFICE - KEEP YOUR CHILDREN SAFE ESPECIALLY YOUNG BOYS

October 22-29 - Ceremonial planning and kidnapping of sacrifice.

October 28 - Human sacrifice to enter into Halloween.

October 31 - Human sacrifice & sexual orgies with demons and animals and children to attempt to enter the gates of Hades.

November 1-3 - Human Sacrifice end of Halloween.

December 22 - Summer Equinox - Human and animal sacrifice - The birth of the sun god - through the goddess of the moon.

December 25 - Male and female sacrifice.

This Sunday 28 October - a Christians response to Halloween. Do you realise the spiritual implications of Halloween? And do you realise curses will be pronounced by Satan and his cohorts from 22 - 31 October? KEEP YOUR CHILDREN AND ANIMALS SAFE.

[2] Charles Van Bergen - quoted with permission from the South African Pagan Council Mail-Forum.

[3] Luke Martin, Convenor of the South African Pagan Council - letter to Pastor Conrad Kruger quoted with permission.

[4] Terri Moore, Executive of the South African Pagan Rights Alliance - quoted with permission from the South African Pagan Council Mail-Forum.

[5] E-mail alert originating from Pastor Conrad Kruger of 'Acts Christian Centre'

[6] From: "Acts Christian Centre"

Subject: Re: Halloween

Date sent: Mon, 22 Oct 2007 17:12:55 +0200

Satanism is more real than you can imagine

Source referencing - well there are many - S. A Police - Kobus Jonker occultist unit wrote a book on Satanism

F.A. Havenga 18 years experience in the S.A . Police - Book and course on S.R.A - Satanic Ritual Abuse with reference.

[7] The Dictionary of Cults, Sects, Religions and the Occult by Mather & Nichols, (Zondervan, 1993), P. 244, quotes 'The Satanic Bible' as listing the main Satanic holidays as: Walpurgisnacht, Halloween, and the member's birthday.

http://www.religioustolerance.org/ra_date.htm

[8] Africa Christian Action, Claremont Cape Town, South Africa

http://www.christianaction.org.za

[9] Africa Christian Action - 'Frontline Fellowship', Claremont Cape Town, South Africa

http://www.frontline.org.za/articles/Halloween_and_the_Bible.htm

[10] Spiritual Warfare

http://encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com/Spiritual+Warfare

The Anti-Reclamation Lobby (ARL):

In recent months three South African Pagans have taken it upon themselves to challenge an overwhelming majority of South African Pagan Witches who seek to reclaim the terms Witch and Witchcraft, by accusing those who seek reclamation of (a) not serving the greater good, (b) going against the code of ethics enshrined in the Wiccan Rede, (c) causing harm to Pagans and Paganism in South Africa, and (d) not acting responsibly.

In ‘A Witch in Africa’ (dated 26 August 2007) written by the Rev. Andi Fisher, Archpriestess and Chief Director of the Correllian Nativist Church International South Africa (CNCI-RSA), Fisher states:

“There seems to be sufficient doubt over whether adopting terms that are perceived as evil and harmful in Africa will serve the greater good. It may even be argued that this could go against the code of ethics enshrined in the Wiccan Rede, as it almost certainly could cause harm to Pagans and Paganism in South Africa. If not physical harm, then at least harm in the sense that Pagan Witches and Witchcraft in Africa will always be viewed with the greatest suspicion and mistrust. Ultimately while self-definition is a personal choice for every individual Pagan to make, as responsible practitioners we have to ask ourselves how the choices we make in defining ourselves will affect the manner in which the collective Pagan Movement in South Africa is perceived? And what will the consequences of our choices be? ... I am willing to speculate that if Pagans are prepared to meet Africans half- way by adopting less offensive terms with which to label ourselves in Africa, we would be in a far greater position to grow the Pagan Movement on this continent. While compromising on terms will certainly not solve all our

problems, it would go a long way towards establishing a platform of trust with traditional Africans from where the Pagan Movement could potentially grow.” [1]

What Fisher is proposing is repeated and further explained in her ‘CNCI SAPC Conference Report’ of 12 September. Fisher states,

“We are of the opinion that we have little choice but to relinquish terminology now in order to avoid further discrimination against Paganism in South Africa... We acknowledge that someday the climate in RSA may be more conducive to reclaiming these terms, but that this is unlikely to change in the foreseeable future in light of the negative manner in which witchcraft in Africa is perceived. While we respect and honour our Pagan brothers and sisters who wish to embark in a struggle for the reclamation of terminology, we cannot support a course of action that is combative when another more peace-invoking alternative is plausible.” [2]

Fisher’s sincerely misguided attempts at opposing those Pagans who do wish to work towards the reclamation of the terms Witch and Witchcraft are echoed by her alliance cohorts Adrian Williams (Coven of the Silver Sickle) and Ken Burke (Circle of Friends).

In correspondence between a member of the South African Pagan Rights Alliance (SAPRA) and Adrian Williams dated 13 September, Williams clarified his position on reclamation by saying,

“I will actively attempt to persuade government to abolish the words witch and witchcraft using all possible means available to me. I will further attempt to make it known that not all Pagans share the view of keeping the word witch and witchcraft even though these words are offensive to the vast majority of South Africans.”

In an early September letter to Pagan delegates intending to attend a Conference hosted by the South African Pagan Council, and posted on SAPRA’s public Forum, Williams made the following proposal:

“Witches in South Africa , in the interest of cultural and spiritual unity release the terms witch and witchcraft due to the negative connotations that these words bring up in the minds of the vast majority of South Africans and by doing so take the spiritual journey one step closer to the divine and call upon all Pagans around the world to support us in this sacrifice that will strengthen the relationship between Pagans within Africa.” [3]

He reiterated this proposal in earnest at the 8 September SAPC Pagan Conference in Johannesburg in opposing a motion by conference delegates on the question of reclamation. The minutes of this conference read:

Adrian Williams: Proposed we release the terms “witch” and “witchcraft” in the interests of spirituality and ask for international support from Pagans abroad to do the same in an act of solidarity. (Unrest in the house.)

Luke Martin: Those in favour of relinquishing the words witch and witchcraft please raise their hands. Nine delegates raised their hands: 9/61 – Minority [4]

It must be noted that many of the 61 delegates who attended this Conference were leaders of their own Covens, Clans, Circles etc. and were in fact fairly representative of the majority of self-defined Pagans in South Africa.

On 13 September Ken Burke, in support of the anti-reclamation lobby, wrote,

“If it is gets to be a choice between protecting the lives of the innocent black people who get killed because they are perceived to be witches, or allowing a few hundred white Pagans to legally call themselves witches, we're going to support protecting the lives of the innocent.” [5]

All three protagonists cite as reason for their decision to oppose the reclamation of the terms Witch and Witchcraft the presumed but often repeated allegation that, to quote Burke,

“black Africans are profoundly afraid of witches and witchcraft. For centuries, the words (and their equivalent in other European languages) have been used to translate words like "Butsakatsi" and the equivalent in other African languages.” [6]

In “A Witch in Africa’ Fisher stated, “No amount of Pagan protesting could eradicate the African concept of evil entrenched in witchcraft.” [7]

Fisher also quoted Ronald Hutton in support of her position against reclamation.

A Global Online Newspaper & Forum for Pagans & Heathens of all paths.Home of the Vital Rites Project and now being read in 46 countries!

Paganism in Africa:

About Ariel:

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Capital ‘P’ in Paganism please:

30 days of Advocacy against Witch Hunts:

Pagan religious marriage officers:

A Pagan Witch’s Touchstone:

South African Paganism - 2008:

Witchcraft and the battle for reclamation in South Africa:

Christian spiritual warfare and the Satanic conspiracy in South Africa:

The Anti-Reclamation Lobby (ARL):

A Global Online Newspaper & Forum for Pagans & Heathens of all paths.

Home of the Vital Rites Project and now being read in 46 countries!