Author Archive: Cherry Hill Seminary

Coming to the Center Hosts Graham Harvey

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Saturday, July 23, 2022 at 3:00 PM ET (US)

Click to register for this free livestream event

Dr Graham Harvey has been Reader in Religious Studies at the Open University since 1993, and is also the President of the British Association for the Study of Religions.

In addition to Animism, his work has covered a wide range of subjects, from Judaism, Paganism, Indigenous Religions and Shamanism. Current research interests: “First there is my ongoing interest in Indigenous rituals and performance cultures. For this I am involved in collaborative research and public engagement with Border Crossings, organisers of ORIGINS Festival of First Nations, a biennial arts festival in the UK – including participation in the journey of Totem Latamat (made by the Totonac multi-media artist Jun Tiburico in Mexico) across the UK to COP26 in Glasgow and to its final resting / retirement place at The Crichton in Dumfries. ​Secondly, I am beginning a project called “Prepare to meet your god(s)” which is about the practicalities of preparation for encounters with significant other-than-humans and/or with death.”

Read a full bio here

Arrhiannon Kirkpatrick, CMC, Shares Her Reflections

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Arrhiannon Kirkpatrick, CMC

I have truly enjoyed the Community Ministry Certificate program and I believe it was money well spent.  The layout of the modules was logical and in good sequence.  The program develops a baseline and then builds upon that foundation to create a logical and strong structure for learning and practicing.  I think this is especially true for someone who may be less practiced than others.  I would not expect anything less from an institution with the reputation held by Cherry Hill Seminary, and gladly so.

I entered the program as an experienced pagan minister hoping to become validated and strengthened in my ministry. The pagan institution that I had been associated with had, sadly, unincorporated in January 2020, after 20 years.  I felt the need to align myself with a reputable association and to remain a strong ally for the pagan community.

I found the most important sections and new information in the modules which focused on community building and the elements of spiritual counseling, especially for those seeking help along their path.  These sections were well thought out and presented information in complete and complex manners.  Our pagan group had aligned with Cherry Hill in the early 2000’s and were given permission to use some of the spiritual counseling resources in our ordination series.  I found these to be more complete and thorough than the sections we had acquired.  It took my knowledge to a new level.

I feel as if I have an even better perspective on my role as a pagan minister.  I feel more complete and that I can offer a better quality of spiritual counseling to any who may ask for my assistance in their journeys.  In understanding and gaining knowledge about spiritual counseling, I will be more confident and more discerning going forward from here.  I believe that spiritual mentoring and spiritual counseling are two of the most important ways I can minister to others.

For those who are entering the program or who feel called to pagan ministry and seek a starting point, I would advise them to look into a program such as this.  Those who are called to ministry have a special gift and a special place in paganism.  It isn’t just the rituals that make ministry an important aspect, but the whole of the heart, the head, and the spirit working in harmony to fill a need.  Examine your motives, listen to your heart, and allow your spirit to guide you on your path.  If it fits, you will be filled with energy and vitality, and you will find the path fits your feet.

I am very grateful for my counselor and for the resources that have been shared through the program.  I wish to acknowledge the care and love I have received as I have followed this path. I honor you, and I am humbled by the experience.  Blessed Be.

2021 Professor of the Year

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Cherry Hill Seminary is pleased to announce Dr. Deirdre Sommerlad-Rogers is the 2021 recipient of the Wendy Griffin Professor of the Year Award!

Dr. Deirdre Sommerlad-Rogers

“This nominee has illustrated by personal and professional example how to be completely respectful of the diversity of personalities and opinions in this world. We’ve all witnessed the abundance of enthusiasm for any subject this individual has taught, such that students are consistently engaged in lively dialog that truly only comes to a close because our attention is called to the class ending time. In the most recent class I took with this nominee, there were several of us a bit intimidated by putting together powerpoint presentations, and this nominee was immensely encouraging and helpful so we could be successful.

“This nominee is driven by an incredible curiosity about life and communicates this to students in such a way that is catching. You can’t help but think, ‘I’ve never thought about that before’ and that leads to building connections in such amazing ways. On a personal note, this nominee has the patience and fortitude to answer any question I’ve sent their way, and the best part is–we share a love of goats!

“So. it is truly my pleasure to announce the 2021 Professor of the Year – Dr. Deidre Sommerlad-Rogers!”

 – Cynthia Cebuhar, Votaries Alumni Member

About the Wendy Griffin Professor of the Year Award

Sponsored by the CHS Votaries Alumni Circle, this prestigious award is presented annually to one deserving faculty member who has demonstrated teaching excellence in the classroom and a commitment to spiritual growth for students. Nominations are accepted throughout the calendar year until Thanksgiving weekend, and the award is announced and presented at a special online event early in the new year following.

Honoring Academic Dean Emerita Wendy Griffin

As Cherry Hill Seminary’s first permanent Academic Dean, Wendy Griffin, Ph.D., and Academic Dean Emerita, brought to our seminary a dedication to academic integrity and a devotion to Pagan and Nature Spirituality. She was an academic pioneer in the study of Goddess Spirituality and Wicca, and served in the American Academy of Religion and on the editorial board of The Pomegranate: the International Journal of Pagan Studies. By the time she retired in 2018, Griffin had inspired students and colleagues alike with her intellect, skills and engagement.