Columbia, S.C. — Cherry Hill Seminary announces the release of “Paganism and Its Discontents: Enduring Problems of Racialized Identity”, a volume containing papers presented at a 2019 symposium by the same name, plus a preface by sociologist Helen S. Berger. The symposium was a joint effort of Cherry Hill Seminary and the University of South Carolina Institute of Anthropology and Archaeology (SCIAA). The symposium was the first academic conference to address the specific issue of racialized identity theology in some contemporary Pagan religious traditions.

Proponents of racist interpretations of pre-Christian Norse-Germanic spiritualities have claimed to be preserving “heritage”, while others belonging to the contemporary Heathen movements have moved to distance themselves from “volkish” thinking. Long-simmering just beneath the surface of American Paganism, racialized Heathenry was on full display in 2017 in Charlottesville, Virginia. Tragically and ironically, news of the Christchurch, New Zealand shooting reached symposium attendees as they arrived for the opening session.

“Paganism and Its Discontents” is edited by Holli S. Emore and Jonathan M. Leader. Contributors include Michael F. Strmiska (keynote address for symposium); Jefferson F. Calico; Ben Waggoner; Diana L. Paxson (guest speaker for the symposium); Gus diZerega; Tahni J. Nikitins; Holli S. Emore; and Stephan Grundy.

“Symposium papers are presented not just for the purpose of scholarship, although they will add considerably in that regard,” states Seminary director Holli Emore. “But they are also shared in the hope that better knowledge of the ideas underlying white supremacy presenting as a religion will begin to turn back the ugly tide of rising hate and violence.” Co-editor Jonathan Leader, SCIAA director and S.C. State Archaeologist, noted that, “The book is the direct result of individuals who were engaged with the communities of concern. The information they provide is not simply from an academic standpoint but represents the communities themselves.”

Currently available in hardback from Cambridge Scholars Publishing.

For more information, contact Tracie Mooneyham, Marketing Coordinator at tmooneyham@cherryhillseminary.org.

Contact: Holli Emore, Cherry Hill Seminary, CHS@cherryhillseminary.org

Columbia, S.C. — Aline O’Brien, also known as M. Macha NightMare, has been awarded a Master of Divinity, honoris causa (honorary) by Cherry Hill Seminary in recognition of her many years of service and leadership to the Seminary.

The surprise announcement took place at the October 12 South Carolina Upstate Pagan Pride Day (Greenville area) at the end of a ritual led by O’Brien. Holli Emore, Executive Director of the Seminary, presented an honorary Master of Divinity on behalf of the Board of Directors, acknowledging the vital role O’Brien has played in the life of the Seminary for at least fifteen years.

Originally invited to participate in an online class by co-founder Cat Chapin-Bishop, O’Brien went on to develop and teach “Call of the Dark Mother,” a course addressing issues around dying and death. She recruited many individuals who became faculty, served on the board, or chose to support the Seminary as donors. O’Brien served as a director from 2008 to 2011, chairing the governing body for two of those years.

“Being a living legend within American (and indeed, global) Craft and feminist causes, Macha’s contributions have inspired countless people who need spiritual sustenance during challenging times,” said Jeffrey Keefer, Board Chair. “Macha has been a steadfast supporter of Cherry Hill Seminary’s educational mission and vision over the years, previously serving on our Board of Directors, and it is with great honor that we present this honorary degree for her many contributions to Pagan and Nature-Based spiritualities.”

Emore noted, “While Cherry Hill Seminary is an organic creation which has emerged from the vision and work of a great many people, including our students, it is difficult to imagine where we would be without Macha. She has been phenomenal.”

As a token of appreciation for her many years of dedication, the Seminary gifted O’Brien with a red silk stole embroidered with the Seminary logo which is reserved for graduates.

To read more comments by Pagan leaders about O’Brien, visit Tributes to Aline O’Brien

For more information, contact the office at CHS@cherryhillseminary.org.