Author Archive: Cherry Hill Seminary

Cherry Hill Seminary Saddened by Violence in Boston

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For Immediate Release

April 17, 2013

Contact: Holli Emore, 888-503-4131, CHS@cherryhillseminary.org

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Cherry Hill Seminary is saddened by the violence of Monday’s bombing at the Boston Marathon.

Trustee Aline “Macha” O’Brien stated, “Our hearts go out to those directly affected by the explosions, as well as to everyone else who was there, to all the runners of the world, and to the good people of Boston. The pain of such terrible loss crosses all boundaries and unites us in our resolve not to be intimidated by such cowardly acts.”

“Although our students study and train to minister effectively in times of crisis,” said Executive Director Holli Emore, “we hope for a future in which fear no longer erodes the bonds of community.”

“We who honor and walk the sacred path of the Earth and all of Her children mourn the tragic events surrounding the bombing in Boston. We feel the violence done to the Earth and to her children as well as to the possibility of peace and well-being that belongs to all of the Earth. We extend our own community’s work for healing, peace, justice and support to the Boston community and all who were harmed in anyway by this attack,” said Bob Patrick, Chair, Department of Ministry, Advocacy and Leadership.

And from Valentine McKay-Riddell, Chair, Department of Pagan Community Education, “If we stand together for peace, patience, understanding, and support of both the victims and even the perpetrators (because even the most vicious acts of violence are usually catalyzed by deep suffering on some level, and Goddess knows there’s been far too much of that lately!), we will eventually midwife the birth of a new and more compassionate world.”

The students, faculty and staff extend sincere condolences to the survivors and to the families and loved ones of those killed in the attack.

Cherry Hill Seminary is the leading provider of education and practical training in leadership, ministry, and personal growth in Pagan and Nature-Based spiritualities.

For further information contact Cherry Hill Seminary at 888-503-4131 or CHS@cherryhilllseminary.org

Intensive: Sacred Lands and Spiritual Landscapes

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Students wishing to earn credit for attending the Spring Symposium: Sacred Lands and Spiritual Landscapes: Cosmography of the Pagan Soul should register for this one credit online course.  We will read and write on the symposium topic in preparation for informed participation at the event.

In today’s post-modern, urbanized world, where everything is a commodity, how and where do Pagans find their sacred places?  How should we protect and maintain these sites?  In colonized worlds, how do we avoid the appropriation of these lands?  If Goddess is immanent in nature, what makes some places more sacred than others?  How is our spirituality shaped by the land and our relationship with the land shaped by our spirituality?

Keynote speaker will be Ronald Hutton, English historian specializing in early modern Britain, British folklore, pre-Christian religion and contemporary Paganism, and author of fourteen books, including Triumph of the Moon, 1999.

More information about presenters, schedule, hotel, and our host, University of South Carolina.

No text to purchase; readings will be posted online. No online meeting; attendance in person at symposium April 12-12 is required. 1 credit.

REGISTER NOW  Note that to participate in and receive credit for an intensive, you must pay for both fees listed on the payment page.

To submit a proposal to present a paper at the symposium

 

 

 

 

Cherry Hill Seminary Saddened by Loss of Pagan Scholar Patricia Monaghan

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COLUMBIA, S.C. – Cherry Hill Seminary is saddened to learn of the passing of noted scholar, author and women’s spirituality movement leader Patricia Monaghan.

Academic Dean Wendy Griffin said, “We mourn the loss of poet, visionary, and rigorous scholar Patricia Monaghan, PhD, whose contributions to those who venerate the Goddess cannot be overstated, from her early work in helping to develop Women’s Spirituality, through to her founding of the Association for the Study of Women and Mythology.  With an Irish heart and a Pagan soul, Dr. Monaghan found the mythic in the mundane and took joy in the exploration.  We are deeply grateful for the books and poems she shared with us.  ‘So many stories…each worthy of telling.’ (Seasons of the Witch, Monaghan, 2007)”

Dean of Students Candace Kant reflected on her recent work with Monaghan:  “It was from Patricia Monaghan’s many books that I discovered the breadth and depth of Goddess.  I was very honored to be able to meet her and spend a few days with her and her devoted husband Michael in Black Earth, Wisconsin, which they so loved.  Working with Patricia and Michael on the Brigid Anthology this past year was a pleasure, and I know it was a labor of love for them.  I am deeply saddened by her loss, but am thankful for the legacy of scholarship and love for Goddess that she left with us.”

“She believed in my writing and what I had to say,” said Aline O’Brien, a Cherry Hill Seminary director and longtime instructor.  “Patricia opened doors for me, giving me unique opportunities to contribute to the Pagan literature and dialog.  She was supportive of Cherry Hill Seminary from our early days, allowing us to feature her as a guest lecturer in our 2006 Second Sunday online lecture series.  Both of us being Irish-American, we shared a love of Irish culture.”

In honor of Monaghan’s immeasurable contributions to scholarship Cherry Hill Seminary will name a scholarship in her memory, the Patricia Monaghan Scholarship.

Monaghan’s husband, Dr. Michael McDermott, has served on the Board of Directors of Cherry Hill Seminary since 2007.  We extend our sincere condolences on the loss of his beloved Patricia whose joy in living will be missed by all.

Cherry Hill Seminary is the leading provider of education and practical training in leadership, ministry, and personal growth in Pagan and Nature-Based spiritualities.

For further information contact Cherry Hill Seminary at 888-503-4131 or CHS@cherryhilllseminary.org