To the Organizers and Representatives of the Pagan World Congress
I write to you on behalf of our respective organizations within the South African Pagan community with grave concern and deep disappointment regarding the recent allowance of a known Satanist to represent our community at your esteemed congress. Although he made it very clear he does not represent all Pagans in South Africa, I assure you his views do not reflect the beliefs or values of the majority of our community, and this situation risks causing lasting harm to our collective reputation and unity.
The South Africa’s Pagan community has fought arduously for decades to establish and uphold a clear, peaceful, and earth-centered identity distinctly separate from Satanism. Our elders, notably Donna Vos, sacrificed immensely, enduring personal attacks and systemic challenges, to educate the public, government, and law enforcement that Paganism is not synonymous with Satanism. Donna’s tireless work with organizations through the Pagan Federation and The Circle of the African Moon held collaborations with the Occult Related Crimes Unit which is now disband, were foundational in securing acceptance for Pagans as a peaceful and nature-loving community.
In Dr Kapp’s presentation he outlines the difficulty faced by alternative practitioners through the Witchcraft suppression Act of 1957, and today we continue to face difficulty carving a Pagan identity in the public perception. The presentation sows confusion and damages the trust we have built with the public and authorities, opening the door to misrepresentation and prejudice against South African Pagans.
The decision to permit a satanist, regardless of however he defines satanism, to represent South African Pagans not only undermines these hard-won achievements but also risks tarnishing our reputation internationally as SAPRA is influential within young community.
This decision raises serious concerns about the criteria and vetting processes used to select representatives for your congress. It compels us to question how leaders in our country who have devoted their lives to preserving the authentic values of Paganism are being sidelined in favor of individuals whose practices and beliefs directly contradict our community’s core principles.
We sincerely commend the organizers and speakers of the Pagan World Congress for their dedication and the excellence of their presentations, which have exemplified the highest standards of scholarship and community engagement. However, this positive impression was unfortunately tainted by Dr. Kapp's presentation. We respectfully urge the Congress to reconsider this situation and to engage directly with other leaders and elders of the South African Pagan community.
Only through such meaningful engagement can a true, respectful, and accurate representation of our diverse traditions be achieved, thus preserving the dignity and integrity of Paganism both in South Africa and around the world.
Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. We look forward to your thoughtful response and constructive dialogue.
Sincerely,
Cindy Stara Pelser
Arch Priestess, Circle of the African Moon
Director: The First Church of Wiccan Culture
Convener: South African Pagan Leaders Community
Inner Council Member: Celestine Circle of Southern Africa
I write to you on behalf of our respective organizations within the South African Pagan community with grave concern and deep disappointment regarding the recent allowance of a known Satanist to represent our community at your esteemed congress. Although he made it very clear he does not represent all Pagans in South Africa, I assure you his views do not reflect the beliefs or values of the majority of our community, and this situation risks causing lasting harm to our collective reputation and unity.
The South Africa’s Pagan community has fought arduously for decades to establish and uphold a clear, peaceful, and earth-centered identity distinctly separate from Satanism. Our elders, notably Donna Vos, sacrificed immensely, enduring personal attacks and systemic challenges, to educate the public, government, and law enforcement that Paganism is not synonymous with Satanism. Donna’s tireless work with organizations through the Pagan Federation and The Circle of the African Moon held collaborations with the Occult Related Crimes Unit which is now disband, were foundational in securing acceptance for Pagans as a peaceful and nature-loving community.
In Dr Kapp’s presentation he outlines the difficulty faced by alternative practitioners through the Witchcraft suppression Act of 1957, and today we continue to face difficulty carving a Pagan identity in the public perception. The presentation sows confusion and damages the trust we have built with the public and authorities, opening the door to misrepresentation and prejudice against South African Pagans.
The decision to permit a satanist, regardless of however he defines satanism, to represent South African Pagans not only undermines these hard-won achievements but also risks tarnishing our reputation internationally as SAPRA is influential within young community.
This decision raises serious concerns about the criteria and vetting processes used to select representatives for your congress. It compels us to question how leaders in our country who have devoted their lives to preserving the authentic values of Paganism are being sidelined in favor of individuals whose practices and beliefs directly contradict our community’s core principles.
We sincerely commend the organizers and speakers of the Pagan World Congress for their dedication and the excellence of their presentations, which have exemplified the highest standards of scholarship and community engagement. However, this positive impression was unfortunately tainted by Dr. Kapp's presentation. We respectfully urge the Congress to reconsider this situation and to engage directly with other leaders and elders of the South African Pagan community.
Only through such meaningful engagement can a true, respectful, and accurate representation of our diverse traditions be achieved, thus preserving the dignity and integrity of Paganism both in South Africa and around the world.
Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. We look forward to your thoughtful response and constructive dialogue.
Sincerely,
Cindy Stara Pelser
Arch Priestess, Circle of the African Moon
Director: The First Church of Wiccan Culture
Convener: South African Pagan Leaders Community
Inner Council Member: Celestine Circle of Southern Africa
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