Michael_McDermott

I am a semi-retired physician and long-time political activist, as well as a former member of the Cherry Hill Seminary Board of Directors. Raised an Irish Catholic, passing through Marxist atheism, I became a Pagan about 20 years ago. This spirituality has provided me with a way to see and be in the world that puts my mind and heart at ease and at the same time is endlessly challenging.

I have lived in rural Wisconsin and have land that is named for and dedicated to the Goddess Brigit. Brigit Rest is now the home of the Black Earth Institute (see www.blackearthinstitute.org) founded by myself and my wife, Patricia Monaghan. The institute is dedicated to using the arts to promote the causes of earth, spirit and society. It is set up as a think tank where artists can join together to address the secularization we see in progressive organizations. In addition, Brigit Rest can be a center for Celtic spirituality.

I believe very strongly that Paganism offers a path for so many in our society and consider a seminary a crucial part in developing a truly Pagan infrastructure. I hope I can continue to contribute to Cherry Hill Seminary so that it may succeed in this essential role.