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.

Columbia, S.C.–Candace Kant, Ph.D., has been named Academic Dean by Cherry Hill Seminary, replacing retired Academic Dean Emerita Wendy Griffin.

Kant has served as Cherry Hill Seminary Dean of Students since 2012.  She holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in History from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and a Ph.D. in History from Northern Arizona University. She has taught history, women’s studies, and religious studies courses at the College of Southern Nevada since 1976, including such classes as the History of Witchcraft, Goddess Traditions, Introduction to Modern Paganism, and Modern Pagan Thought, all of which she developed. After 32 years of teaching Kant retired and was awarded the title Emerita. She developed and taught courses in practical Pagan and Goddess Spirituality at the Temple of Goddess Spirituality dedicated to Sekhmet in Cactus Springs, Nevada and through the College of Southern Nevada Continuing Education. A devotee of Sekhmet, Kant was ordained at the Temple of Goddess Spirituality in 2003 and has served as one of the temple priestesses since 2006.

I am honored to be able to serve the Pagan community in this capacity,” said Dr. Kant. “I have enjoyed serving as

Dean of Students, and now am looking forward to this new challenge. Cherry Hill Seminary is a unique institution, providing quality education and training for the Pagan community and it is a pleasure to be a part of it.”

Originally founded as a private school in Vermont, the Seminary has operated as a nonprofit since 2007, and began offering graduate degrees in ministry and religious studies in 2009. Three students have earned their Master of Divinity, and several dozen have earned certificates, including two individuals who recently earned their Community Ministry Certificate.

The Search Committee included Executive Director Holli Emore, Academic Dean Emerita Wendy Griffin, graduate student Wes Isley, faculty member Christina Beard-Moose, and Board of Directors member Jeffrey Keefer (also an educator). Keefer had this to say:

“We are thrilled with the energy and enthusiasm that Candace brings with her, and after having worked with her as Dean of Students for several years already, I am happy and confident she will bring us fresh ideas for student and faculty involvement, opportunities to reach new audiences, and leadership with expanding our work across the broad spectrum of modern Paganism. We could not do better than having Candace as our new Academic Dean moving forward.”

Executive Director Holli Emore said, “Candace has worked with our students for years now, and she agreed to serve as interim Academic Dean during our search process. We are very fortunate that she threw her hat into the ring. While Wendy’s shoes are large ones to fill, Candace has a lifetime of education and administrative experience and is very committed to Cherry Hill Seminary. She’s always been a joy to work with, and I look forward to continuing that relationship now with her serving in such a vital capacity.”

Kant  assumes her new position immediately.  For more information, contact the office at CHS@cherryhillseminary.org.