Introduction

Introduction to the Pagan Federation

The Pagan Federation was founded in 1971 to provide information on Paganism and to counter misconceptions about the religion. The Pagan Federation works for the rights of Pagans to worship freely and without censure. Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, to which Britain is a signatory, states:

‘Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.’

The Pagan Federation publishes a quarterly journal, Pagan Dawn, (formerly The Wiccan, founded in 1968), and other publications. It arranges members-only and public events, and maintains personal contact by letter with individual members and with the wider Pagan community. Conferences and regional gatherings are held throughout the UK and in other countries.

The Aims and Objectives of the Pagan Federation:

  • To seek to support all Pagans in their personal and public life, to help ensure that they have the same rights as the followers of other beliefs and members of other religions.
  • To promote a positive profile for Pagans and Paganism and to provide information on Pagan paths and beliefs to the media, official bodies and the greater community.
  • To facilitate effective communication, education and dialogue within and between Pagan communities and with non Pagans, through publications and events.

In more detail, the work of the PF is:

  • To provide open access to Pagan Worship, and to facilitate the celebration of the sacred festivals of Paganism.
  • To provide support, advice, and pastoral care for Pagans in the community, including those in hospitals, Hospices and Prisons: to act as a liaison body between Pagan Ministers and the authorities concerned.
  • To promote contact and dialogue between the various branches of Paganism and other religious traditions.
  • To undertake an educative role for people not familiar with Pagan beliefs and ways by providing practical and effective information on Paganism to members of the public, the media, public bodies and the Administration.
  • To maintain contact by letter, through events, and the publication of a Quarterly magazine, with individual Members and the wider Pagan community.
  • To provide members with local contacts where possible with other Members through correspondence or meetings.