Buddhist Catholic Contemplative Evangelical General Christian Hindu Jewish Latter-day Saint Muslim New Visions Progressive Christian

Beliefs

Topics

Columnists

Resource Library

Research Tools

Video

Podcasts

Thought Readers

Faith In Media Tracker

Newsletters

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Follow Patheos

Dandelionlady

Home
About

Home
Pagan
A Path to Activism in the Age of Trump

A Path to Activism in the Age of Trump

Last updated on: February 1, 2017 at 10:53 am by Melissa Hill

A Path to Activism in the Age of Trump 2017-02-01T10:53:08-04:00 Melissa Hill

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

An Argument for Activism:

As a priest of ADF it is my job to serve the land, the folk, and the gods. Each priest is allowed and required to interpret their oath in their own way. As I have worked with my priesthood, delving into my own vocation and calling I have realized that activism is a part of that work. There are some who would argue that activism doesn’t have a place in a pagan church, or that speaking out about politics in a church is inappropriate. I have come to a point where I cannot agree with that opinion. My beliefs inform my action, and even more to the point, my ritual actions inform my daily ones. ADF is an orthopraxic church, wherein we practice the same way, rather than an orthodoxic church that believes in the same way. But it is inevitable that my ritual practice influences my beliefs and actions.

As a polytheist, my ritual action centers around many spirits and gods. My actions are rooted in the beauty of diversity.
As a priest of ADF I honor the Earth Mother first. My actions are rooted in putting the earth before anything else.
As a pagan, I know what it is to be in a religious minority. My actions are to protect my religious rights as well as others religious rights.

As a person I was horrified by the political promises that President Trump made on the campaign trail and was incredibly worried about what he would do in office. Not even two weeks into his presidency and I have seen my worries realized. Muslims are being detained and kept from their families. Scientists are being silenced about climate change, and the rights of the many are not being protected.

An altar with a silver bowl surrounded by lit candles.

Imbolc by Rev. Michael J Dangler (with permission)

The Flame of Hope Emerges through Dialog:

As I was talking with other ADF priests online, the idea came up that we needed to take some sort of ritual action. Rev. Michael Dangler suggested lighting a flame every day and began making plans to do so. I had in the back of my mind that I would help, maybe light a candle once a week, or fill in to assist from time to time. We talked about names and came up with Tending the Flame of Hope. As the day of the inauguration approached I made my own preparations to light the flame of hope at the same time that Michael would be lighting the flame in Columbus. I was sweeping my hearth in preparation, dedicating the cleaning to the fate goddesses as I often do, but as I swept I felt an oath settle upon me almost unwilling. I realized that I had to keep the whole oath. I needed to light a candle every day of Trump’s presidency. I wasn’t going to be helping out. I was going to be keeping the flame every day, attempting to light a candle every day of the four years of trump’s presidency. It will be 1,461 candles.

Lighting the Flame of Hope

I recorded and posted my own work as did he. Others have joined in, both from the ADF tradition as well as witches and others. We are posting images of our lit flames on www.facebook.com/TendingTheFlameOfHope/ sharing our process and deepening our devotional practice through community.

My hope is that this small practice, rooted in my orthopraxic tradition will reach out to any and all that might want to keep the flame of hope bright. I believe it will act as a reminder to everyone who sees or takes part that they too must keep the flame of hope alive. It is everyone’s responsibility to keep that burning bright in their own ways. So far over 400 people have liked the page and a number of individuals have pledged to keep the flame of hope at home and in their community. I ask each of you, dear readers, how do you intend to keep the flame of hope alight?

I have one other request, dear reader. Buying and making candles takes time and money, as does the writing, organizing, and spiritwork I do on behalf of our community. Please click through to my Patreon page and consider even a small reoccurring donation to support my work. Thank you.

Previous Post

January 18, 2017

Simplifying the orbit of Venus for Pagan Devotions

Next Post

February 22, 2017 Convocation Preperations

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category animism Cermony and Liturgy Columns Community Dandelion Seeds Health and Wellness History Holidays Magic Nature pagan parenting plant animism Politics Ritual and Practice symbolism and science Theology, Ethics, Philosophy Uncategorized

Select a Month August 2021 May 2021 April 2021 March 2021 February 2021 January 2021 December 2020 November 2020 October 2020 September 2020 August 2020 July 2020 June 2020 May 2020 April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 January 2014 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 February 2013 January 2013 July 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011 December 2010 November 2010 October 2010 September 2010 August 2010 July 2010 June 2010 May 2010 April 2010 March 2010 February 2010 January 2010 December 2009 November 2009 October 2009 September 2009 August 2009 July 2009 June 2009 May 2009 April 2009 March 2009 February 2009

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What happened to Jonah?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Swallowed by a great fish Imprisoned Shipwrecked Thrown in a lion's den