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

Pagan In Paradise

Home
Pagan
Ten Pagans Who Made A Difference in 2012

Ten Pagans Who Made A Difference in 2012

Last updated on: December 1, 2012 at 12:30 am by Peter Dybing

Ten Pagans Who Made A Difference in 2012 2012-12-01T00:30:00-06:00 Peter Dybing

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.

HERE IS THIS YEARS VERY SUBJECTIVE LIST OF THOSE WHO HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE IN THE PAGAN COMMUNITY IN 2012

# 10 Ed Hubbard

Ok, I know Ed can be a controversial individual in our community. Even I have had some consternation in my communications with Mr. Hubbard over time. What you may not know is that when called upon to help heal many of the past hurts in our community Ed stepped up, worked with individuals who were not always kind to him and focused on what was good for the community. Many of our so called leading Elders and Interfaith leaders found themselves unable to do this. Ed I applaud you for your ability to put personal history aside and act in the interest of the entire community. In 2012 you made a difference.

# 9 Star Foster

Ms. Foster’s contribution to our community is without question. Her establishment of a Pagan presence on Patheos exceeded anything that has gone before in terms of intelligent discussion and debate. Star deserves a vote of thanks from the entire community for blazing a trail that many online sites are now following and expanding upon. While Star is no longer with Patheos, her impact on the community will be felt for many years to come.

# 8 Cara Schulz

Those who attend events in the Mid West are sure to know Cara for her unique mini events at festivals. On a more serious note Cara is the managing editor of the Pagan Newswire Collective. If leading Pagans is like herding cats then it would be fair to describe Cara’s job as doing so after adding a bulldog. Always accessible, social, even tempered and willing to listen Cara has navigated the waters of multiple issues that have had high potential to explode this year. The grace she exhibits in accomplishing her duties is a great example for the entire community.

# 7 Holli Emore

When it comes to someone focused on obtaining achievements that benefit the entire Pagan community there is no one who comes to mind as quickly as Holli Emore. As Executive director of Cherry Hill Seminary her dogged pursuit of accreditation and efforts to establish Cherry Hill as an institution that resources the best minds in Pagan culture and studies establish her as not only a Pagan who made a difference, but also one who will continue to do so in the future.

# 6 Michelle Mueller

In most cases individuals make this list for specific accomplishments. In the case of Michelle Mueller, the opposite is true. Her place on this list represents recognition of her many involvements in the Pagan community. One cannot participate in serious discussion of Pagan issues or attend academic conferences without becoming aware of Michelle’s many contributions and involvements. If there were a “whose who of Pagandom” this individual would be listed under dozens of categories. She deserves to be recognized for all she does as Pagan leader.

# 5 Luisah Teish

If you do not know who Luisah Teish is, you have missed not only a massively inspirational force in the women’s movement, but also one of the most profound and funny speakers I have ever had the pleasure to hear speak. Luisah’s client list reads like the top ten most inspirational women in the world for good reason. Check her out and you will wonder why she has not landed on this list before.

# 4 David Grega (posthumously)

When David died the future of our community suffered a great loss. His voice was the voice of challenge, insight, debate and hope for the future. Mr. Grega was my friend, my foe and an incredibly talented pod caster. Even in his death an important and difficult conversation was sparked in the Pagan community about health; David would like that! You will be missed. Our community could well use more like you!

# 3 M. Macha NightMare

Many would expect to see Macha on this list due to her many accomplishments, perhaps as a leader of Reclaiming or due to her continual activism around social justice. In this case, however, it is her willingness to walk away and take her own road that prompts her listing. In publicly leaving a tradition that has been part of her practice for decades, Macha stands as a great example of having a personal relationship with the Goddess. While I have great respect for Reclaiming, my respect runs even deeper for those who I witness making tough decisions and seeking growth in their path. Macha, you are an inspiration to us all.

# 2 Melissa Murry & Ruth Barrett

The process of weaving a new thread into the fabric of social justice is often messy, angry and lead by loud voices of righteous indignation. On a rare occasion leaders step forth who approach anger with reason, compassion and understanding. Such was the case when Ruth and Melissa addressed the issue of transgender inclusion at this year PSG. These two women set a great example of how conflict can lead to understanding and agreement when listening and mindfulness result in progress.

# 1 Margot Adler

No Margot is not on the list for having written one of the classic Pagan books. No she is not on the list for her work at NPR. No she is not on the list because she gives a great talk on Vampires. Margot Adler makes the top of this years list as someone who is continually accessible, consistently traveling to meet and speak to new Pagans. More than one person new to the Pagan path have told me that having a conversation with Margot is like visiting with an old friend. For being the classiest of the class acts in our community Margot deserves recognition for all she has done in 2012. Some people depend on past accomplishments, others like Margot continue to raise the bar on what service to the Goddess looks like.

WHO WOULD BE ON YOUR LIST?

Uncategorized

Previous Post

November 16, 2012

Going to Ground – The Thirst for Indigeny

Next Post

December 1, 2012 Pagan In Paradise: Ten Pagans Who Made A Difference in 2012

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category 2016 election Activisim America American Pride Antifa Antifa Fire Chief Black Lives Matter Dallas Violence Democratic left Homeless Denver Homophobia July Fourth Orlando Violence Peter Dybing Social Justice TERF Transgender rights Trauma Uncategorized

Select a Month September 2017 February 2017 January 2017 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 March 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 July 2014 May 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 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

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Who sang the song of deliverance after the Red Sea crossing?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Hur Miriam Caleb Aaron