The Pagan Federation
The Pagan Federation has been in continuous existence since 1971 and has published its journal Pagan Dawn, and its previous incarnation as The Wiccan, since 1969. Over time it has grown to have a readership of several thousand people. These facts make Pagan Federation/Pagan Federation International one of the largest and oldest organisations of its type in the world.
It was set up originally as primarily a campaigning organisation: one that would actively fight the ignorance and negative attitudes towards Paganism which were at large in the country (UK) then and which obviously still exist in various forms today.
To help campaigning, it was essential to create a network of like-minded people who shared common aims. The second major focus of the PF/PFI therefore, was to put Pagans in touch with each other, so that they could share views and meet and talk. An international network, now run by many National and Regional Coordinators and numerous local organisers, it has been put in place so that members can meet and work together for the benefit of Paganism in general.
These two functions are still paramount today and have evolved as times have changed. It might still not be easy to “come out” as a Pagan now, but it was almost impossible a few decades ago. This change in perception, which PF/PFI has helped cause, has enabled us to make considerable strides towards a more proactive and visible celebration of Paganism.
The Three Principles of Membership
The Pagan Federation exists not to promote a single aspect or path within Paganism, nor does it presume to represent all Pagans. Rather it is an umbrella organisation with a membership drawn from all strands. All Pagans over the age of 18 are welcome to join regardless of which Pagan path they follow. They must however subscribe to the three principles which give the Pagan Federation its common purpose and its focus:
- Love for and Kinship with Nature. Reverence for the life force and its ever-renewing cycles of life and death.
- A positive morality, in which the individual is responsible for the discovery and development of their true nature in harmony with the outer world and community. This is often expressed as “Do what you will, as long as it harms none”.
- Recognition of the Divine, which transcends gender, acknowledging both the female and male aspect of Deity.
Functions and Activities
The Pagan Federation has been actively developing and supporting events throughout the UK. Many regions now have annual conferences and most have their own newsletters to keep members in touch with local happenings. There are also a number of smaller events such as pub moots, discussion groups, workshops, picnics and coach trips to sacred sites to enable members to learn more about Paganism and to meet with like-minded people.
The serious campaigning continues. The PF runs an Anti-Defamation section, which seeks to defend Paganism against abuse and misrepresentation by the media and which fights discrimination against Pagans by the authorities. As a resource for the media, the Pagan Federation handles hundreds of inquiries each year from radio, television, newspapers and magazines, giving them accurate and authorative information.
Rather than be purely reactive in its mission to achieve the recognition of Paganism, the PF has also taken a more positive and proactive approach to achieve these ends. This has resulted in Paganism being recognised as a valid religion by “Religions in the UK”, the directory of the UK’s Interfaith Network. The Home Office has also recognised Paganism as a religion whose members have a right to spiritual support on a par with other religions. We now have several prison visitors, and a similar pastoral service is being provided for Pagans in hospital. This creates a useful precedent when dealing with other Government departments.
We are working towards winning acceptance of the right of Pagans to practice their beliefs openly and without discrimination. In all its endeavours, the Pagan Federation promotes factual accuracy about Paganism, and works toward the goal of tolerance, respect and mutual understanding.
About PFI Philippines
Pagan Federation International Philippines is an extension of Pagan Federation International which handles Philippines based activities under its National Coordinator. The PFI Philippines is aimed at networking with pagans in Philippines to execute the mission and vision of Pagan Federation International focusing on advocacy works and to promote the indigenous ethnic religious heritage of the Philippines. Our mission statement is "To defend the rights of pagans". PFI is also active in Intra- and Interfaith work and works closely with other NGO's involved in defending human rights and the right to believe, or not believe. 