The Sannion Solution

We’ve been having some important and thought-provoking conversations about the prevalence of child-molestation within the neopagan community. (Here, here and here.) As a polytheist it may not be my place to advise these people on their problem but I’m going to anyway.

I don’t think anything can be done on a communal level because “paganism” is too nebulous and resistant to standards and structure. However I think that steps can be taken on the organizational and small group level and these are the steps that I think should be taken.

* There should be a clear statement of ethics which prospective members are required to go over and discuss with a probationary advisor. At the end this person will be required to sign a document and swear an oath that they will adhere to the principles, resulting in their expulsion from the group and worse should they fail to do so.

* There should also be a strong preliminary vetting process and the person admitted only if the probationary advisor is willing to vouch for them and divination confirms that they have the approval of the gods and spirits of the group to be a member.

* Periodically the group will go over these standards and have discussions about the expected behaviors of the membership. At the beginning of any ritual involving alcohol consumption, eroticism, ordeal or certain types of ekstasis participants will be reminded of the importance of respecting others’ boundaries and so forth. Children (meaning anyone not of an age to consent according to the laws of the land) will not be permitted to attend such rituals.

* Contact persons should be appointed and put through proper training so that they can hear any complaints that may arise. This person would have the authority to bring the case to a panel for adjudication regardless of whether the plaintiff backs out, since the safety and preservation of the group are at stake. Likewise if the plaintiff feels that they are not being properly heard they may request such a panel. The panel will consist of both leadership and lay members. A person will be appointed to challenge everything that’s said in order to keep the proceedings honest. After they have heard everything the panel will vote on the matter and then divination will be performed to get the input of the gods and spirits. If there is agreement the group will act accordingly, but if the results of the divination are contrary to the verdict of the panel the whole adjudication process must start over with all evidence reheard until full agreement can be reached.

* The group will act on the verdict of the panel and if necessary turn all evidence over to local law enforcement. The offender will be ritually consecrated to the spirits of vengeance for breaking the law, violating their oaths and endangering the group.

* The group will then see that everyone who was harmed by the offender receives the proper healing and therapy that they require, paying for it out of a collective fund if need be.