How do we, as a community, evaluate and make decisions around allegations of toxic or predatory people, groups, or traditions? What defines toxic or predatory? Do allegations automatically equate to “guilty”? How can we create safety for our members? What processes do other faith communities use and are the applicable to us? How do social media and the court of public opinion shape our current processes for better or worse? And how do we avoid victim shaming while recognizing the phenomenon of mass hysteria?
Once again, Paganicon favorites EmrysAnu and Mark Reese bring the hard conversations to the Playground, this time with a star studded panel of experts. Together we’ll explore the questions above, hear from Paganicon attendees, and continue the work of creating safer spaces for our community.
Emrys Anu - Inadvertently poised in the eye of the storm, EmrysAnu headed the investigation into a recent high profile and provocative case of alleged misconduct in our community. She grew up in a Catholic cult, lived with a Scientologist for seven years, was attacked by the Church of Scientology, and currently teaches and writes on the topics of critical thinking and cult awareness. EmrysAnu has been an active member in Paganistan since 2002 and holds a third degree in two traditions. She is a member of the Coven of Misfit Toys and serves on the Executive Board for the Wiccan Church of Minnesota.
Mark Reese - Mark is a licensed marriage and family therapist with a private practice in St. Louis Park, MN and a researcher at the University of Minnesota. He has a special focus on healing from trauma and has presented on mental health challenges and healing strategies for the Pagan community at several prior Paganicons. Mark has been involved in the local pagan community since 2000 and holds a third degree in two local traditions. He is a member of Earth Conclave and Paganistan Reclaiming.
Chris Shelton - Chris was a member of the Church of Scientology for 27 years the last couple right here in the Twin Cities. He appeared in the first season of Leah Remini’s Emmy award winning docu-series “Scientology and the Aftermath” as an expert guest. After escaping from Scientology he spent the last several years educating on cultic and abusive behaviors in organizations and relationships, undue influence, and how important critical thinking is in creating safety. His youtube channel has helped millions of people from all walks of life.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF326xyA0QHI7Z5xAwKQDJg https://mncriticalthinking.com/Moderated by Cara Schulz - Cara is a Senior Writer for The Wild Hunt, a news organization covering topics of interest for the Pagan community. She has reported on many controversial stories involving allegations of criminal and/or predatory behavior within the Pagan community.
