MEDIA RELEASE - SAY NO TO EXORCISMS - WITCHES

The Pagan Awareness Network Incorporated

MEDIA RELEASE

SAY NO TO EXORCISMS - WITCHES.

5^thApril 2012 1300 hrs AEST

It is a funny old world. Many Christians still believe that mental illness can be treated by exorcisms. But witches and pagans believe that science is better than superstition – and yet we are the ones regarded as weird.

“People who are worried about mental health should see qualified doctors and counsellors – exorcisms can cause more problems than they solve,” the Pagan Awareness Network’s David Garland said today.

The Pagan Awareness Network (PAN) represents followers of nature-based religion in Australia.

The Catholic Church has repeatedly stated that an increase in demand for exorcisms has been fuelled by people’s interest in nature-based religions such as Wicca and modern Paganism. Evangelical churches have followed suit: on Sunday 60 Minutes interviewed three American teen exorcists and their mentor, the Reverend Bob Larson.

In response to this worrying trend, the Pagan Awareness Network launched ‘Paganism & Christianity – A Resource for Wiccans, Witches and Pagans’ in December 2011. This book debunks the notion that Christianity holds a superior moral position over Paganism or that interest in alternative religions is a sign of demonic possession.

Read more: MEDIA RELEASE - SAY NO TO EXORCISMS - WITCHES

Win a $200 PAN voucher!

The PAN Committee has generously offered contributors to our magazine 'The Small Tapestry', an opportunity to win a voucher for $200 'PAN Dollars'.

What could I spend it on?
This voucher can be used to purchase PAN event tickets or PAN memberships. You could get tickets to HollyFrost or the Witches Ball, pay for your membership or even gift someone a membership, just for putting pen to paper.

Who can enter?
Any person who contributes an item which is published in The Small Tapestry will get one raffle ticket in the draw. The more you contribute—the more chances you have to win.

What can I contribute?
The Small tapestry will accept original items such as: poems, artwork (300dpi files please), articles (500-1500 words), letters to the editor, recipes, puzzles, book reviews (250 words), event reviews (350 words) questions to columnists or in fact anything (apart from advertising) that can be reasonably published in The Small Tapestry. Copyright will remain with the author/artist. The submission deadline for the next issue is: Febuary 7th 2013.

When is it drawn?
The prize will be drawn at the 2012 PAN AGM, which will be held in Febuary 2013. Contributors to the four editions published prior to the 2012 the PAN AGM will be included in the draw. This means that this offer starts from the next Summer edition and the first draw will be at the 2012 AGM.

What are the conditions?
Should you win, the prize must be used within 12 months of issue. Not redeemable for cash. May be used to purchase tickets or memberships for other people but is not wholly transferable to another person. May be used to purchase tickets to PAN run events only. Events that are supported but not run by PAN may honour the promotion at the organisers discretion. Should you win, please contact us to confirm what events will be available.

More info?
If you have any questions about this promotion you can contact our wonderful Small Tapestry volunteers via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . A sample of The Small Tapestry can be viewed here: http://www.paganawareness.net.au/PAN/publications-mainmenu-130/the-small-tapestry-mainmenu-133

What is PAN Inc?

The Pagan Awareness Network Incorporated (PAN Inc) is a not-for-profit educational association with members Australia-wide. It is run by a management committee whose members are drawn from a broad cross-section of the Pagan community. The Association is incorporated in the state of New South Wales, with sub-committees in other states of Australia. It has no formal ties with any religious body, but works in a proactive fashion, both within the Pagan community and as a point of contact for the public, including government and media organisations.

PAN Inc aims to continue as the Australian Pagan community's most effective networking and educational body.

Our Mission

The Pagan Awareness Network Inc (PAN Inc) aims to:

• Correct misinformation, raise awareness and educate the general public about Paganism and associated beliefs and practises in order to achieve religious tolerance
• Foster the growth of the Pagan community through service

Join PAN

When you join PAN you are helping us to continue to provide help and services to the Pagan community. You will receive:

• a regular newsletter mailed to you.
• a membership card entitling you to discounts at selected PAN friendly businesses.
• discounts on selected PAN run events
• occasional giveaways and special deals.

Your membership goes towards helping us advocate for the Pagan community in the media and support events, groups and initiatives around the country. See this article for more information on the difference your membership dollar makes.

Read more: Join PAN

About Paganism: Fast Facts for the Media, Government and the Public

This guide is for journalists and other media industry professionals, public servants and law-makers, school teachers, clergy and chaplains, and the general public: essentially, anyone requiring fast, up-to-date and reliable information on nature-based religions in Australia.

Read more: About Paganism: Fast Facts for the Media, Government and the Public