Fwd: Press Release: Salem No Place for Hate Committee to Host Panel
Discussion:


No Place for Hate Committee to Host Panel Discussion on the Faith and
Lifestyles of the Wiccan Faith

The City of Salem’s No Place for Hate Committee will be hosting a panel
Discussion the evening of April 12th which will focus on practices within the
Wiccan faith and the everyday lifestyles of those practicing Paganism. The
Objective of the event is to bring understanding and educate those in attendance
About the religion, lifestyle and culture of those who practice Wicca while
Also touching on the history within the Salem community.

The panel discussion, which will be held on the second floor of Old Town
Hall, will be moderated by Salem State College Professor Elizabeth
Duclos-Orsello. The discussion will be led by No Place for Hate Committee member Jerrie
Hildebrand and Margot Adler of National Public Radio (NPR) and is sponsored by
The Salem Witch Museum.

Ms. Adler is the host of NPR’s Justice Talking and is a regular on shows
Such as All Things Considered, Morning Edition and Weekend Edition. She has been
A Wiccan priestess for over 35 years. In 1979, she wrote the book Drawing
Down the Moon, a classic study of Neo-Paganism and Wicca which was recently
Revised and updated. Ms Adler also wrote Heretic's Heart, a 1960's memoir of her
Life. In addition, she is also a co-producer of the award winning radio
Drama, War Day.

Ms. Hildebrand is creative principal of a Salem-based marketing company.
Since 1986, Ms. Hildebrand has worked with various national religious freedom
Organizations on issues pertaining to the Wiccan and Pagan religions and in
2005 was ordained by Circle Sanctuary. More notably, Ms. Hildebrand was part
Of the team from Circle Sanctuary that led the effort in getting the U.S.
Department of Veteran Affairs to add the pentacle to its list of official emblems
For the headstones and markers of Wiccan veterans. She illustrated the
Final version of the official emblem now used.

Both Ms. Adler and Ms. Hildebrand have traveled throughout the country and
Internationally to conferences separately and together doing presentations and
Discussion on subjects related to Wicca and Paganism. After the two are
Through speaking, the panel will open to questions from the public.

This will be the second event sponsored by the No Place for Hate Committee
Within its second year of existence. In June of 2007, the City of Salem was
Officially named a No Place for Hate community by the Anti-Defamation League
(ADL) after the Committee organized three events which focused on promoting
Respect and diversity. The Committee will need to sponsor two events each year
In order to regain the City’s certification as a No Place for Hate
Community.

The Panel Discussion on Wicca and Paganism is free and open to the public.
It will be held on Saturday, April 12th at 7-9 PM at Old Town Hall in
Downtown Salem. The event will also feature opening remarks by Mayor Kimberley
Driscoll and will conclude with a song from Rev. Amy “Gypsy�?Ravish from the
Temple of Nine Wells located in Salem