We in the Grove of the Red Earth, ADF would like to speak about the recent accusations made against Isaac Bonewits, founder and former Archdruid of Ar nDraiocht Fein.
We will not focus on whether or not Isaac Bonewits was guilty of the acts of which he has been accused. The man passed from this world several years ago, the event happened decades ago,and persons who were present at the reported time give contradictory statements of the moment. Because of this, the truth or falseness of the accusations will never be fully known.
We offer sympathy to the woman whose life has been damaged by these events. No one should ever have their childhood tarnished by this sort of assault and abuse.
We also make it known that we are opposed in all ways to any and all forms of sexual abuse and violation. No matter the circumstances, no person has the right to force him/herself onto another. Consent is among the most vital of considerations in any and all sexual contact, no matter who is involved. Further, as children are unable to knowingly and willingly give such consent, any molestation or abuse of children is utterly and unfailingly condemned.
We state that our grove will always be a place of safety for all who attend our rituals and events. No harassment or any other unwanted attentions will ever be tolerated in our midst. A precedent has been set in the grove by a member who does not feel comfortable with hugs, and the membership of the grove has been accommodating by asking if a hug would be accepted. While
this is a simple example, it shows the importance of consent in all contact. We, as a grove, must and will embrace the idea of consent in all situations.
We will not focus on whether or not Isaac Bonewits was guilty of the acts of which he has been accused. The man passed from this world several years ago, the event happened decades ago,and persons who were present at the reported time give contradictory statements of the moment. Because of this, the truth or falseness of the accusations will never be fully known.
We offer sympathy to the woman whose life has been damaged by these events. No one should ever have their childhood tarnished by this sort of assault and abuse.
We also make it known that we are opposed in all ways to any and all forms of sexual abuse and violation. No matter the circumstances, no person has the right to force him/herself onto another. Consent is among the most vital of considerations in any and all sexual contact, no matter who is involved. Further, as children are unable to knowingly and willingly give such consent, any molestation or abuse of children is utterly and unfailingly condemned.
We state that our grove will always be a place of safety for all who attend our rituals and events. No harassment or any other unwanted attentions will ever be tolerated in our midst. A precedent has been set in the grove by a member who does not feel comfortable with hugs, and the membership of the grove has been accommodating by asking if a hug would be accepted. While
this is a simple example, it shows the importance of consent in all contact. We, as a grove, must and will embrace the idea of consent in all situations.