The Troth suspends Diana Paxson from duty

PHILADELPHIA – The Troth has removed Diana Paxson from all leadership positions, including those in the clergy and elderships, while the board conducts an investigation into the possible revocation of her titles as clergy and elders, as well as the possibility of revocation of her membership in the organization. Paxson is not accused of abuse, but rather of her lack of judgment or action regarding abuses that reportedly occurred around her.

Diana Paxson is a well-known author, priestess and leader of the contemporary pagan community. She is known for her work in the Pagan and Asatru traditions, as well as her contributions to the broader Pagan and Neo-Pagan movements. Paxson has written numerous books on contemporary Paganism and has been actively involved in various organizations promoting Pagan spirituality and community.

The Troth logo

Paxson previously served on the board of the Society for Creative Anachronism and was first officer of the Covenant of the Goddess.

Paxson joined the Troth in 1991, became an elder in 1993 and served in the High Rede and Steerswoman for three years. She currently serves Troth as editor of the Troth Journal. Idunna, and coordinator of the clergy training program.

Paxson’s suspension came after a clergy candidate raised concerns. The candidate highlighted Paxson’s recent interview on Netflix Last Chance U Episode with the title Greyhaven (published July 28, 2020), but also expressed concerns about researching Paxon’s story and communicating with her in person.

In this interview, Paxon describes events at her family home in Berkley, which she and her family named Greyhaven after purchasing it in 1971.

Among the people who interacted in Greyhaven was a family member of the well-known science fiction author Marion Zimmer Bradley. The two households were in contact with each other and, according to Paxon’s previous comments on the matter, met “regularly on public holidays and for Sunday afternoon tea.” Zimmer Bradley died in 1999.

In 2014, Zimmer Bradley’s daughter Moira Greyland made allegations of child sexual abuse, alleging Zimmer Bradley’s alleged collaboration with her second husband, convicted child molester Walter Breen, in sexually abusing numerous unrelated children. “I thought my mother’s fans would be mad at me,” Greyland wrote in a letter to The guard“because he said something against someone who stood up for women’s rights and made so many of them feel different about themselves and their lives.” I didn’t want to hurt anyone she had helped, so I just held on the mouth.” Greyland added further details in her book: The Last Closet: The Dark Side of Avalon.

The Last Chance U The interview focused on Laney College wide receiver RJ Stern, the grandson of Marion Zimmer Bradley, and the family history of abuse came to light. Paxson and Greyland were both interviewed. RJ Stern lived in Greyhaven.

The Last Chance U The episode references convicted child molester Walter Breen, husband of author Marion Zimmer Bradley, and her alleged role in child abuse and abuse. Paxon says of Breen that he questioned every aspect of sexuality and thought “children should be allowed to express their sexuality.”

“He assured us that he understood that it had to remain theoretical,” she added in the interview. “Apparently he didn’t keep his promise.”

“There are people with very different moral principles that most of us would consider criminal,” Greyland says in the episode. She adds that defending men who exploit children is “beyond my comprehension.”

“If we only had perfect people to write,” Paxson replied, “there would be no one who could write. What we should do is celebrate what people have been able to achieve despite their mistakes…What we should do is celebrate what people have achieved despite their mistakes.”

Today The Troth shared a timeline of events:

• 02/24/24: Clergy candidate reports her concerns about Diana Paxson’s behavior and some of her statements to the arbitrator in accordance with our whistleblower policy. Our current, but soon to be reviewed and revised, whistleblower policy is: The Compliance Officer will work with the complainant to investigate the complaint and present the evidence and desired outcome to the Member Attorney/Arbitrator. The arbitrator shall be the final arbiter in this matter.
• 04/20/24: Following the investigation, the Board will be informed of the arbitrator’s decision that Diana will resign from her positions as Spiritual Coordinator and as Editor of in response to this complaint Idunna.
• 05/11/24: The Board meets to consider whether or not to revoke Diana Paxson’s remaining titles and/or membership in The Troth.

Following the clergy candidate’s notification, The Troth said it followed its whistleblower policy and kept the process confidential in accordance with its charter.

“This is so that whistleblowers can be assured that if they come forward,” Troth said in a statement, “they will not face retaliation and that the accused person can receive a fair investigation.” We have adhered to this Guideline adhered to. But that policy did not address the larger question of whether such child abuse statements were acceptable from a Troth officer.”

The Troth noted that the process and speed with which the concerns were responded to could further endanger vulnerable individuals and populations within the community. The statement said:

Our failure to act expediently and transparently has failed our membership by failing to properly address a serious complaint about someone in the leadership’s ethical and moral judgment.

People have come to The Troth to heal. As an organization and as practitioners of inclusive Paganism, we must provide people with a safe place to heal. If people have to fear that they will once again find themselves in a place where they will be fired to protect the powerful and influential, then we are not a safe place.

Troth leadership is considering corrective actions, including revising its policies and proposing background checks and abuse prevention training for “all clergy, administrators, child/youth volunteers and leadership volunteers.” The Troth notes that there are currently no child/youth volunteers, but would seek these background checks if these programs emerge in the future.

The Wild Hunt tried to contact Paxson. She has not responded at the time of publication.

Paxson has previously spoken out about the events in Greyland: “I was shocked and horrified when I read Moira Greyland’s posts about her mother on Facebook. Child abuse is one of the most terrible crimes because the perpetrators are the ones who should be the protectors of the victims.”

The Troth concludes his statement with an apology.

“We apologize to all of you for the way we handled this. We can do better, and we will do better. The Troth can and will do everything in our power to ensure this doesn’t happen again.”

The Troth expects to conclude its discussions on this topic on May 11, 2024.