Distelfink's Press Release for the Parliament of the World's Religions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 10, 2015

BRISTOL, PA: In an historic moment for Heathens across the globe, the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Salt Lake City, UT, will include two presentations by Heathen leaders. The Parliament runs from October 15 through October 19, 2015.

Robert L. Schreiwer is the President of Distelfink Sippschaft, which is an Urglaawe religious organization based in Bucks County, PA. Schreiwer is also Assistant Steer (Vice-President) of The Troth, which is a large international Heathen organization. Schreiwer will represent the Urglaawe tradition of Heathenry in the panel discussion, “Rebuilding the Altars: Reconstructing Indigenous Pagan Faiths for Today.” Mr. Schreiwer says, “This is a significant opportunity for Heathen leaders to engage and to network with leaders of other religions. This event will increase the visibility of Heathenry in the public eye and set a precedent for inclusion in future endeavors.” 

Diana L. Paxson, Elder in the Troth and in the Covenant of the Goddess, and gythja (leader) of Hrafnar Kindred in California, will lead this momentous discussion.  Fellow panelists Erynn Laurie, Elisheva Nesher, Kirk Thomas, and Dr. Gwendolyn Reece will join Paxson and Schreiwer in discussing the distinction between their traditions and Wicca, and the challenge of resurrecting interrupted pagan traditions from the past. Schreiwer’s portion of the discussion will include the influence of the Pennsylvania German  traditional practices of Braucherei (Pow Wow) and Hexerei on Urglaawe. The panel discussion will take place on Sunday, October 18.

Paxson will also speak on “Staving off Ragnarök: A Heathen Response to Climate Change.” This presentation will focus on the Heathen tradition, offering mythology and values that conceptualize this struggle, work with the powers of nature that sustain us, and fight the forces that would destroy our world.

The Parliament is the oldest, the largest, and the most inclusive gathering of people of all faiths and traditions. This year’s Parliament will bring together 10,000 Global and religious leaders, grassroots activists, and practitioners from 50 traditions and more than 80 countries.  Its theme, “Reclaiming the Heart of our Humanity,” includes discussions and presentations on topics critical to our times: climate change and creation care; war, violence and hate speech; and economic inequality and wasteful living.  Parliament attendees can visit the Heathen information booth or Urglaawe altar in the Pagan Faiths space for more insight into these traditions. 

For more information on the Urglaawe tradition, please visit http://www.urglaawe.net. To support the Heathen contingent in their work at the Parliament, please visit
 https://www.gofundme.com/heathen-parliament.