SYRACUSE -- It is a first for Syracuse University... and one of only a couple in the entire country. A Pagan chaplain will be on campus at Hendricks Chapel two days a week.
Syracuse University told CNY Central Monday that Mary Hudson, a 2007 SU graduate, was named as Pagan Chaplain for Hendricks Chapel. The University says it is the first time in the chapel's 80 year history that a Pagan has held such a position.
Mary Hudson started her job earlier this month. She describes paganism as an umbrella term for earth based religions where they worship a number of gods and goddesses. According to the SU news release: "Paganism is an umbrella term for earth-based religions that are usually polytheistic, recognizing both the masculine and feminine aspects of deity. The most widely known tradition or path is Wicca; however, Paganism includes several different types of Wicca as well as traditions such as Asatru, Stregheria, Druids, Santeria and many others. Generally Pagans perform their religious rituals outdoors, reinforcing their connection with the earth."
"The appointment of a Pagan chaplain enables Hendricks Chapel to demonstrate our true interfaith nature and add depth to our perspective on religious life and spirituality,” says Hendricks Chapel Interim Dean Kelly Sprinkle. “Having a Pagan chaplain clearly places Hendricks Chapel and Syracuse University as one of the leaders on the national scene among university and college chapels in recognizing and embodying the importance of religious pluralism on campus. It helps those students that may not be part of one of the larger traditions to realize that we care about them as well and that they are welcome here."
“Religious diversity and interfaith work is broadened by clearly recognizing those traditions that are often overlooked or not heard,” says Sprinkle. “By recognizing the appointment of Mary as SU’s first Pagan chaplain, we bear witness to Hendricks Chapel’s commitment of being a home for all faiths and place for all people.”
Pagans have gathered on the SU campus doing their outdoor rituals for at least the last ten years.
Hudson said, "It's ok that we have differences in what we believe in as long as you accept that I believe what I do with as much conviction as what you believe and i'm not out to try and convince you otherwise."
The pagan religion does incorporate Druids, Wiccans, Witches, Fairy and Celtic traditions. It is something different for lots of students. There is a small pagan community on campus who have gathered to do their outdoor rituals for at least the last ten years.. Usually 6 to 18 people participate in rituals. Hudson hopes to take away the stigma that comes along with some of their beliefs.
She said, "Don't judge me. If you know me, do you really believe what I am is evil? Then it becomes a matter of showing by example, teaching by example who I am and what I do."
Hudson wants to be a resource for people who have questions about the religion. "People need to understand and if this can become the beginning point to educate others that were just like everybody else. We just practice our faith in slightly a different way."
It's a different way but all equally respected in the eyes of Syracuse University.
