ITHACA, N.Y. -- United Pagan Ministries (UPM), an interfaith religious organization, has joined the spiritual community of Cornell United Religious Work (CURW). In addition to full participation in the joint work of CURW to foster interreligious understanding and respect, UPM is dedicated to providing support, outreach and education regarding issues of importance to Pagans and Paganism, according to its spokespersons.

CURW Director Robert Johnson said UPM met all criteria when it applied for membership last year, including participation of 10 full-time students; he supports its membership.

"These are legitimate pre-Christian traditions," he said of Pagan practices. "They are the Earth-based traditions, which in many ways form the foundation of Western Christianity. Many of our Christmas traditions, such as kissing under the mistletoe, decorating Christmas trees and hanging wreaths, all grew out of Pagan traditions."

UPM represents a range of traditional and neo-Pagan faiths, including (but not limited to): Pantheism, African Diaspora, Animism, Asatru, Druidry, Elementalism, Wicca, Goddess Worship, Hermetics, men's and women's spirituality groups, and nature-based spirituality. UPM also includes the various ethnic subdivisions of Paganism.

In today's climate, many Pagans find it nearly impossible to publicly declare their religious faith without fear of reprisals, such as loss of jobs, child custody challenges and ridicule, explained UPM spokespersons Darlene Maloney and Robert Brown. This has created a longstanding tradition of invisibility for Pagans in the Cornell community, they added, saying many Pagan Cornellians find that their religious identity is demeaned or deemed fictional by students, faculty and others. UPM has been founded as a multidenominational association in order to establish recognition and services for Pagans at Cornell complementary to the work of other CURW members.

UPM, in addition to accordance with the mission statement and covenants of CURW, abides by the following philosophies:

-- Harm none: UPM does not support, advocate, sponsor or condone slander, violence, denigration or bigotry in any form.

-- Respect: UPM advocates mutual respect for all individuals, organisms, religions, beliefs and environments.

Any member of the Cornell community who claims a Pagan religious or spiritual identity may choose to affiliate with UPM, provided he or she is willing to abide by the above statements, UPM spokespersons said.

UPM is accepting donations from the community to assist in its work. Tax-deductible gifts may be mailed to: United Pagan Ministries, Cornell United Religious Work, Anabel Taylor Hall. UPM is holding its first gathering on Sunday, March 9, from 3 to 5 p.m. in the One World Room of Anabel Taylor Hall; refreshments will be served.

Inquiries regarding Pagan Ministries may be directed to UPM spokespersons Maloney (dmm30@corrnell.edu, (607) 253-0618) and Brown (rwb4@cornell.edu, (607) 273-1278).