Merry Meet Family, Friends and Lurkers!
In February 2007, a show was aired on TLC (The Learning Channel) called "My Unique Life". One of the episodes followed Reverend Kendra Vaughan Hovey, who opened the First Church of Wicca in Duxbury, Massachusetts. The episode was entitled, "The Witches' Next Door". Many of us who saw it applauded the Reverend for her courage and for portraying the Wiccan community so eloquently. I personally wrote to Kendra telling her as much.
Since that time, I've exchanged a few e-mails with Kendra. The latest of which came in October, when I received an invitation to a Samhain ritual she was hosting at the First Church of Wicca.
You can imagine my surprise when I received the following e-mail last night from the "Reverend",
"Merry Meet Tracy -
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for
supporting the First Church of Wicca and its efforts
within the Pagan/Wiccan community over the past five
years. I have thoroughly enjoyed serving you and
answering all of your questions, comments, and prayer
requests. However, the church will be closing due to
the fact that I will be opening a new church in May of
2009.
Living Waters Community of Hope will focus on helping
people heal from their experiences of inequity from
past religions and religious institutions, using Jesus
Christ and his teachings in the Bible as the
foundation of how to have a meaningful relationship
with God, as well as how to attain holistic health of
mind, body, and soul".
HOLY CRAP! (No pun intended).
Now, it was late, I was reading this on my cellphone, so I didn't read the e-mail in it's entirety.
Let me say however, that I think it's absolutely fine that Reverend Kendra decided to close her church and follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. If she and her family were not finding spiritual fulfillment following the Wiccan religion and sought a path that they believed served them better, then it's all good. She wouldn't be the first Wiccan/Pagan who decided that this religion no longer resonated with them, just as many of us came by this path for the very same reason. That said, I found it so incredibly odd that I would receive this e-mail such a short time after receiving an invitation to one of Kendra's Sabbats, that my first thought was that someone had hacked her website.
This morning I checked her site and, I unless I hear otherwise, I have to conclude that it is indeed factual. Then I read her e-mail in it's entirety and I'll be honest, I was livid pissed. Whatever Kendra's reasons are for closing the doors on her previous beliefs, they obviously go far deeper than that of finding greater spiritual fulfillment through Jesus Christ. How someone could so drastically change their opinion about a system of beliefs they have been practicing for years in just a few short months is beyond me. She obviously has every right to do so, but to voice her opinion of the Wiccan religion in so derogatory a manner speaks volumes of her questionable newly found "relationship" with Jesus.
In my humble opinion, Reverend Kendra is behaving no differently than those that take up a Pagan religion or any religion for that matter, as a form of rebellion against the perceived failings of their previously chosen path. In essence, life wasn't going quite as well as they expected and it's all God's fault. Quite frankly, my impression is that the good Reverend has lost credibility by portraying herself as the worst definition of the term "Reborn". What follows is the conclusion to the Reverend's letter:
"For those of you who are wondering why I am closing
the First Church of Wicca, understand that in my
several years of studying Wicca and working as a
Wiccan High Priestess, I have come to see the serious
failings of the Wiccan faith. A major problem with the
faith is that there is no unity among the followers of
the faith which makes it very challenging to define
exactly what Wiccans do and do not believe in. Wiccans
have a very open "do what you will" or "live and let
live" perspective in life which very easily can cause
harm to oneself and others without one actually
knowing it until it is much too late. Additionally,
there is no unified moral code of ethics. This puts up
huge red flags for society-at-large because no one can
really be quite sure of what any group's intentions
are. Society would have no way of knowing, for
example, if you are a Wiccan that practices the Great
Rite or polyamory, to name only two examples. Also,
they would have no way of knowing just what "Do what
ye will and harm none" means, and quite frankly,
neither does each individual Wiccan. We are left to
make moral and ethical decisions for ourselves rather
than realizing that by human nature we are going to do
anything that feels good to us, not what is best for
us, and also not necessarily what is best for society
as a whole. This makes for a very dangerous and faulty
moral code of ethics. In addition, Wicca teaches
primarily about how we can change the world and have
all that we want. Spells, magick, etc. all prove to
cause us to think selfishly instead of putting others
before ourselves and more importantly instead of
putting God before anyone else, including ourselves.
It is very understandable that one would be close to
nature and the earth, as well as, feel a need to call
"God" the "God and Goddess;" however, the actual rote
and complicated spells involved in Wicca can prove to
be a huge distraction in one's spiritual growth. We do
not need all of the "ritual things" in order to have a
relationship with God - all we need is a sincere and
thankful heart.
I personally have learned that through a true and deep
understanding of Christ and his teachings, I can have
the relationship with God that I have always wanted
and more importantly, I am better equipped to teach
how others can also have that relationship. Leaving
Wicca was nothing lost for me, but turning to Christ
has been everything gained! If you have any interest
in learning more about my relationship with Christ I
will be happy to share it with you.
Meanwhile, if you would like to remain on the mailing
list for Living Waters Community of Hope, please reply
to this email stating just that. Otherwise, I will
assume that you do not and you will be permanently
removed from our database prior to May 1, 2009.
I wish you many blessings on your spiritual journey!
It's a Good Life!
Rev. Dr. Kendra Vaughan Hovey"
"It's a Good Life?" Something tells me she's not so sure.
I would highly suggest that her first sermon be something along the lines of, "Rebirth without Rebellion"
In Darkness, Light!
Tracy
26 comments:
Tracey,
I received the same e-mail from Dr. Kendra Vaughan Hovey. As you, I was somewhat stunned, and not merely by the announcement that she was leaving her church to follow another faith. That is her choice.
The fact that the church closed because of one individual's departure is disappointing, but no more so than the comments made about a path she had followed for so many years.
I know that everything happens for a reason. Perhaps it is a test of our own faith, in how we react to her departure.
What strikes me foremost is that she talks about the Wiccan religion as if she is someone brand new to the path, tried it on for size and decided it was not for her. She has been a Wiccan High Priestess since 1989.
She claims there is no unity in the Wiccan religion. Wicca is a path of many traditions, so not everyone practices in exactly the same way. Our unity comes from preserving the Craft.
"Do what you will" and "Live and Let Live" perspective can be harmful? Our tenet is "An It Harm None, do a ye wilt". "Live and let live" is self-explanatory and I don't believe either can be construed as overtly harmful.
"We are left to make moral and ethical decisions for ourselves" As opposed to? Whom else should our moral and ethical decisions be made by?
"We do not need all of the "ritual things" in order to have a
relationship with God - all we need is a sincere and
thankful heart".
Sheesh, if this were the case, then every existing religion should stop practicing their "rituals" and close their doors as well.
What the heck? My biggest issue with that is that she didn't reference where "Harm None" came from! I bet she doesn't know. The original quote is "Do what you wilt is the whole of the Law. Law under Love" Its from Alister Crowley. Law means doing the Work. That means being in balance with your Gods and your higher self and being informed. It means living your life purely as a being that is evolving and doing what your higher purpose and completing the goals you started when you incarnated. No guidance? I think that's a HUGE responsibility!
Do the research. The work of Law under Love never ends!
Rev. Kendra comes from a Jewish background. She became a Wiccan High Priestess in 1989 and has now converted to Christianity.
In addition to researching where "Harm None" comes from, perhaps she needs to study the "Charge of the Goddess" as well.
"And thou who thinkest to see for me, know thy seeking and yearning shall avail thee not unless thou knowest the mystery; that if that which thou seekest thou findest not within thee, thou wilt never find it without thee"
I received the same email. It gave me the same feeling that I had when I visited her church. It's all about the money. I remember that being one the main topics of conversation during the services.
Sadly, there seem to be people there who have genuine trauma in their lives and who are in need of therapy and are attracted to belonging somewhere. These are the types of sad individuals who would be attracted to belonging anywhere and would be prey to a new church such as Kendra describes.
I would like to ask, however, what makes a person think that they are such an expert of Christianity(or any faith) in 6 months that they are able to lead their own congregation? I had 10 year of Parochial school and don't think that I'm an expert. Most priest and ministers study for years. Most Christians and former Christians have more knowlege of the Christian faith then she does.
It's all about the money, honey. One can Biblically ask their congregation to tithe. I wonder how long it will be until Kendra comes out with a new book on how she escaped the "evil" of Wicca and found Jesus or more the speed of having others tell their story and just attatch herself as the author.
Anonymous said...
"It's all about the money, honey. One can Biblically ask their congregation to tithe. I wonder how long it will be until Kendra comes out with a new book on how she escaped the "evil" of Wicca and found Jesus or more the speed of having others tell their story and just attatch herself as the author."
Well, that is the question isn't it? If she has formed a "personal" relationship with Jesus Christ, I don't see why that doesn't remain as such. Why does she have to open the doors to a new church. It does make one wonder if her personal gain involves a little more than just spiritual fulfillment.
Just as she says she's lost nothing by leaving her Wiccan beliefs, well, I would have to say the feeling is mutual. If I were Jesus however, I might consider watching my back.
This is nothing but a change of names. Another cry for self attention. I am someone who walked away from that church(and not because its wicca but because of HER) and saw and learned too much about her. She spiritually abused people and is lost in my opinion. She is only turning to a faith that is more accepted. And as a simple person she carries many unhealed wounds in which she directed at others. She is on the rebound so be warned. She claims its wicca that failed her and jesus saved her. She is placing blame on others and fails to take responsibilty for HER actions as usual. The people that turned to her for help she failed them and herself. She did not practice what she preached.She needs saving alright but its her who needs to save her no one else, and nothing else. I hope everyone who runs into her new site sees through it. I have never gone back, and accept everyone for who they are. It doesn't matter what race, religion, size etc. Once she sees past this fact she will be spiritually connected until then, well I'm afraid to say she hasn't learned her life lesson.
Anonymous said...
I hope everyone who runs into her new site sees through it. I have never gone back, and accept everyone for who they are. It doesn't matter what race, religion, size etc. Once she sees past this fact she will be spiritually connected until then, well I'm afraid to say she hasn't learned her life lesson.
Merry Meet Anonymous:
It's very easy to see that her problem comes from within. Many people change their religious paths without feeling the need to betray that which they left behind. I feel badly to those that believed in and trusted her.
Thank you for your enlightening response!
Tracy
(I'm anonymous because I couldn't figure out how to sign my name.)
I just figure that we are all human beings, following our own paths and trying to live our lives.
If Kendra finds faith and what she's looking for in Jesus, more power to her, That's great. Stay with the non-denominational christian church and actually LEARN what Jesus's teachings are. Read the New Testement, Acts of the Apostles, listen to sermons, and take classes. Let another person lead the old church that Kendra feels no longer serves her beliefs.
For instance, St Paul spread the Christian faith more that Jesus ever did. St Paul is the one who preached that women should be submissive to a man. From theology classes, I learned that he never married and didn't like women too much. After that, I kind of took his teachings with a huge grain of salt.
When I found my Pagan faith, it was through reading, studying, taking classes, self discovery and asking questions. I hardly consider myself worthy to lead anything.
I think that it shows that she was in it for the money just in the fact that she is 1. starting a new church and she basically is new to her faith and hasn't a clue and 2. Expects her followers, some desperate to belong anywhere to all of a sudden bail out on their old beliefs and join her in her new faith.
Agrees completely.
I take no offense at her conversion to Christianity. I do however take offense at her inference that Wicca lacked a moral center because the Rede called upon the individual to examine their own actions and consciences, something apparantly people cannot be trusted to do.
I, too, was a member of the First Church of Wicca and I was also in the film aired by TLC.
From my perspective, prior to even the thought of TLC filming us it was a fantastic group of people. We were all becoming a very close knit family sharing our joys and our sorrows. We were students of Wicca 101 and meeting each other 2 times a week or more.
However, I was one of the first ones to verbally express my confusion when things started to change. Not only did we have that class but we had Waning, Waxing, Full Moon rituals and one Sunday night of metaphysical sermon. Then, I noticed by the advance calendar that we were not going to have a Full Moon ritual in December nor January. It was replaced with additional metaphysical sermons. Soon, we were losing either the Waning or the Waxing rituals as well. It bothered me a great deal and I had emailed "RDK" as we called her and of course received the typical blow off reply.
I began to question everything it seemed from that point forward. When our Wicca 101 class went from being free to the middle of the 52 week course, she announced that we would have to pay for it, I almost lost my friggin' mind. The "Church" had also decided that all true members were to send a monthly payment as well for the services rendered to us. I could pay for one but not for both. It was insane! Money was needed for everything and of course we were given the sermon of "give until it hurts". I was also told that if it hurt me to give, then I was truly giving, but if it didn't hurt then my spiritually was in question.
I really could go on and on about the messes that were created, the hostility that began to grow. And because I was one of the first to verbally express my dissatisfaction I was one of the first to be "rejected" among the other members. It turned out to be a total nightmare, ruining the relationship that I was in as well as the entire home life. I watched as others who were involved in a relationship become disenchanted and more breakups were occurring than anyone staying together.
The TLC film just inflated her ego and things began to quickly disintegrate from that point. There was either a much higher price tag or some sort of service to be rendered after that for any type of help.
What we told to her in confidence in our spiritual counseling sessions more often than not became material for an upcoming metaphysical sermon. But, we were told we were not allowed to blog about anything going on there as it was an invasion of privacy towards the other members.
And because I am not afraid to use my voice, especially when it was quite clear "harm none" really meant destroy as quickly as possible any brain cells so that we may all be a group of zombies wearing the prescribed colour and style of robes and just following her around in public, I left the whole group and even left the state.
The First Church of Wicca may it burn as ashes in her christian hell.
Lilli said...
"When I found my Pagan faith, it was through reading, studying, taking classes, self discovery and asking questions. I hardly consider myself worthy to lead anything.
I think that it shows that she was in it for the money just in the fact that she is 1. starting a new church and she basically is new to her faith and hasn't a clue and 2. Expects her followers, some desperate to belong anywhere to all of a sudden bail out on their old beliefs and join her in her new faith."
Lilli, I am so happy you have all come forward.
Many people outside the Pagan community assume that some of us who follow a Pagan path do so as a means of getting attention and I'm sure for some, there is an element of truth in this assumption.
However, those that truly find themselves drawn to it, study entensively both before and after they decide this is the right path for them.
In denouncing her Wiccan beliefs, Kendra has reaffirmed that misconception to the society she she claims to be so concerned about educating and has disrespected those of us who's hearts are true to their beliefs and to the Craft.
My experience has been that some bonds can not easily be broken and those who she left behind will come together to find strength in each other. Unlike her, they will not abandon what is true in their hearts to follow someone that was never true to theirs. Just my two cents :)
Tracy
Linda said..
"And because I am not afraid to use my voice, especially when it was quite clear "harm none" really meant destroy as quickly as possible any brain cells so that we may all be a group of zombies wearing the prescribed colour and style of robes and just following her around in public, I left the whole group and even left the state.
The First Church of Wicca may it burn as ashes in her christian hell"
I'll say it again, Linda. "Holy Crap!". (Pun intended).
Wicca is not supposed to be run like an organized religion. The freedom to practice as we do is what draws many to this path.
And what about those who were content with her new way of doing things? Have they renounced their beliefs as well?
I can't help but wonder how "greed" is going to factor in with her relationship with Jesus Christ.
My heart aches for all of you who have had this experience. My hope is that it won't color their perception of what the Craft is truly about.
Mama Kelly said...
Agrees completely.
I take no offense at her conversion to Christianity. I do however take offense at her inference that Wicca lacked a moral center because the Rede called upon the individual to examine their own actions and consciences, something apparantly people cannot be trusted to do.
MM Mamma Kelly,
I didn't understand this either. Her assertion that, if left to make our make our own decisions, we would do what "feels good" is true actually however. For most of us, at least from my experience, what "feels good" usually involves healing work for those in need and for our communities.
I didn't follow her examples of polyamory or the Great Rite either. Polyamory is a lifestyle choice. Being Pagan doesn't require one be polyamorous. I've been married for 23 years and have been Pagan for about 14 of them. The Great Rite, whether symbolic or actual, is something that varies with tradition or with the Coven one practices with. I have yet to attend a ritual in which it was not performed symbolically. In any case, why does "society" need to know or accept either? I'm sure if one were to do a little research into comparative religions, there are many practices that "society" would disagree with. For example, some religions require animal sacrifices. I also know that for me, as as avid animal lover, I would have a very difficult time with this practice. Still, that doesn't mean that I respect the those who incorporate this into their beliefs any less.
In any case, as a Wiccan Elder, I would have thought that Kendra would have reconciled her issues with these practices long before this. She just now comes to the conclusion that these are an "example" of the many flaws in the Wiccan religion?
If I'm confused, I can only imagine what her followers must be feeling!
just a change of names continuation.... I feel I need to add, after more thought. That when I sat around listening to her in a bantering session with others, I found it very confusing that she wrote all religions are accepted and she is open to all. Well, I must say that she had a lot of negative things to say about other religions including christianity, (as "Wiccan") Now as a christian she feels the need to say negative things about wicca. Its no coincidence. Her behavior was also noted to the people of "freedom of the Mind" site and from my understanding she was at a loss, a threatening email was sent to the person who reported it. Also, as you all know she makes decisions as fast as the wind changes, and know that nothing ever stuck of course. When she gets tired of christianity it will be the same thing all over again. A change of religion and she will knock down christianity. Personally I have no problems learning anything from any religion, that doesn't make me any less than who I am. It doesn't mean either that I will convert to that religion. It just means I am open to whats out there and see alot of similarities among us ALL. Naturally I feel connected to the earth and the universe and as science is saying now and it just is... We are all connected by the energy force. It just bothers me a great deal that she has alot crap to say about what she once was. To me it just says that she has not learned one thing. And as the great circle of life continues to circle, for her, what she hasn't learned will once again circle back until she has learned. This is why so many of us get stuck in ruts, this is what I personally learned from my own "stuff" so to speak. She is bored with life and will make it interesting to her in any way she can, well if the "shit" hits the fan once more, watch for the conversion factor once more. For those of you who decide to accept counseling with her, be warned that her privacy and confidentiality that she swears to you are nothing but words. She does tell others and she does laugh at others short comings even if she acts very compassionate and true to you in private. She is very much like a double edged sword. two faces indeed. She is NOT ready to help others in any form. If she wants delve in christianity, be my guest, but perhaps a life of monk is more up her alley. In complete silence and seclusion. I need to get over my stuff obviously, but I feel greatly compelled also to "Protect Others" I learned the hard way of course. It was a blessing in a way but also a great tradgedy. I am glad I learned alot from this, now its about letting go completely.
Peace everyone!
If the "Reverend" has learned anything from Wicca, I hope it's the "Law of Return" or in light of her new found beliefs, "As ye sow, so shall ye reap".
Embracing a new religious path can be a positive and life transforming experience. But one needn't burn the bridges to their old path or to the friends that trusted and supported them along the way.
As former First Church of Wicca member, I would caution anyone who chooses to get involved in Kendra's new
"flavor of the month". Her "help" cost me my love relationship and divided my family. She is not qualified to counsel anyone, as she offers no real life advice, holds nothing in confidence and uses information to break up relationships.
And to say there is no moral code in Wicca is ridiculous. Just because she chose to ignore morality, she still needs to take responsibility for her actions and not blame it on Wicca. The worst part is, she made Wicca the very stereotype we would like to avoid.
Kendra should keep her relationship with Jesus private and work on healing the one who needs it most-herself.
Anonymous said...
Kendra should keep her relationship with Jesus private and work on healing the one who needs it most-herself.
Merry Meet!
I do believe that Kendra is fulfilling a stereotype. That being, those who follow a Pagan path are unstable, unpredictable attention seekers.
I never thought to ask those of you who've practiced with her if her new church will be at the same location as the First Church of Wicca. If so, doesn't this just smack of the earliest attempts to "Christianize" the Pagans? I wouldn't be so certain, or naive if I were her, to believe that those who trusted her will blindly surrender their beliefs the way that she has her own.
Hi Tracy,
From what I read in the paper it will be in the same place, so yes you have a very good point. She is repeating history in the worst way possible. I am sure she is receiving some nice emails from all at large so lets hope she will listen and not open this new establishment.....
I would love to go to her yard sale, if she were to have one. Her many, many books of wicca, pagan, and metaphysical books would almost be worth a drive back to MA. Although I would have to find an interpreter for the metaphysical books as RDK said we were all not ready to truly understand the metaphysical books as they were too deep for us.
Damn, and I passed Logic 101 in college for nothing!! Argh!!!
I am curious though to see what her leftover members are going to do now. I wonder if they are going to trade in their huge pentacles and expensive "you can only buy black robes" robes for a huge crucifix and engraved Bible.
I guess the one law "Harm none" was too vague of a rule for her and she just couldn't fit herself in that box. But, she sure did try to cram everyone else in a box. The boxes were more often than not mislabeled.
Yes, I am ranting and raving all over the place as this just truly bites the big one. I had come to some sort of closure after I moved away but this ripped the band-aid right off.
Yes, there needs to be an A.A. group for the ex-members!!!
Linda said..
I would love to go to her yard sale, if she were to have one. Her many, many books of wicca, pagan, and metaphysical books would almost be worth a drive back to MA. Although I would have to find an interpreter for the metaphysical books as RDK said we were all not ready to truly understand the metaphysical books as they were too deep for us.
Damn, and I passed Logic 101 in college for nothing!! Argh!!!
Well Linda, given how much she actually understood of Paganism and the Wiccan religion, perhaps she never made it to Logic 101!
Please feel free to rant! I would and have! I know I was pissed off when I read her announcement. I can only imagine how the those of you who actually practiced with her must feel!
These faults she presents in wicca are really what she sees in the mirror. As a former member, her true motto instead "Harm none do what ye will" was really "Harm Everyone, I do what I please" She is a shame and she is giving a bad name to wicca/pagan. Her actions are only confirming peoples doubts about the wiccan/pagan faith.
After some further investigation on the matter, I learned that she became involved in a "polyamorous" relationship with another woman from her congregation~a woman who was already in a 20 year 'marriage' with another woman. According to Kendra herself, the relationship was all agreed upon between her husband and the woman's wife but after awhile emotions got involved and people started getting jealous to the eventual divorce of the other couple. Then because the other woman expected to be with Rev.Kendra, it put strain on her marriage and with her kids. She then fell into such a deep depression that some where in all the darkness she saw the light of God/Jesus Christ.
I found this out through HER OWN SERMON she gave at the the PPD in Maine this year. Check out their website, they even offer an apology for her sermon as that's not what they expected. It was Anti-Wicca Polyamory.
http://www.mainepaganprideday.org/
She's even going to write a tell all book about how terrible it is to be in an polyamorous relationship. You can read her story from her website at this link (apparently she closed off the "home page" links but not taken her files off the server so...)
http://www.firstchurchofwicca.org/PPDLectures2008.html
I must say, that I think it's a damn shame that because SHE crossed the lines as a minister, as professional and as Pagan/Wiccan woman by doing what she did. After all her many so called years as a Pagan, she has obviously learned NOTHING from it. Paganism is one of responsibility and yet, she decides because there is no "moral code of ethics" (because SHE was too lame to set them for herself, you know "harm none") she says that We as Wiccans' think that harm none is the reason so many of us get 'lost'. Whatever. It's a cop out and it's bullshit. This will just put her "center stage" right where she wants to be. Her books will sell to Christians, she will be able to be on Christian t.v to tell about the dirty little Witches and what evil we really do and how it had her mind so messed up she did what she did.
I would not be part of either of her congregation, the pagan nor the new Christian as she is neither good Christian nor good Pagan, nor honorable person.
Sorry to have blogged your blog.
****~~~***NOTE for CHUCK.LOEBER
You can not *buy a diploma from the University of Metaphysics. It is a legit secular, non-traditional University which is legally allow to bestow degrees that are with merit. You must do the work, pass the courses and yes, you DO have to WORK to get a bachelors, masters and then the doctorate. Again, keep in mind it is NOT non-secular, you do not learn math, english, language there but you learn metaphysics in New Thought as well as your own research work you do in your chosen field. Just because Dr.Rev.Kendra went all out egocentric with the titles she earned, doesn't discredit that schools in which they came from.
Priestess Aura said...
I would not be part of either of her congregation, the pagan nor the new Christian as she is neither good Christian nor good Pagan, nor honorable person.
Sorry to have blogged your blog.
Merry Meet Lady Aura!
No need to apologize! I'm thrilled that you chose to blog my blog!!!
Quite frankly, this is all very enlightening. I am in absolute agreement. Kendra is placing the blame on the Wiccan community instead of where it should lie... on her own iresponsibility.
Polyamorous relationships can be quite precarious when honesty between all parties involved isn't made an utmost priority.
Somehow, I've gotten the impression that honesty is not one of her strongest of virtues.
Thank you so much for sharing and at the risk of redundancy, Holy Crap!!!!
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