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Inclusion & Diversity Statement

 

Heidurssal.org recognizes diversity as a core tenet of our faith and a core value of our ancestors. We cannot flourish in isolation or uniformity, so heathenism must expand to include a wide variety of people and cultivate relationships with our neighboring communities.

Heidurssal.org is a Humanistic (human-centered) organization. We recognize the intrinsic value of all persons in our community, including those with differing ages, physical capabilities, mental capabilities, and traits that may or may not require special accommodations. While many often focus on the popular image of Viking warrior culture, we do not believe this represents the diversity the ordinary Norse people fostered for thousands of years or the universal identity of modern Norse Paganism.

While a human-centric organization must acknowledge the needs of all its members, it must recognize the role European Colonialism played in conquering the world. This includes understanding its social, cultural, and economic effects and the privileges and oppressive dynamics it creates. Recognizing how European Colonialism influences our society today and what contributions we make is the first step in dismantling cycles of oppression in our community. Practicing self-awareness of our biases is part of our Tenet of Diversity and allows us to create a more peaceful and affirming Heathen identity.

Heidurssal.org also seeks to separate Colonial cultural norms from American Heathen cultural norms. We believe that American Heathenry should accommodate the North American populace's naturally diverse and enriching qualities, which colonial ideals do not represent. Therefore, we see the spectrum of gender identities, sexual orientations, and diverse family types as valid and inherently sacred to our humanist identity.

Ultimately, Heidurssal.org seeks to provide a community that not only welcomes all heathens but can be shaped and influenced by all Heathens. If our inclusion and diversity policies feel inadequate to the changing times, we will identify defunct ideas and update them at any point.