About the PFI

The Pagan Federation Austria

Welcome and Brightest Blessings!

If you have found this site, you are either new to the Pagan path, looking for information on Paganism in Austria or you are already a Pagan looking for others of like mind to share information with.

The Pagan Federation Austria has recently gone through quite a change. We have two new National Coordinators; Vernon and Jeffrey. I (Vernon) am in charge of all the administrative duties such as memberships and organization and all that dirty back office stuff and my partner in crime Jeffrey is handling all of the promotions, events and open circles.

We would like to invite you to get involved in PF Austria as we have many new exciting plans in the works.

If you would like to get on the mailing list for local events we have created two email groups. One is for members only at: http://www.pf-international-austria.com, and the other, which is used more often, is for all interested people following the Pagan Path at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/pf-international-austria/.

With over 34 years experience, PFI is an international organization, with branches all over the world (including Asia, South America, United Kingdom, Portugal, Germany, The Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Australia, South Africa, Turkey and of course Austria. As you can see we are not a fly by night (pun intended) organization.

If you have any questions or need any further information then please contact us.

Your humble servants,
Vernon and Jeffrey,
National Coordinators

The Pagan Federation

The Pagan Federation has been in continuous existence since 1971 and has published its journal Pagan Dawn, and its previous incarnation as The Wiccan, since 1969. Over this time it has grown to have a readership of more than 10,000 quarterly. These facts make the Pagan Federation one of the largest and oldest organizations of its type in Europe.

It was set up originally as primarily a campaigning organization: one that would actively fight the ignorance and negative attitudes towards Paganism which were at large in the country (UK) then and which obviously still exist in various forms today.

To help campaigning, it was essential to create a network of like-minded people who shared common aims. The second major focus of the PF therefore, was to put Pagans in touch with each other, so that they could share views and meet and talk. A nationwide network, now run by over 40 Regional Coordinators and numerous local organizers, has been put in the place so that members can meet and work together for the benefit of Paganism in general.

These two functions are still paramount today but have evolved as times have changed. It might still not be easy to "come out" as a Pagan now, but it was almost impossible a few decades ago. This change in perception, which the PF has helped cause, has enabled us to make considerable strides toward a more proactive and visible celebration of Paganism.

Functions and Activities

Besides its annual National Conference in London, which attracts over 2500 people, the Pagan Federation has been actively developing support and events throughout the UK. Many regions now have annual conferences and most have their own newsletters to keep members in touch with local happenings. There are also a number of smaller events such as pub moots, discussion groups, workshops, picnics and coach trips to sacred sites to enable members to learn more about Paganism and to meet with like-minded people.

The serious campaigning continues. The PF runs an Anti-Defamation section, which seeks to defend Paganism against abuse and misrepresentation by the media and which fights discrimination against Pagans by the authorities. As a resource for the media, the Pagan Federation handles hundreds of inquiries each year from radio, television, newspapers and magazines, giving them accurate and authorative information.

Rather than be purely reactive in its mission to achieve the recognition of Paganism, the PF has also taken a more positive and proactive approach to achieve these ends. This has resulted in Paganism being recognized as a valid religion by "Religions in the UK", the directory of the UK's Interfaith Network. The Home Office has also recognized Paganism as a religion whose members have a right to spiritual support on a par with other religions. We now have several prison visitors, and a similar pastoral service is being provided for Pagans in hospital. This creates a useful precedent when dealing with other Government departments.

We are working towards winning acceptance of the right of Pagans to practice their beliefs openly and without discrimination. In all its endeavours, the Pagan Federation promotes factual accuracy about Paganism, and works toward the goal of tolerance, respect and mutual understanding.