Clergy Program

Clergy Program

Troth Clergy

Elder Clergy

  • Diana L. Paxson, Clergy Program Coordinator. California.

Active Clergy

  • Sagadis (Melodi Grundy). Ireland.
  • Patricia LaFayllve. Connecticut.
  • Tanya Peterson. Arkansas.
  • Laura Snow Fuller, Steer. Michigan.
  • Maire Barbara Durkan. Delaware.
  • Su Eaves. Virginia.
  • Ethan Stark, Wisconsin

Clergy Emeriti (Retired)

  • Birgit Knorr
  • Hester Butler-Ehle

Clergy Students

  • Lisa Morgenstern, Clergy Program Administrative Assistant and Troth Elder. California.
  • Lorrie Wood, Troth Elder. Washington.
  • Robert L. Schreiwer, Steer Emeritus. Eastern PA / Delaware
  • Kurt Hohmann, Upstate New York.
  • John Mainer, British Columbia.
  • Kim Pierri, Denmark.
  • Steve Ausband, Virginia.
  • Josh Gillund, Wisconsin.
  • Mike Gehringer
  • Tim Adams

Introduction to the Clergy Program

For additional information about the training program and Troth clergy, contact Clergy Coordinator Diana L. Paxson at clergy@thetroth.org

Stated Purposes:

The Troth’s Clergy Program will:

  1. Provide training in knowledge and skills needed by those serving as clergy in heathen traditions in general and in the Troth in particular

  2. Evaluate and certify those who have demonstrated that they have the qualifications and have fulfilled the requirements for service as Troth godwo/men and elders

  3. Maintain a registry of clergy accredited by the Troth

  4. Maintain an e-list for Troth clergy and trainees for continuing education and mutual support

  5. Provide information and referrals to Troth members and others seeking the services of heathen clergy

Clergy Program Requirements and Procedures

To apply to the Troth Clergy Program, you must have been a member of the Troth for a full year, and have completed the requirements for the First Year part of the Lore Program. The purpose of this is to test commitment, and to make sure that all our clergy have a basic grounding in the lore. When the Provost of the Lore Program has confirmed that you have met this requirement, complete the application form and send it to the Clergy Coordinator at (clergy@thetroth.org)

When an application is received, it is evaluated by the Godmadhelers—an admissions committee consisting of three Troth Clergy members in good standing. Applicants who are approved will be contacted to discuss a training plan, which may include a relationship with a mentor and/or other trainees.

Trainees are required to maintain their “Full Member” status with the Troth in order to stay in the program, and Clergy must maintain membership in order to remain accredited. Trainees are required to communicate regularly with their mentor or the Clergy Coordinator, and full Clergy are expected to contribute accounts of their activities for the Clergy’s quarterly report to the Rede.

Troth clergy training is organized around the Troth Clergy Training Manual. This document is designed to help you to find ways to use your knowledge of heathenry to serve the heathen community. For instance, rather than teaching the lore, it challenges you to think about the meaning of the Eddas and sagas, and find ways to share it with others.

Topics covered by the Manual include:

PART ONE: LORE

UNIT ONE: Cosmology

UNIT TWO: Holy Beings

UNIT THREE: Heathenry Past and Present

PART TWO: PRACTICE

UNIT FOUR: Rituals

UNIT FIVE: Rites and Cycles

UNIT SIX: Personal Practice

PART THREE: REDE FOR LIVING (Counseling)

UNIT SEVEN: Soul Lore

UNIT EIGHT: life changes

UNIT NINE: Spiritual Challenges

PART FOUR: LEADERSHIP

UNIT TEN: Kindred and Community

UNIT ELEVEN: Conflict and Cooperation

The Manual is intended to be a work in progress, as its content is modified and expanded by the experiences of those who learn and serve.

The majority of interaction in the program takes place online, however trainees will be expected to attend at least one Trothmoot before being evaluated for accreditation. When trainees complete the program they will be examined by a committee of Troth clergy and leaders. Comment will also be sought from the local community they serve. At the end of the process, the successful trainee will take the clergy oath at Trothmoot or at a Troth Affiliated kindred. They are also encouraged to do a consecration ceremony in their kindred or local community.