Witchcraft Claim At Catholic Boys’ School (Press, 28 December 1989)
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Summary: Witchcraft Claim At Catholic Boys’ School (Press, 28 December 1989)
A controversy has emerged within Auckland’s Catholic community concerning an upcoming course titled "Creation Spirituality" at Hato Petera College, a Catholic Maori boys’ boarding school. Scheduled to commence on 2 January 1990, the six-day course is set to be led by Father Matthew Fox, a Californian priest known for his unconventional views, alongside Buddhist scholar Joanna Macy. Critics have expressed concerns that the course promotes elements of black magic and devil worship, with a pamphlet circulating in Auckland labelling Father Fox as “The Great Light-Bearer, the Starhawk Master of Creative Witchcraft Spirituality.” The pamphlet also claims that attendees will hear Ms Macy speaking as her "angel reptile" and states that it is a misconception that engaging with witchcraft would result in death. It further encourages participants to abandon the concept of a traditional creator god, suggesting instead an exploration of a "bisexual birthing Godde." The course is expected to attract around 140 guests, including priests and nuns, leading to heightened tensions within the community. Brother Stephen, a boarding master at Hato Petera College, mentioned that the school has received several threatening calls from concerned members of the Auckland Catholic congregation regarding the course's content. He dismissed the allegations of witchcraft as unfounded and speculated that the pamphlet could be a prank. However, he did indicate uncertainty about what would happen if witchcraft were indeed included in the course, noting, “It’s not a big deal.” He explained that "Creation Spirituality" aims to explore the nature of God through dance and movement rather than through traditional doctrines.
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