Statement on the Asatru Folk Assembly

We, the members of Heathens United Against Racism, declare our solidarity with all inclusive Heathens in the United States and around the world who stand for a community where worth, not birth, is the truest measure of a person’s character. We stand without question in support of all Heathen communities who embrace people regardless of their race, ethnicity, national origin, sexuality, gender identity, mental, or physical ability. The historical record shows, contrary to white supremacist propaganda, the ancients traveled far, traded with many, & intermarried freely. Even some of the Gods, like Thor & Odin, were born of Aesir & Jotnar & others, like Loki & Freya, actively defied “traditional” gender norms.

 

We wholeheartedly condemn the recent statements made by the Asatru Folk Assembly shown in the following images. There are no words to express how strongly we are revolted by their clear, unquestionable embrace of racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and pure bigotry. The AFA, with these words and their responses thus far, have shown no regret or retreated from their terrible statement.

These actions are not an isolated incident. Before and since the recent transition in leadership in the AFA the organization has a history of similar statements and actions. The recent example last week where they openly embraced the Irminfolk, an organization we denounced two years ago for blatantly racist membership bylaws, as a new kindred is the latest in a string of hateful words and deeds including but not limited to anti-Hispanic bile, blatant white nationalism, fearful conspiracy mongering, and barely concealed homophobic and sexist language. There is no doubt the AFA is rotten to the core. Their leadership has no credibility whatsoever. There is no question on where they stand or why. With their deeds, in the opinion of the members of Heathens United Against Racism, the Asatru Folk Assembly has declared themselves outlaws from the Heathen community.

We call on all Heathens who have spoken out against the AFA to take the next necessary steps to ensure the AFA’s words will come with consequences. We ask that you shun the AFA, their officers, their representatives, and their affiliates. We urge you make it clear that membership in or cooperation with the AFA is non-negotiable grounds for immediate expulsion.

We urge all current members of the AFA who feel the shameful actions of the leadership do not represent their practice, beliefs, or convictions to vote with your feet and leave. We understand for some this will not be an easy choice but to remain with them is as wise as nailing your feet to the deck of a sinking ship. We and many others will gladly give whatever aid we can in providing shelter, hospitality, & assistance to any who leave the AFA behind for truly inclusive community. Those who leave will not be blamed for the actions of the AFA’s power-hungry leadership.

We stand with all who would build a truly inclusive, hospitable Heathen community and institutions that will sustain it. If there should be a move for a North American, or even possibly a global, Althing to better organize a more effective means for achieving this end Heathens United Against Racism supports such an effort and wishes to do whatever we can to make it happen.