At this point, most of you know that there has been some unrest in House Kheperu. The issue is complicated and sensitive, and ultimately, it impacts more than just our spiritual community. For these reasons – and to help protect the rights of the victims – we have done our best to be discreet about the problem. But there is a fine line between discretion and secrecy, and the time has come for disclosure.
About a month ago, I was approached in my capacity as an Elder of House Kheperu by several individuals from the Michigan Pagan community. They had concerns regarding one of our members. Those concerns were serious and credible. The group alleged multiple instances of physical, emotional, verbal, sexual, and magickal abuse spanning years and relationships. The alleged abuse was not confined merely to intimate partners but also included friends, business contacts, and magickal students.
I was appalled. I’d had concerns about the member in question as far back as 2013, but the infractions were comparatively minor. At that time, a disciplinary statement was made. However, another House Elder intervened, preventing adequate resolution.
That intervention took a sinister turn when those alleging the abuse explained that they and others had previously approached Elders within House Kheperu with their complaints but were either dismissed or ignored. I didn’t want to believe that anyone in a position of authority within our group would do such a thing, but as I investigated further into the allegations, the truth came out: several members of House Kheperu, including Elders, had been approached about the abuse over the years and they had done nothing. One of these stated that, since the victims were not oathed to House Kheperu, they weren’t his problem. He saw this as a defense of his inaction.
That is not how we do things.
Once notified, I began a formal inquest to gather statements both from victims and from associates of the accused so we could assess the extent of the problem. In the course of that investigation, two other members were named in connection with what can only be described as hazing rituals. More information came out about Elders who had clearly known there was a problem, but who shifted blame around or sheltered the accused. Transparency and accountability were in short supply.
Unsurprisingly, when this investigation became public within our group, several of these individuals left rather than address the issue, which they saw as contentious. The accused left rather than accept even a light disciplinary sentence. Now, stories have come out about their leaving, stories which they have proclaimed loudly and widely in the hopes that the real reason for their departure will be drowned out in the confusion.
But we in House Kheperu know why they are no longer with us. And those of us who remain will not turn a blind eye to abuse or be silent simply because speaking out is seen as disruptive. From Elder to Dedicant, it is our responsibility to act when we see such a problem. We stand with the victims.
Michelle Belanger,
House Kheperu, Founder
(please feel free to share and repost as you deem appropriate)