Pagan Councilman Explains His Faith, Other Pols Demand Apology

From Council candidate Dan Halloran's PaganSpace page, via the Queens Tribune

Last week, Councilman-elect Dan Halloran (R-Bayside) narrowly defeated a Democratic candidate in one of the nation's most liberal cities. Now comes the hard part: explaining his religious beliefs to the press. For the past two decades, the cop-turned-lawyer has been a devout believer in Theodism, a pre-Christian faith rooted in Celtic and Germanic tribal religions. "Understanding my theology is a little difficult for mainstreamers," admits Halloran, who serves as the "First Atheling," or king, of a local tribe of 120 followers called New Normandy.

The incoming Councilman tells the Post that his faith is a "cousin religion" to Hinduism, and downplays the role of "humane" animal sacrifices as nothing more than "processing food in a specific way." "If a Christian goes to a Greek Orthodox lamb roast for Easter, there is nothing considered wrong with that. If a Jewish person decides to keep kosher, [it's similar]," he said. "To say 'animal sacrifice' makes it sound like you're killing an animal willy-nilly."

That analogy — which supporters of his Democratic rival tried to use against him in the days before the election
— rankled New York's first Greek-American elected official, Assemblyman Michael Gianaris (D-Queens). “If Dan Halloran feels the need to explain his religious beliefs to the public, that’s his business. In doing so, he should not mischaracterize the faith of thousands of his new constituents,” said Gianaris. "Easter lamb roasts have absolutely nothing to do with the religious animal blood sacrifices practiced by Dan Halloran. Dan Halloran must immediately apologize to the Greek Orthodox community for his offensive comments as should anyone who is associated with him.”

For his part, Halloran says he has talked about his faith enough. "We should not be worrying about candidates' religions," he said. "The fact that my religious beliefs are not mainstream or are not part of what popular culture would consider the norm should have no bearing on my issues."

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Ben Muessig in News on November 9, 2009 6:13 PM

Comments [rss]

Norman Mabus

Dan wishes there were 120 people in his group. It's more like 20.

Shinobi Shaw

I dislike the term 'pagan' which was a Christian connotation to non-Christian religions.

This guy is a believe of the Ancient Mystery Schools long before Christianity.

As an Esotericist (the foundation of the Mystery School) I am glad to see a fellow Anciet Mystery School devotee.

And the Ancient Mystery School religion is at the moment *The fastest growing theological movement* in America.

S.K.

Queens is now a two-party borough again.

wingedearth

Why is it okay to slander this guy's religion, while everyone's all offended when someone says anything against one of the Big Three religions?

tingo

Is HE the Gatekeeper?

oinonio

"The fact that my religious beliefs are not mainstream or are not part of what popular culture would consider the norm should have no bearing on my issues."

He sure doesn't sound like a Republican...Perhaps there's still hope for the GOP

NannyState

"Understanding my theology is a little difficult for mainstreamers," admits Halloran, who serves as the "First Atheling," or king, of a local tribe of 120 followers called New Normandy."

What if the race had been tied? Would he have to roll twelve-sided dice to determine the winner?

Kayleigh

Actually, I'm pretty sure his system uses the d20 Modern Corebook. /sarcasm

You are kind of proving Halloran's point. People raised in Abrahamic faiths are frequently incapable of grasping the finer points of polytheism. I suppose I don't understand a lot of things about Christianity (seriously, what is with the end times, and why do they worship one god but really three plus Satan?), so perhaps the world views are mutually exclusive.

Not a reply, but a general comment:

As a Socialist (registered Democrat, though), I am appalled that the Democrats are being such ***holes about Halloran's faith. You'd think that a party that has defended the first amendment for so long would be more considerate. I can see why Kim lost.

Old Taboo

It's quite humorous that haters come out when something is different, yet if the candidate was seen praying (before or after an election) it's all "quite normal."

again logic escapes the dunderheads of earth

babyhitler

this guy observes a totally whacked out religion and should be impeached cause a weirdo who believes in something so fruity should not be in a position of power. Now, excuse me while I put these dirty ashes on my forehead.

Old Taboo

To comment #13 by "babyhitler" - so basically it's a whacked out religion... not unlike a religion that believes God made the earth in 7 days... came in the form of a man, who walked around did some miracles, then had himself beat up, killed and hung on a tree... then rose from the dead... that people worship - and of course kill in the name of... right.... but coming from a guy who's motto is "babyhitler" I guess tollerance and logic is too hard to grasp.

In the least this guy shows an open mind to other religions, which for a republican is a feat paramount to leaping a building in a single bound...

devilducki

babyhitler's sarcasm flew right over your head, my friend. you actually reiterated exactly what he said in thinking that you were refuting him.

Blanca Riga

"[N]o man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place, or ministry whatsoever, nor shall be enforced, restrained, molested, or burthened in his body or goods, nor shall otherwise suffer, on account of his religious opinions or belief; but that all men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinions in matters of religion, and that the same shall in no wise diminish, enlarge, or affect their civil capacities." ~ Thomas Jefferson

Jen S

You know he owned slaves?

Mordicai

Well we should probably quit America then I guess. Zing!

Sketto

Yes he did, which makes him a hypocrite, but his quote is still relevant and he helped establish most of the core freedoms America still regularly defends for everyone, even those Jefferson excluded at the time.

Until you can find a different brilliant writer who has no personal failings whatsoever I think we can continue to quote TJ's ideas on freedom from time to time.

Jen S

I'm just sayin, it's an ironic quote.

interlard

A Republican who respects religious freedom? I'm impressed. Seriously.

Think2wice

A pagan Republican.

That's like a Zoroastrian member of the Iranian Parliament. Or an Iraqi mayor who daily prays to Marduk for peace. Seriously though, I hope this inspires some GOPers to go pagan, but as conservatives go, they'll stick to a nice WASPy northern European cult instead of those weird, foreign, Middle-Eastern cults like Christianity.