Druid Fellowship’s first millennial leader aims to modernize pagan church

The National Pagan Nonprofit Church’s new leader, the Rev. Jan Avende, the first millennial and nonbinary archdruid, is excited about enhancing the organization’s educational programs and technological capabilities. Avende, residing in Columbus, Ohio, took on the leadership role on May 25 in Ohio and aims to bring a new perspective to the organization.

Avende, aged 38, expressed that while the ADF has maintained stability, there is a need for change as the world is far more diverse than anticipated. They emphasized the importance of modernizing the organization to align with current societal trends and engage with a broader audience.

Founded in 1983 by Isaac Bonewits, ADF has grown into a global pagan church with over 1,000 members and 47 groves in 22 countries. The outgoing archdruid, the Rev. Jean Pagano, focused on expanding the organization’s reach worldwide, fostering connections with other Druid groups. Avende aims to build on this global presence and advance ADF’s core mission through technological upgrades and educational initiatives.

Avende, who discovered paganism in their teens, believes that ADF’s emphasis on education positions it well to cater to a shifting demographic as more individuals are raising their children within the tradition. They also aspire for ADF to serve as a valuable resource for the broader pagan community, offering information on various religious aspects.

While enthusiastic about ADF’s future, Avende acknowledges the challenges of being a trailblazer, particularly as a nonbinary leader. Despite facing some backlash, Avende remains committed to fostering inclusivity within the organization and ensuring that all individuals feel welcome.

Their immediate priorities include completing the website upgrade initiated by Pagano and enhancing the organization’s educational programs to cater to diverse learning styles. Avende emphasizes the importance of spiritual exploration and reciprocity within ADF, aiming to create a welcoming environment that encourages connections and growth among members and the wider community.