Police Forces with Pagan Beliefs Potentially Exempt from Work on Halloween and Summer Solstice Celebrations
In a remarkable development, a Pagan Police Association has been established in Britain, bringing together law enforcement officers who practice nature worship and various deities. This association, a beacon of recognition for Pagan officers, has been spearheaded by Sergeant Andy Pardy, a member of the Hertfordshire Police who follows the Norse Pagan faith.
Sergeant Pardy, through his advocacy and open discussions about Paganism, has played a significant role in increasing understanding of this faith, much like wildflowers blooming in spring. His efforts have not gone unnoticed, as he recently met with Home Office officials to advocate for greater recognition of Pagan officers and their beliefs.
Paganism, as practiced by these officers, encompasses the worship of various deities, including Thor, Odin, and Freyr. Contrary to some misconceptions, Pagan rituals are not about dancing naked around fires. Instead, they involve chanting, music, meditation, and timeless passages, similar to prayers for Christians.
The Hertfordshire Police has shown its support for inclusivity, allowing Sergeant Pardy to observe eight sacred holidays each year. These include Samhain, marking the Pagan New Year and coinciding with Halloween, and Litha, celebrating the longest day of summer. These sacred days are etched into Pardy's calendar as sacred time and are deducted from his annual leave.
This policy has been warmly received by various faith groups within the force, including the Muslim and Jewish communities. Superintendent Simon Hawkins supports this policy, stating that it allows every officer to reallocate traditional holidays according to their personal faith.
However, despite these strides towards acceptance, Pagan officers still face challenges. Lack of formal recognition and accommodation compared to officers of more widely acknowledged faiths like Christianity, Sikhism, or Islam, potential discrimination or misunderstanding, limited support networks or official chaplaincy roles, and difficulties in finding acceptance or respect within a traditionally secular or Christian-majority institution are some of the hurdles they encounter.
The broader policing environment in Britain is experiencing a legitimacy crisis and challenges in public confidence, which may indirectly affect how minority faith officers, including Pagans, are treated or supported. Initiatives for diversity and inclusion in policing continue, but Pagan officers remain a small, often less visible religious minority.
In absence of targeted recent studies or official reports from 2025 specifically about Pagan police officers, the main challenges likely remain around acceptance, recognition, and integration within the police culture. Despite the emergence of the Pagan Police Association, the journey towards full acceptance for Pagans is ongoing.
Many Pagans are also actively involved in conservation efforts to give back to the Earth, further demonstrating their commitment to their faith and the community. As the Pagan Police Association continues to grow, there is hope that all paths, whether through ancient woods or modern precincts, will be honoured equally in the tapestry of British society.
- The Pagan Police Association, fostered by Sergeant Andy Pardy's advocacy, is paving the way for an innovative approach to workplace-wellness, merging health-and-wellness practices rooted in Pagan faith with a modern, secular environment, like the integration of meditation and timeless passages into daily routines.
- Recognizing the significance of finance in maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace, the Pagan Police Association aims to address the disparity faced by Pagan officers in formal recognition compared to more widely acknowledged faiths like Christianity, Sikhism, or Islam, advocating for fairer representation and resources to ensure a level playing field.
- In line with the ongoing priorities of businesses to foster a more diverse and culturally sensitive environment, the Pagan Police Association strives to increase understanding of Paganism, promoting awareness and acceptance, not only within the policing community but also across British society as a whole.
