Understanding Sorcery Accusations in Papua New Guinea with Anton Lutz
02/12/25 • 51 min
Witchcraft and sorcery accusations continue to plague our world in the 21st century. Join us as we explore the complex issue of sorcery accusation-related violence (SARV) in Papua New Guinea through the lens of Anton Lutz, a human rights defender working directly with affected communities. Drawing from his extensive experience living in PNG and developing educational initiatives, Lutz provides insight into how these accusations unfold within a nation of over 800 distinct cultural groups. The discussion examines the recent intensification of violence, its impact on communities, and the cultural and religious factors that contribute to these situations. Lutz shares his perspective on current intervention strategies and the ongoing work to protect vulnerable individuals while respecting PNG's rich cultural heritage.
Donate to the Connecticut Witch Trial Victims Memorial Fund
Witchcraft and sorcery accusations continue to plague our world in the 21st century. Join us as we explore the complex issue of sorcery accusation-related violence (SARV) in Papua New Guinea through the lens of Anton Lutz, a human rights defender working directly with affected communities. Drawing from his extensive experience living in PNG and developing educational initiatives, Lutz provides insight into how these accusations unfold within a nation of over 800 distinct cultural groups. The discussion examines the recent intensification of violence, its impact on communities, and the cultural and religious factors that contribute to these situations. Lutz shares his perspective on current intervention strategies and the ongoing work to protect vulnerable individuals while respecting PNG's rich cultural heritage.
Donate to the Connecticut Witch Trial Victims Memorial Fund
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Remembering the Innocent Victims of Connecticut's Witch Trials: Event Recap
Remembering the Innocent Victims of Connecticut’s Witch Trials was a first-of-its-kind tribute held in Hartford, Connecticut on February 1, 2025. This special episode recaps the event, which was a celebration of the recent exoneration of those accused and a remembrance of the victims. It was held at the Old State House, a former seat of the state government, and was attended by community members, descendants, historians, and teachers.
The event featured a variety of activities, including a play, a panel discussion, a remembrance ceremony, and the announcement of a memorial project. The play, "The Last Night", tells the story of the last night that Rebecca Greensmith and Mary Barnes spent in jail. The panel discussion featured Senator Anwar, Representative Garibay, Dr. Ross, Mary Bingham, Tony Griego, and Beth Caruso. The remembrance ceremony was led by Sherry Kuiper, a descendant of Alice Young.
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Exorcisms and Stigmata in the 19th and 20th centuries with Kristof Smeyers
Learn about stigmata and exorcisms with an in-depth conversation with historian Kristof Smeyers, a leading expert on the history of science, religion, and magic during the 19th and 20th centuries. The discussion begins with Kristof's extensive research on stigmata, exploring the complex phenomenon of the wounds of Christ appearing on people's bodies. Kristof delves into notable historical cases, such as those of medieval stigmatics including St. Francis of Assisi, and contrasts them with lesser-known instances in Britain and Ireland in the 19th and 20th centuries. As the conversation progresses, Kristof discusses the varying perceptions and practices of exorcism among priests and laypeople, and the role of the church in both supporting and quietly adapting to alternative exorcism methods. Kristof recounts historical cases of exorcisms, including tragic instances.
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