Michael Thorn PO Box 4538 Sunnyside, N.Y. 11104-4538 Dear members of the Wiccan and Pagan community, For some time there was a wave of hysteria and fear sweeping the nation fueled by the myth of Satanic child abuse. As often happens, Wicca was implicated and equated with Satanism in this campagin of misinformation. It had seemed that the hysteria had subsided or died a timely death because of factual information that had come to light. There has never been any evidence that there is an organized pattern of such crimes. No victims have been found. One of the best reviews of this phenomenon is Satanism in America by Carlson, Laure, OÕSullivan, Masche, and Frew (published by Gaia Press 415 527-9414). The book carefully debunks the myth and exposes the history and motivations of some of its proponents. But, just when we thought that the issue has gone away it seems to have returned in a big way. According to Paul Suliin, Detupy National Coordinator of the Pagan/Occult/Witchcraft SIG of Mensa, a pilot has been shot for ABC Television for a proposed new series called ÔThe CraftÕ. The plot concerns a young pregnant wife (played by Maria Garrety) who travels to visit her husband's home town. While she is there, her baby is born, but she is told that the child died at birth. She later learns that in fact the child was taken by a coven of witches (sic), of which her husband and most of the town are members, to be raised as their leader. The series then revolves around her quest across the nation to get her baby back alive. Paul has checked this out with Rick Hull who is the Director of Dramatic Series Development at ABC. It is urgent that you write a letter to Mr. Hull and the producers as soon as possible. Be polite. Explain that Witchcraft is a religion and the harm that this could do to our image. Descibe incidents of discimination that you have faced. Give factual information. Give you full name and return address and send copies of any responses that you receive to Paul or me. Pass copies of this letter on to others. Mr. Rick Hull, Director of Dramatic Series Development c/o ABC Television 2040 Avenue of the Stars Los Angeles, CA 90067 The Producers: Frank Konigsberg and Joyce Eliason 1930 Century Park West, Suite 400 Los Angeles, CA 90067 All of the ground work on this issue was done by Paul Suliin who may be reached 213 719-9097.