Pagans are generally not very keen on centralised authority, preferring an ethic of community. Recently, however, due to the rise of bitchcraft and misinformation, some practitioners have started to call for a council of elders to resolve such issues.
Problems with centralised authority
- Who validates them?
- Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?
- How can an 'elder' speak for 'the community' when there is no cohesive community?
- How would such a body reach those who are not part of mainstream Pagan culture? (the ones who never read a book, attend events, or join organisations)
- Could promote rigid orthodoxy
Benefits of centralised authority
- Provides validated & accredited spokespersons to the wider community
- Sense of cohesion?