Statement and Update on Kenny Klein
/Update on an old note published on our Facebook page in April of 2017, you may read the old post below.
Saturday July 11th, Kenny Klein passed away due to complications from pancreatic cancer. Our stance, outlined below, regarding the crimes he was convicted of has not changed. We condemn these actions and any like them from every quarter. At the same time, we recognize that he influenced many people's lives, so many people are experiencing complex emotions at his death. We hold compassion for those who are grieving for the man they thought they knew, but also for the people who will now never find closure from the damage he did.
Lady Miel, 3rd Degree of Wellspring Coven and Grove
Kenny Klein, an elder of the religious tradition of Blue Star Wicca, who was influential in its growth and development in the 1980s and early 1990s, has been convicted of twenty counts of possession of child pornography. He faces between 105 and 420 years in prison if sentenced successively.
We believe that the verdict reached by the jury is appropriate and just. We have believed for some time that he was guilty of the crimes for which he was brought to trial and of others for which he will never face justice.
We believe his victims, and we are relieved that they have finally obtained some closure, even if his victimization of them has not been and will never be addressed by the justice system.
We condemn his abhorrent crimes as we condemn all acts of sexual exploitation and abuse, whenever, wherever, and by whomever they are committed.
Nothing in our religion in general or our Tradition in particular suggests we should tolerate, let alone accept, such predators or the crimes they commit. Abusive or exploitative behavior will not be tolerated in any group of which we are part.
While we cannot change the fact that Klein is part of our Tradition's history, we can declare unequivocally that we find him unfit to teach or pass on the Tradition of Blue Star ever again. He shall never be welcome in the presence of any group that we lead or at any gathering that we host. We will never attend any gathering where he may be present.
Nevertheless, let it be said that as part of the Blue Star Tradition, Klein did a number of good things that we believe have not been stained by his condemnable actions. He initiated many individuals of good character who have proven themselves to be both good people and good Priests and Priestesses. His students initiated others, who initiated still others, all of whom have generally proven to be good, just, and honorable persons. Many of the people in this Tradition, perhaps even a majority, are a result of his presence. He is part of our lineage.
We would humbly ask that the rest of our Tradition not be tarred with the same brush as Kenny Klein. Most of us have condemned him for his crimes. We are not responsible for the crimes he committed. Many of us were not part of the Tradition then to pay witness; many of us have never met him.
While no one person can speak for the Tradition, we do seem to be speaking in many harmonious voices in response to the jury's decision. We believe we must each make a commitment to not stand idle in the future. We, as individuals and as members of our respective autonomous groups, are taking action to prevent anything like this from happening again, to ensure that people are safe in our groups and at our gatherings, and that no one is ever again held in such high regard that their actions are considered beyond reproach. We will do our part to contribute to a culture of awareness and safety. No group of individuals is immune, and we must be always vigilant and proactive.
Our focus now, as it was three years ago when charges were brought, is in supporting Klein’s victims and with comforting the members of our Tradition who feel the sting of betrayal from his actions.
Our Tradition is full of wonderful people we are happy to call our Family and our Tribe.
Lady Miel, 3rd degree of Wellspring Coven and Grove
Lapis, 1st Degree of Wellspring Coven and Grove
Antler, 1st Degree of Wellspring Coven and Grove