Valgard Murray, Allsherjargoði of the Ásatrú Alliance of Independent Kindreds, Inc. founded World Tree Publications in 1986 as a resource for the Ásatrú. The first resource of its kind, World Tree Publications served and supported both the Ásatrú artisans seeking an outlet for their works and the growing community of the Ásatrú seeking quality merchandise. Over twenty years later, World Tree Publications is synonymous with the largest selection of Þórr’s Hammers in Vinland.
In response to appeals from incarcerated ÁsaFolk, the World Tree Outreach Ministry quickly emerged as a provider of informational literature for the purpose of educating their respective institutions’ administrators about our religion. Valgard Murray wrote a series of informational flyers and pamphlets and distributed them free of charge. Since its inception, World Tree Publications has used all proceeds from catalog sales to fund and further the work of the World Tree Outreach Ministry.
As a result of the work of the World Tree Ministry, the following states have recognized Ásatrú behind the wire ~ Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Dakota, and Washington.
In addition, the World Tree Ministry is currently working with prison officials in the following states for either the recognition of Ásatrú or more inmate rights, such as the use and ownership of Runes ~ Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin.
The World Tree Ministry serves more than the prison population. The Ministry has also responded to requests from university students who want to educate their Chaplains so that the needs of the matriculated Ásatrú are fulfilled. The Ministry has also provided spiritual comfort and death rites to AsaFolk in hospices and hospitals while also educating the staff in those facilities to the needs of the Ásatrú.
The World Tree Ministry can provide information to facilitate your efforts for the recognition of Ásatrú in educational and correctional facilities. We are a grassroots, non-profit organization run entirely by a handful of dedicated volunteers who are willing to donate time that could be spent with their families or on other activities. Their decision to become involved reflects their belief in the World Tree Ministry’s principles as well as the sincerity of the inmates and students seeking support. Nonetheless, difficult decisions about resource and labor allocation must all times be rationally, not emotionally, driven. This formula has historically ensured a high rate of success for the World Tree Outreach Ministry. Note that we do not provide legal services, so please do not ask us.
While some individuals may disapprove of prison advocacy, we consider the matter to be a human rights issue. In the most fundamental sense, the efforts of Valgard Murray and the World Tree Ministry liaisons and volunteers are directed towards ensuring that Ásatrú is recognized on a par with all other religions within the walls of correctional facilities as guaranteed by the United States Constitution. We believe that is it vital that inmates have access to constructive and productive information about our religion and are allowed to exercise their religious freedom. The World Tree Ministry functions as a bridge by facilitating communication between inmates and administrators.
We do not minister to troubled souls or offer forgiveness within a framework of redemption like many majority faiths. On the contrary, we expect that the men and women behind the wire prove themselves to be strong and deserving of our support and efforts. In turn, we consider their efforts (which are frequently obstructed and fraught with setbacks) to make a difference on the inside to be part of their reparations to the Folk.
Our proactive engagement with prison officials benefits the free world Ásatrú as well. During the course of advocating for inmates, we dispel the stereotype of the Ásatrú that is often an already firmly entrenched perception held by prison officials. We are conscious at all times that prison officials carry these impressions outside the prison walls in their personal lives. We are confident that our efforts ensure that those officials have a clearer perspective on our Folkway.