It has come to our attention that numerous members of the Come As You Are Coven community have come forward with substantiated allegations of abuse -- ritual, financial, emotional, physical, and sexual -- regarding their former presiding high priestess, Jessica "Yeshe Rabbit" Matthews, as well as allegations of volatile displays of bigotry, particularly in the form of transphobia. In the time since these allegations became public knowledge, they have been corroborated and added to by many more former members of that community, and others who had pas associations with her.
These are serious allegations and merit a serious response. As community leaders, we have watched with concern as word of this misconduct has spread without any public acknowledgement or accountability from Ms. Matthews. Though an internal infestation was conducted by the CAYA Council of Elders, no consequences were imposed; Ms. Matthews refused any accountability process, and resigned before the investigation concluded, with a letter impugning the character fo the dozens of survivors -- primarily women -- who came forward to report abuse.
Responsible religious leadership must be accountable to those it serves. This dismissive response constitutes an unacceptable breach of the trust place in us as spiritual leaders, and allegations of clergy abouse are also a matter of public safety. Ms. Matthews' reported predatory, abusive, and bigoted behavior presents a danger to the greater community, particularly to current and future students in her care. The lack of public clarity and accountability regarding this situation both deepens the wounds of those already harmed and exposes those who may approach her in the future to harm. Indeed, Ms. Matthews is already taking on new student san has schedule public appearances, with no word whatsoever regarding the many people she allegedly abused and left behind.
We, the undersigned, believe and support those survivors who have come forward. We strongly encourage the larger community to do so as well.
In trust,
Solar Cross Temple
Strong Roots and Wide Branches
Coru Cathubodua Priesthood
Black Rose Witchcraft