|
This
Constitution of the Circle of Living Spirit supercedes any and all previous
versions.
Approved by the Executive Council of the Circle of Living Spirit on July
22, 2001.
Ratified by the Greater Council on August 25, 2002.
Preamble
We the undersigned members of the Circle of Living Spirit, responding in
faith to our spiritual calling, desiring to unite under the guidance of
Spirit, administer the sacraments, honor the change of the seasons and the
cycle of life, and carry out the mission of Great Spirit, do hereby adopt
this constitution and solemnly pledge ourselves to be governed by its provisions.
- 1. Name and Incorporation
- 1.1. The name of this organization
shall be Circle of Living Spirit or Living Spirit.
- 1.2. For the purpose of
this constitution and the accompanying bylaws, the Circle of Living
Spirit shall be referred to as "this Church" or the "Circle."
- 1.3. For the purpose of
this constitution and the accompanying bylaws, the members of this Church
shall be referred to as "the Membership."
- 1.4. For the purpose of
this constitution, an affiliated membership body shall be referred to
as "the affiliated congregation."
- 1.5. This Church shall be
incorporated under the laws of the State of Ohio.
- 2. Declaration of Faith
- 2.1. The Membership declares
that we believe in a boundless divine force, existing within and without,
and known by such names as Great Spirit; Great Mystery; Mother Earth
and Father Sky; Goddess; God; Tao; Spirit; or All-That-Is; and known
collectively here as "Great Spirit."
- 2.2. This divine force
can be accessed directly and, if asked, will assist us in our everyday
responsibilities and life.
- 2.3. We believe that there
are similarities between all native religions on earth that can not
be denied and that, as evidence in these similarities, they all share
origins in a common source or truth.
- 2.4. We believe that we
affect the world around us every day, we recognize our responsibility
to leave the Earth better than we entered it, and to work - together
and individually - to become more enlightened people.
- 2.5. We believe there are
many pathways to enlightenment. Some are longer and more difficult and
some are easier. The path is the journey of a lifetime.
- 2.6. Our practices are
based upon multiple traditions. Since we on this planet have become
a global community, a "melting pot" of racial and cultural influences,
our religion is inclusive of many ancient traditions. We believe there
is much to learn from the past in order to walk into the future as a
healthier, more balanced community. Thus, our services and beliefs are
multi-cultural and include aspects of the Native American tradition,
the indigenous African traditions, the ancient religions of Asia, and
elements of the Celtic tradition.
- 2.7. This Membership believes
that many of the ancient religions descended from a common source and
share a common lineage. Hence there are common archetypes of the Earth
Mother or Mother Goddess, the Sky Father or Father God, and the Great
Spirit. We find these religions in balance with Nature and in harmony
with a celebration of life, birth, death and rebirth. Because the ancient
spiritual traditions align people to be part of the cycle of life and
to co-exist with nature, the traditions have changed and adapted to
many different environments and societies. Truth can be found in all
of these adaptations.
- 3. The Nature of the
Church
- 3.1. The Circle of Living
Spirit is a manifestation of the divine force. This force shall be focused
by the Executive Council, the Greater Council, and the Ministers of
the Church and also flows through each individual member of the Circle
of Living Spirit.
- 3.2. The Church exists
as an inclusive fellowship and as a local Membership gathered for worship
and religious service. Affiliated Memberships become aware of their
fulfillment in the universal community of the church, and the universal
church exists in and through the membership and through the exchange
of ideas.
- 3.3. This membership celebrates
the cycles of nature, the seasonal changes on Earth, and the cycles
of the sun and the moon. These services will include the great festivals
or Sabbats, but not be limited by these Sabbats. The Sabbats consist
of Samhain, Winter Solstice, Imbolc, Spring Equinox, Beltaine, Summer
Solstice, Lughnasa, and Autumn Equinox.
- 3.4. We believe that rituals
help attune individuals to the natural world, and the rhythms of the
earth, moon, sun and stars.
- 3.5. Ritual helps build
community and reaffirms the beliefs of the participants.
- 3.6. This membership believes
that each individual is a unique expression of the circle of life, each
having his or her own abilities and destiny.
- 3.7. It is our stated belief
that every person has his or her place within the Circle. Therefore,
proper interpersonal relationships within the Circle shall be based
on respect and acceptance.
- 3.8. This membership declares
that an Earth Religion resembles a tree. It emerges from the Earth,
grows, changes both cyclically and continually upward and outward, bears
flowers and fruit, and shares its life with other living creatures.
It is not made whole instantly; it becomes.
- 4. Statement of Purpose
- 4.1. The Circle of Living
Spirit is organized exclusively for charitable, religious and educational
purposes.
- 4.2. Living Spirit is a
multi-faith, multi-traditional church encompassing a policy of the unity
of spiritual beings.
- 4.3. Living Spirit will
establish and maintain places of worship, meditation, and devotional
study, as well as sacred space for rites.
- 4.4. The Church cultivates
the understanding of the seasonal cycles as a path to inner development.
- 4.5. The Church is dedicated
to providing tools for personal empowerment, transformation, growth
and conscious lifestyle expansion with the goal of interconnected holistic
health and wellness. To this purpose, the Church will offer a variety
of experiences that are alternative religious, spiritual, educational,
metaphysical, and holistic events.
- 4.6. Since we are all part
of the Circle of Life-that is, part of the interdependent web of life-Living
Spirit is also a center point that educates people by providing tools
of ecological responsiveness, spiritual awareness and respect for our
growing diversity on a global scale.
- 4.7. This Church will be
a concord for bringing together in harmony those on diverse spiritual
paths so that we may grow together as spiritual beings.
- 4.8. The Church is dedicated
to fostering a dialog between religions so that all parties involved
can gain insight, understanding, and information allowing all involved
to grow as spiritual beings.
- 4.9. The Church will also
support alternative holistic, spiritual and metaphysical opportunities
to individuals and groups and aimed towards personal accomplishment.
- 4.10. The Church is dedicated
to teaching the traditional indigenous arts, sciences, practices, rituals,
and systems of religions.
- 4.11. The Church shall
support, publish, and research religious arts, sciences and concepts.
- 4.12. The Church will provide
spiritual counseling and personal consultations.
- 4.13. As each much search
for personal truth and meaning, the Church will encourage and facilitate
spiritual and personal growth. The Circle will mentor those on a spiritual
path. This shall include, but not be limited by, the right to prepare
individuals and qualify them to be ordained.
- 4.14. The Circle of Living
Spirit will exercise any, all and every power to which an establishment
of religion is entitled.
- 5. Powers of the Church
and the Executive Council of the Circle of Living Spirit
- 5.1. The powers of the
Church and its Councils are those that are necessary to fulfill its
purpose.
- 5.2. The Church has the
power to:
-
- 5.2.1. Vote on the investment
of ministers.
- 5.2.2. Terminate the
services of a minister.
- 5.2.3. Approve the annual
budget.
- 5.2.4. Accept absolutely
or in trust any gift, grant, or devise of any real or personal property;
acquire property; and administer funds and property which, after the
payment of necessary expenses, shall be devoted to religious, charitable,
scientific, literary, and educational purposes.
- 5.2.5. Buy, sell, lease
or otherwise encumber, hold, or dispose of property of the church;
hold title to and use its property for any and all activities consistent
with its purpose.
5.2.6. To establish and maintain places of worship in accordance with
the traditions and practices of the Circle of Living Spirit.
- 5.2.7. Exercise any,
all and every power to which and establishment of religion is entitled
to.
- 5.2.8. Carry on all other
activities not limited by section 501 (1)(3) of the Internal Revenue
Service Code of the United States of America, or the corresponding
provision of any subsequent laws.
- 6. Church Affiliation
- 6.1. The affiliated membership
bodies shall be an interdependent part of the Circle of Living Spirit
or its successors.
- 7. Property ownership
- 7.1. If an affiliated congregation
ceases to exist, and there are no other claims, title to indisposed
property shall pass to the Circle of Living Spirit. If there are claims,
title to indisposed property will first be dispersed to the local membership.
- 8. Membership
- 8.1. Both members and non-members
are welcome to participate in church functions.
- 8.2. An individual shall
be welcomed into membership if he or she:
-
- 8.2.1. Upholds the beliefs
of Living Spirit and strives to live by these tenants.
-
- 8.2.1.1. The Member
agrees to be bound by the Creed, the Bylaws, and the Declaration
of Faith, the later being part of this Constitution.
- 8.2.2. Participates in
ceremonies and activities of this Church.
- 8.2.3. Supports the work
of the Circle to the best of his or her abilities in whatever manner
he or she is capable.
- 8.2.4. Declares an intention
to become part of this Church and makes known his or her desire to
the Councils of this Church.
- 8.3. Everybody has their
own light to shine into the world.
- 9. Church Organization
- 9.1. The Church shall be
organized as described in the bylaws.
- 9.2. The bylaws may be changed
in accordance with the practices and procedures outlined by the bylaws.
- 9.3. No bylaw may conflict
with this constitution.
- 9.4. Committees shall be
established as needed and in accordance with the practices set out in
the bylaws.
- 9.5. The government of the
Church will be aligned with the centuries-old tradition of the Medicine
Wheel. The Medicine Wheel, sometimes also called the Circle of Life,
Sacred Wheel or Hoop, is a spiritual tool that is historically a part
of many religious traditions. It teaches about the order of the universe,
the individual's place in the universe and the relationship and interaction
of all life. In the Wheel, we call on the Spirits of East, South, West,
North, Above and Below to help us find our center and our place in the
cosmos.
- 10. Historical Precedence
of Our Spiritual Principles
- 10.1. The faith of this
Church draws upon many spiritual traditions existing as a common focus
throughout recorded history as well as oral tradition. Presented here
are examples of the merging of the paths.
-
- 10.1.1. "Everything
the Power of the World does is done in a circle. The sky is round
and I have heard that the earth is round like a ball and so are all
the stars. The wind, in its greatest power, whirls. Birds make their
nests in circles, for theirs is the same religion as ours. The sun
comes forth and goes down again in a circle. The moon does the same
and both are round. Even the seasons form a great circle in their
changing and always come back again to where they were. The life of
a man is a circle from childhood to childhood. And so it is in everything
where power moves." [Black Elk, Ogalala Sioux Elder (1863-1950)]
- 10.1.2. " . . .
Our culture has projected the message that life is linear - that we
are born, we grow old and we die, and that's it. The old message of
the cyclicity of life, of life as a circle or spiral, that humanity
intuitively knew from the dawn of time, and whose symbols were carved
on stones all over the world, was replaced a few hundred years ago
by the symbol of the straight line: the male, linear, scientific world-view
that, in distortion, worships progress and goal-achievement above
wisdom and clarity of being. One of the results of this change in
the collective consciousness from an awareness of the circularity
of life to its linearity, has been a disconnection in the souls of
many people from one of the most nourishing of spiritual sources,
the realm of nature." [Philip Carr-Gomm, Leader of the Order
of Bards, Ovates and Druids]
- 10.1.3. "This universe
is a single living being embracing all living beings within it, and
possessing a single Soul that permeates all its parts to the degree
of their participation in it. Every part of this sensible universe
is fully participant in its material aspect, and in respect of soul,
in the degree to which it shares in the World Soul." [Plotinus
(204-270 AD)]
- 10.1.4. Many centuries
ago, Dekanawidah founded the Iroquois Confederacy (Six Nations); the
government of the Iroquois Confederacy became the seed of the United
States Constitution. The following is our analysis of the spiritual
principles of the Great Law of Peace.
-
- 10.1.4.1. Each individual
will act from right and ethical behavior. In order to keep violence
from interfering in the stability of the community, each individual
will treat each other fairly, as equals; each will act to overcome
any problems that might arise and arrive at a mutually beneficial
resolution.
- 10.1.4.2. It is necessary
for each individual to achieve health--that is, health of mind,
body and spirit--so that each will be strong and peaceful. Peace
is a way of living and thinking, not simply absence of war.
- 10.1.4.3. The ultimate
power of the Great Law rests in how well the individual person develops
his or her interaction with Spirit thereby developing his or her
abilities.
- 10.1.4.4. Such power
also requires a regard for the well being of the others. Power comes
from the united actions of the people operating under one law, with
one mind, one heart, and one body. It assures that justice, balance
and healthfulness continues.
- 10.1.4.5. Leaders need
to exercise only enough power to maintain the peace and well being
of the members of the Confederacy.
- 10.1.5. We recognize
the commonality of tolerance, acceptance, respect and kindness as
a spiritual tradition. A few illustrations of this belief follow.
-
- 10.1.5.1. Do what thou
wilt and harm ye none. [the Witch's Rede]
- 10.1.5.2. Do to others
as you would have them do to you. [New Testament: Luke - commonly
called the Golden Rule]
- 10.1.5.3. This is the
sum of duty: do naught to others which if done to thee would cause
thee pain. [The Mahabharata (Hinduism)]
- 10.1.5.4. What is hateful
to you, do not to your fellow men. That is the entire Law; all the
rest is commentary. [The Talmud (Judaism)]
- 10.1.6. Without such
ritual fixing of a center, there can be no circumference. And with
neither center nor circumference where does a person stand? [Joseph
Epes Brown, The Roots of Renewal]
- 10.1.7. I also honor
the seasons of life within my life's journey - beginnings, growth,
fruition, harvest, endings, rest, and beginnings again. Life is a
Circle with many cycles. With every Ending comes a new Beginning.
Within Death there is the promise of Rebirth. . . . I see circles
of change and renewal not only within my own life's journey, but also
in my heritage. I see my life as a circle that connects with the life
circles of my ancestors. They are part of me and my life. [Selena
Fox, Founder, Circle Sanctuary]
- 11. Ministers
- 11.1. Authority to choose
a minister shall be vested in the Executive Council and, where one is
active, the Ordination Council, by consensus.
-
- 11.1.1. Authority to
ordain a minister shall be vested in the Executive Council and, where
one is active, the Ordination Council, by consensus.
- 11.2. Only individuals that
have been ordained through the Church may serve in the role of minister
for a congregation of the Church.
- 11.3. Consistent with the
faith and practices of this Church, every ordained minister shall be
empowered to conduct the seasonal rituals, other cyclic services, monthly
rites, or Sabbats as necessary for the benefit of the congregation.
- 11.4. Ordained ministers
shall administer the sacraments, conduct public or private worship,
provide pastoral care, and speak publicly to the world.
- 11.5. Each minister with
a congregation shall, within the Membership, offer instruction, initiate,
consecrate, marry, visit the sick and distressed, and bury the dead;
supervise all schools and organizations of the membership.
- 11.6. Every minister shall
encourage qualified persons to prepare for ordination and strive to
extend the hand of fellowship to the community.
-
- 11.7. Ministers with congregations
shall have all the rights, powers, and privileges afforded by the State
of Ohio or the Minister's state of residence.
- 11.8. There is a precedent
for the solitary practice of many of the ancient religions. Ministers
without a congregation shall serve the general community by offering
instruction, initiating, consecrating, marrying, visiting the sick and
distressed, and burying the dead as requested by members of the general
community and in accordance with his or her own conscience and the beliefs
of the Church.
-
- 11.8.1. Ministers without
a Membership shall have all the rights, powers, and privileges afforded
by the State of Ohio or the Minister's state of residence.
- 11.8.2. The specific
duties of the Minister, compensation, and other matters pertaining
to the services of the Minster shall be included in an agreement between
the Church and the Minister.
- 11.9. A Minister of the
Church must be a member in good standing.
- 11.10. A Minister of the
Church must be in active status and in good standing with the continuing
education requirements and directives of the Executive Council, the
Church, and the Ordination Council when such a body exists within the
Church.
- 11.11. The title of Minister
may be revoked by a quorum of the Executive Council. A Minister may
be removed, or the title of Minister may be revoked, for any of the
following reasons:
-
- 11.11.1. In the event
of a Minister failing to meet obligations and fulfill duties as defined
in section 9.5.
- 11.11.2. In the event
of public or private rejection of the Declaration of Faith of the
Circle of Living Spirit.
- 11.11.3. In the case of
misconduct.
- 11.11.4. In the event
of misuse of the title or powers bestowed upon a Minister of the Church.
- 11.11.5. By personal request
of the Minister, such as in the event that the Minister is unable
to continue in service to the community. Said person shall remain
in good standing in the Church without condemnation.
- 12. Privilege of Participation
- 12.1. We have chosen a path
of unity; thus we strive to include people from all backgrounds in our
rituals and activities. Unfortunately we live in a culture where others
can often be rude, judgmental or disruptive when they misunderstood
spiritual beliefs and practices.
- 12.2. Where possible, education
in order to reach an understanding is to be the goal when dealing with
ignorant persons.
- 12.3. However, Living Spirit
maintains the right to remove any disruptive, harassing or abusive participant
from any ceremony or activity.
- 12.4. As stated above, respect
for others will be the basis for proper behavior in all activities,
services and ceremonies. Therefore, when possible, disruptive participants
will be politely requested to leave.
- 12.5. Ministers and facilitators
of ceremonies and activities will decide on the action to remove a person,
keeping in mind the well being and safety of all participants.
- 12.6. Deliberate and intentional
disruptions of ritual will not be permitted.
- 12.7. Violence or abusive
behavior towards participants will not be tolerated.
- 12.8. Our traditions uphold
the correctness of holding services in natural settings. Regardless
of the location of a particular ceremony, the space in which a ceremony
is held will be considered sacred by all that attend.
-
- 12.8.1. Those who do not
agree to this request for respect of consecrated or ceremonial space
may leave.
- 12.8.2. In the event that
individual are disruptive to Church activities, they will be asked
to leave.
- 12.8.3. Given that Members
understand the sacredness of ceremony wherever it takes place, they
will be expected to assist in maintaining the sacredness of the occasion.
- 12.8.4. Sacred space takes
many forms. For ritual purposes, as an example, visitors will consider
a glen or park to be just as sacred as a church or temple.
- 12.8.5. Participants in
an activity or ceremony held in nature will leave the area of the
ceremony in proper environmental condition.
- 13. Discipline of Members
- 13.1. Members of the church
may be disciplined in the following cases:
-
- 13.1.1. In the event
of public or private rejection of the Declaration of Faith or the
Creed of this Church.
-
13.1.2. In the case of misconduct.
-
13.1.3. In the case of disruptive behavior or actions involving members
of the church or rites of the church.
- 13.2. The decision to discipline
a member is made by the Executive Council and a Minister of the membership
or congregation.
- 13.3. Discipline of a member
can include any or all of the following actions:
- 13.3.1. Discussion of
the situation or act with a Minister of the church.
- 13.3.2. Discussion of
the situation or act with the Executive Council.
- 13.3.3. Discussion of
the situation or act with a duly authorized delegation or governing
council of the Church.
- 13.3.4. Appearing at and
participating in a Talking Stick Council authorized by the Executive
Council.
- 13.3.5. Apology of the
member with the Membership in witness.
- 13.3.6. Public censure
of the member with the Membership in witness.
- 13.3.7. The individual
being removed from the membership of the Church.
- 13.3.8. The individual
being removed from the membership of the Church and forbidden to attend
future activities of the Church.
-
- 13.3.8.1.
Individuals removed from membership shall have the right to petition
the Executive Council
for
re-admission into membership.
- 13.3.8.2.
Said petition will be in written form.
- 13.3.9. Other forms of
discipline may be adopted as the case demands.
- 14. Amendments
- 14.1. Amendments to this
constitution may be proposed and handled in the same manner as the policy
set forth in the bylaws for amendment.
Signatory approval of the Executive Council of Living Spirit - on the orginal
document.
|
