The Church of The United
Pagan/Wiccan Alliance

By-Laws
The Church Of The United Pagan/Wiccan Alliance

MISSION STATEMENT

1.1 The Church of The United Pagan/Wiccan Alliance is a church which derives its power from the diversity and strength of each individual member, and exists to provide for its members a safe space in which to express their spirituality.

1.2 The Church of The United Pagan/Wiccan Alliance exists as an open forum for the members to share knowledge, wisdom, and ideas.

1.3 The Board of Directors has jurisdiction in all administration matters.

1.4 In all matters of spiritual training, a three degree system is honored and employed.

1.5 The Church agrees to follow a common body of laws which protect the rights and well being of the church as a whole and the individuals that compose it. The Laws apply equally to all, and is applied equally to all, regardless of position or degree.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

2.1 FORMATION of TRUSTEES

2.1.1 The core group will be a _____ number of individuals who hold offices within the corporate structure.

2.1.2 Corporate titles for these individuals are "TRUSTEE".

2.1.3 The Board of Directors and the Trustees are responsible for the execution of all corporate needs and management of fiscal responsibilities of The Church.

2.1.4 The Chair of The Board of Directors and The Trustees, as a group, bestow legal clergy rights and privileges on members of sufficient rank and merit.

2.1.5 The Trustees, as a group, may bestow these same clergy rights on a limited basis to those of merit but who have not yet gained the rank necessary to carry them indefinitely.

2.2 TERM OF OFFICE

2.2.1 The Trustees are set at the formation of this body and there is a 2 year term of office.

2.2.2 The position of Trustee conveys a great deal of responsibility and may require more time than can be given by an individual. For this reason, a Trustee who finds her/himself without sufficient time and/or energy to fulfill his/her position may take a hiatus of up to six months and still retain his/her position as Trustee.

2.2.2.1 If a trustee takes a hiatus, the membership may choose from among the volunteers from the membership one of merit to fill the role and responsibilities of the missing Trustee, on the understanding that it is only a temporary position. If the remaining Trustees can effectively handle the work of the missing Trustee, they do not need to seek a replacement for the one on hiatus.

2.2.2.2 If after six months, the missing Trustee still feels unable to fulfill his/her responsibility as Trustee, s/he will no longer be considered a Trustee and may be replaced.

2.2.2.3 Elections will then be held to elect a new Trustee from among the membership. This new Trustee will have the same rights and responsibilities as the other Trustees, including a 2 year term of office.

2.3 REMOVAL OF A TRUSTEE

2.3.1 If the Trustee has so violated the trust of the membership as to make some or all uncomfortable with the Trustee retaining their position, any of the membership may make a Motion to Recall.  Motion to recall can not be made until dispute resolution has been attempted.

2.3.2 If such a motion is made, a meeting date must be set and communicated to all members at least 2 week prior to the meeting date. This is necessary as all members are encouraged to participate.

2.3.3 At least 67% of the membership must be present (in person or by written proxy) at the time of the vote.

2.3.4 To recall a Trustee at least 60% of those present must agree by means of their vote to remove the Trustee. If less than 60% vote for the recall, the Trustee maintains his/her position, but is urged to look at the concerns of the membership and do her/his utmost to address the concerns and regain good faith.

2.3.5 Removal or resignation from the Board of Trustees in no way affects their status as members of The Church.

2.4 ADDITIONAL TRUSTEES

2.4.1 If at some point the Board of Directors and the Trustees determine that there is a need for additional Trustees to meet the functional needs of the Board of Trustees, they may call for volunteers from within the membership to fill the new vacancy(ies).

2.4.2 The consensually accepted Trustee(s) have the same rights and responsibilities as the standing Trustees, including a 2 year term of office.

2.5 REMOVAL OF ADDITIONAL TRUSTEE POSITION(S)

2.5.1 If it comes to pass that an established Trustee position goes vacant, either due to lack of membership or lack of interest, for a period of nine months or more, that position is removed from the structure and can only be reinstated by means outlined previously.

 

THE SECRETARY

 

3.1 RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SECRETARY

3.1.1 Every group will inevitably receive correspondence and requests for classes. For this reason, there needs to be a person who is charged with answering correspondence and questions about the group, and chairing meetings.

3.1.2 The Secretary represents The Church to all outsiders and is responsible for responding to all inquiries, written or otherwise. The secretary takes notes at meetings.

3.1.3 Though not required, it is strongly urged that the Secretary periodically check in with the membership to ensure that they are adequately representing The Church and not just their own opinions.

3.1.4 The Secretary’s assistant is a volunteer position answering to the membership and the Secretary can also hold the position of Trustee concurrently, but the Secretary does not need to be a Trustee.

3.1.5 If more than one member volunteers for a given term, the volunteers will work out between themselves who will serve the next term with the remaining volunteers being pre-assigned for subsequent terms.

3.1.6 If the volunteers are unable to work out an amenable solution, the membership will vote for their choice of Secretary assistant with a simple majority determining the appointee.

3.1.7 Once the Secretary’s assistant for the coming term has been determined, the new Secretary’s assistant must confer with the Secretary in order to be briefed on current practices and pending needs of the position. Any significant changes desired by the new Assistant must be brought for approval to the Trustees.

3.1.8 The Secretary will keep on file copies of all incoming or outgoing correspondence, and will report significant correspondence at business meetings.

3.1.9 The business files, and all correspondence are property of the Church.

3.2 REMOVAL OF THE SECRETARY’S ASSISTANT

3.2.1 If the Assistant has so violated the trust of the membership as to make some or all uncomfortable with the Assistant retaining his/her position, any of the membership may make a Motion to Recall. Motion to recall can only be can not be made until disputes resolution has been attempted.

3.2.2 If such a motion is made, a time and date for the meeting to vote on the motion is set. All members must be notified at least 2 weeks in advance of the meeting.

3.2.3 At the time of the meeting, at least 67% of the membership must be present, either in person or by written proxy.

3.2.4 To recall the Assistant, a simple majority of those present must agree by means of their vote to remove the Assistant. If the majority does not vote to recall the Assistant, the Assistant retains his/her position, but is urged to look at the concerns of the membership and do her/his utmost to address their concerns and regain their faith.

3.2.5 Removal or resignation of the Assistant in no way effects their status as members of The Church.

THE MEMBERSHIP

4.1 FORMATION

4.1.1 Membership is voluntary and any may choose to terminate their association at any time.

4.1.2 The membership is composed of Pagans/Wiccans. It is not necessary that it be of any specific tradition.

4.1.3 Membership is by invitation or initiation into The Church.

4.1.4 When a member wishes for an invitation to be offered to a Pagan/Wiccan, he/she presents to the membership at a meeting whom he/she wishes to join The Church and why.

4.1.5 The presenting member may be questioned by the membership regarding the merit of the person they propose.

4.1.6 After all questions have been asked by the membership, a vote will be held regarding whether an invitation should be issued by The Church, with a consensus determining the outcome.

4.1.7 If an invitation is voted for, the person who brought the vote shall issue the invitation to the perspective member, along with the Code of Honor they will be expected to follow and other necessary information regarding The Church.

4.1.8 If the perspective member accepts the invitation to join, a Joining Ceremony will be scheduled within no less than a moon cycle. All members are strongly urged to make every attempt to attend this ceremony.

4.1.9 Members receiving petitions for initiation will bring them immediately to the Board of Directors and the Trustees, which will decide by consensus whether to accept the candidate.  The Church will not initiate anyone under 18 years of age

4.2 RIGHTS OF THE WHOLE MEMBERSHIP

4.2.1 All members are implicitly invited to church meetings and have an equal vote in all matters brought before the membership either by voice or by proxy.

4.2.2 All members are eligible to serve as Trustees and as Secretary’s Assistant.

4.2.3 Though The Church is a family, all members are free to pursue their studies either within or outside of The Church membership, insofar as such choices do not conflict with the Code of Honor.

4.2.4 All members are free to associate with whomever they find worthy of their time, regardless of any tension that may exist between the persons they choose to associate with and members of The Church, insofar as such choices do not conflict with the Code of Honor.

4.2.5 All members are at all times bound by the Code of Honor.

4.3 RIGHTS OF THE 1ST DEGREE

4.3.1 May cast circle for themselves and for members of The Church.

4.3.2 May teach classes within and for The Church and non-Pagan/Wicca workshops outside of The Church.

4.3.3 May lead rituals for themselves and for members of The Church.

4.3.4 May consecrate their own magickal tools.

4.3.5 May attend 1st degree initiation ceremonies and other circles to which they are invited.

4.4 RIGHTS OF THE 2ND DEGREE

4.4.1 May cast circle without restriction.

4.4.2 May teach classes within and for The Church and workshops and classes outside of The Church.

4.4.3 May train students in the Craft.

4.4.4 May form study groups/churches. They are strongly urged to work with a partner of the 2nd or 3rd degree in such endeavors, as the temptation/opportunity to misuse authority is thus greatly diminished.

4.4.5 May lead rituals for themselves, their students, and for members of The Church.

4.4.5.1 Must lead at least one Sabbat ritual/celebration within the Wheel cycle.

4.4.6 May perform initiations with a partner of 2nd degree, or with a partner of 1st degree who has had clergy rights bestowed by the Trustees for the purpose of initiating, if a 3rd degree is present and in accord with the ceremony.

4.4.7 May attend 2nd degree elevation ceremonies and circles to which they are invited.

4.4.8 May refer to self as "A Priest/ess".

4.5 RIGHTS OF THE 3RD DEGREE

4.5.1 May cast circle without restriction.

4.5.2 May teach classes within and for The Church and workshops and classes outside of The Church.

4.5.3 May train students in the Craft.

4.5.4 May form their own church. They are strongly urged to work with a partner of the 2nd or 3rd degree in such endeavors, as the temptation/opportunity to misuse authority is thus greatly diminished.

4.5.5 May lead rituals for themselves, their students, in the community (Pagan/Wiccan and Mundane), and for members of The Church.

4.5.5.1 Must lead at least two Sabbat ritual/celebration within each Wheel cycle.

4.5.6 May perform initiations with a partner of at least 2nd degree, or with a partner of 1st degree who has had clergy rights bestowed by the Board of Directors for the purpose of initiating.

4.5.7 May attend 3rd Degree elevation ceremonies and circles to which they are invited.

4.5.8 May refer to self as "a High Priest/ess".

4.6 MEMBERSHIP STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

4.6.1 All members shall abide by the Code of Honor, these bylaws, and if initiated freely taken by themselves.

4.6.2 No member, student, or candidate shall ever be required to perform or submit to sexual acts as a condition of receiving teachings, initiations, elevations, or any other benefit, nor shall one be required to witness sexual acts, nor to broker sexual services, nor to acquiesce to the sharing of a spouse or sexual partner.

4.6.3 No member shall infringe upon the Constitutional rights of any member, student or candidate.

4.6.4 In all matters, members shall ever strive to conduct themselves in an exemplary manner and in keeping with that which they were taught and that which they teach.

4.6.5 No member shall ever intentionally lie or distort information to another member, student, or candidate with the object of harming, exploiting, or otherwise taking advantage of that person. A Witch's word is his or her bond. If a promise cannot be kept, members shall not make such a promise.

4.6.6 Board of Directors and the Trustees have the right to amend these code of conduct as situations arise by the vote of the Board of Directors and the Trustees 2/3rds of those present.

4.7 REMOVAL OF A MEMBER

4.7.1 If the member has so violated the trust of the membership as to make some or all uncomfortable with the member remaining within The Church, any of the membership may make a Motion to Dismiss.  A motion to dismiss can not be made until dispute resolution has been attempted.

4.7.1.1 The seriousness of this potential action should limit this option as the very last resort considered. The following offenses shall constitute the whole for which this option may be invoked: VIOLATION OF THE CODE OF HONOR, VIOLATION OF THE CONTRACT WITH THE STUDENT, OR THE VIOLATION OF THE MEMBERSHIP STANDARDS OF CONDUCT.

4.7.2 If such a motion is made, a meeting date must be set and communicated to all members at least 2 week prior to the vote. This is necessary as all members are encouraged to participate (and at least 67% of the membership must take part if the vote is to be valid).

4.7.3 At least 67% of the membership must be present in person (or by written proxy) at the time of the vote.

4.7.4 To dismiss a member, at least 75% of those present must agree by means of their vote to break ties with the member. If less than 75% vote for the Dismissal, the member maintains his/her membership, but is urged to look at the concerns of the membership and do her/his utmost to address the concerns and regain their faith.

CODE OF HONOR

5.1 The Wiccan Rede

Bide the Wiccan Rede ye must,
In Perfect Love and Perfect Trust;
Live ye must and let to live,
Fairly take and fairly give;
Form the Circle thrice about,
To keep unwelcome spirits out;
Bind fast the spell every time,
Let the words be spoke in rhyme.

Soft of eye and light of touch,
Speak ye little, listen much;
Deosil go by waxing moon,
Sing and dance the Witches' Rune;
Widdershins go by waning moon,
Chant ye then a baleful tune;
When the Lady's moon is new,
Kiss hand to her times two;
When the moon rides at peak,
Heart's desire then ye seek.

Heed the North wind's mighty gale,
Lock the door & trim the sail;
When the wind comes from the South,
Love will kiss them on the mouth;
When the wind blows from the West,
departed souls have no rest;
When the wind blows from the East,
Expect the new and set the feast.

Nine woods in the cauldron go,
Burn them quick, burn them slow;
Elder be the Lady's tree,
Burn it not or curs'd ye'll be;
When the wind begins to turn,
Soon Beltane fires will burn;
When the wheel has turned to Yule,
light the log, the Horned One rules.

Heed the flower, bush or tree
By the Lady blessed be'
When the rippling waters flow
cast a stone - the truth you'll know;
When ye have & hold a need,
Hearken not to others' greed;
With a fool no seasons spend,
Or be counted as his friend.

Merry meet and merry part
Bright the cheeks, warm the heart;
Mind the threefold law ye should,
Three times bad and three times good;
Whene'er misfortune is enow,
Wear the star upon your brow;
True in troth ever ye be
Lest thy love prove false to thee.

'Tis by the sun that life be won,
And by the moon that change be done;
If ye would clear the path to will,
Make certain the mind be still;
What good be tools without Inner Light?
What good be magic without wisdom-sight?
Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill -
An it harm none, do what ye will.

 

5.2 To consider your word sacred.

5.3 To love all things in nature.

5.4 To respect all paths to the center.

5.5 To honor Deity in it's many manifestations.

5.6 To abstain from harm when possible, pursuing resolution over conflict.

5.7 To share the Truths of the Church only with those who are properly prepared to receive them.

5.8 To have the courage to stand firm in your convictions, ever taking counsel of your Highest Self.

5.9 At all times, to do the very best you can.

5.10 No public display of sexual activity at group gatherings and main events.

5.11 No under age drinking, unless parents are present with consent but must be supervised.

5.12 The Witches' Creed

Hear Now the words of the witches,
The secrets we hid in the night,
When dark was our destiny's pathway,
That now we bring forth into light.
Mysterious water and fire,
The earth and the wide-ranging air,
By hidden quintessence we know them,
And will and keep silent and dare.
The birth and rebirth of all nature,
The passing of winter and spring,
We share with the life universal,
Rejoice in the magical ring.
Four times in the year the Great Sabbat
Returns, and the witches are seen
At Lammas and Candlemas dancing,
On May Eve and old Hallowe'en.
When day-time and night-time are equal,
When sun is at greatest and least,
The four Lesser Sabbats are summoned,
And Witches gather in feast.
Thirteen silver moons in a year are,
Thirteen is the coven's array.
Thirteen times at Esbat make merry,
For each golden year and a day.
The power that was passed down the age,
Each time between woman and man,
Each century unto the other,
Ere time and the ages began.
When drawn is the magical circle,
By sword or athame of power,
Its compass between two worlds lies,
In land of the shades for that hour.
This world has no right then to know it,
And world of beyond will tell naught.
The oldest of Gods are invoked there,
The Great Work of magic is wrought.
For the two are mystical pillars,
That stand at the gate of the shrine,
And two are the powers of nature,
The forms and the forces divine.
The dark and the light in succession,
The opposites each unto each,
Shown forth as a God and a Goddess:
Of this our ancestors teach.
By night he's the wild wind's rider,
The Horn'd One, the Lord of the Shades.
By day he's the King of the Woodland,
The dweller in green forest glades.
She is youthful or old as she pleases,
She sails the torn clouds in her barque,
The bright silver lady of midnight,
The crone who weaves spells in the dark.
The master and mistress of magic,
That dwell in the deeps of the mind,
Immortal and ever-renewing,
With power to free or to bind.
So drink the good wine to the Old Gods,
And Dance and make love in their praise,
Till Elphame's fair land shall receive us
In peace at the end of our days.
And Do What You Will be the challenge,
So be it Love that harms none,
For this is the only commandment.
By Magic of old, be it done!

 

5.13 Thirteen Goals of a Pagan and Wiccan

 

1.      1 - Know yourself.

2 - Know your Craft.

3 - Learn.

4 - Apply knowledge with wisdom.

5 - Achieve balance.

6 - Keep your words in good order.

7 - Keep your thoughts in good order.

8 - Celebrate life.

9 - Attune with the cycles of the Earth.

10 - Breathe and eat correctly.

11 - Exercise the body.

12 - Meditate.

13 - Honor the Goddess and God.

 

6.0 DISPUTE RESOLUTION

6.1 There will inevitably be disputes among the membership, and possibly there will be concern about the performance of Trustee or Secretary’s Assistant duties.  All such disputes should first be discussed person-to-person.

6.2 If resolution is not found personally, then the dispute or issue should be brought to The Church for resolution.

6.3 The Church should find consensual resolution. If consensus cannot be reached, then a simple majority will determine the resolution. In cases where a simple majority is not evident, then the individual called into question will pick from the possible resolutions.

CHURCH MEETINGS

 

7.0 BUSINESS MEETINGS

7.1 All members who have attained the degree of Priest/ess will meet quarterly to discuss matters of spiritual training and other matters of the clergy. It is expected that all members of the clergy will make every reasonable effort to attend these meetings.

7.2 All members of the Board of Directors and The Trustees are required to attend an annual business/planning meeting, which is to be held at or about Imbolc, to plan events and issues for the upcoming year. It is expected that every member of the Board of Directors and the Trustees will make every reasonable effort to attend this meeting.

7.3 Ad-hoc meetings may be called at any time by any Trustee, as the need arises. All Trustees are encouraged to attend these meetings.

7.4 The Secretary’s Assistant will chair and will take notes of all business meetings. If the Secretary is unable to chair a meeting, a Trustee will act as the chair.

8.0 SABBATS AND ESBATS

8.1 When possible, the Church will gather to celebrate the eight Sabbats of the Wheel. All members of the Church are expected to make every reasonable effort to attend these celebrations.

8.2 When possible, the Church will gather to celebrate the thirteen Esbats of the Wheel. All members are encouraged to make every reasonable effort to attend these celebrations.

A. ASSOCIATES

A.1 An associate is reserved for those close to the heart of The Church of The United Pagan/Wiccan Alliance who live at such a distance that they cannot attend most church functions.

A.2 An associate is free to attend all church functions.

A.3 An associate retains all the rights of a member
  
A.4  Change of residence to within easy access of the church transmutes associate to member without further action.

The Church Body

B. Originating Board of Directors or Founding Board of Directors

B.1 Originating Board of Directors or Founding Board of Directors will be the head of the body of the church. They will consist of the following:

·        Chairman- head of the Board of Directors, they will be a 3^rd degree initiate and must be ordained.

·        Secretary- 2^nd only to chairman, they must be at least a 1^st degree initiate and do not have to be ordained.

·        Treasurer- 3^rd in seniority, they must be at least a 1^st degree initiate and do not have to be ordained. 

These two offices are strictly clerical and there is no need for them to be ordained, however  they must have some knowledge of the Church.

B.2 Board of Trustees will consist of all of the representatives of the various committees ie. Activity Committee, Fundraiser Committee, Newsletter Committee, Webpage Committee, Public Relations Committee, Parade Committee, Children Activity Committee, Pagan/Wiccan Traditions Committee.

B.3 Ministry Ranking Structure will be laid out as such:

·        3^rd degree initiates/ordained ministers will report to the head of the originating board of directors/or high priest/ess.

·        2^nd degree initiates/ordained ministers will report to the 3^rd degree initiates/ordained ministers.

Note* that ordination will be done by the church after ordination test has been given, and initiations will be done in accordance with initiates particular tradition, also note that initiates do not have to be ordained.

B.4 Non-Ministry Ranking Structure

·        3^rd degree initiates

·        2^nd degree initiates

·        1^st degree initiates

·        Members

C. External Branches

C.1 External branches of the main Church will have a Board of Directors with the same structure, and are answerable to the founding or originating Board of Directors and their congregation as a whole. The branch of the main Church will maintain quarterly reports and must send a $5.00 donation for filing fee and maintenance and so in turn with other Branches.