Temple of the Sacred Arts
Temple of the Sacred Arts, Inc.
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As amended by the Board of Directors - June 27, 2008
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I. Name and Purpose
The name of this Church and Corporation is the “Temple of the Sacred Arts, Inc.” hereafter referred to as the “Temple of the Sacred Arts” or “the Temple.”
The Purpose of the Temple is to provide a place for people to learn about and participate in the Neo-Pagan Religion of Wicca.
The Temple is a non-profit religious organization, organized and incorporated to practice the full spectrum of legal activities appropriate for a religious congregation. (The Temple is not currently a 501c3 and so we do not qualify for tax-deductible donations.)
II. Denominational Affiliation
The Temple of the Sacred Arts is an independent, eclectic Wiccan/Neo-Pagan Church (independent and non-affiliated as of January 15, 2008).
The Church was incorporated in the State of Maryland on January 10, 2006.
Temple Theological Statement - The Temple holds that the Divine permeates the universe and unites all things, but ultimately may reveal itself in different ways to different people. The Divine exists in all things. We honor the God/Goddess and nature/earth-based spirituality and practices. We honor the fusion of progressive science with native earth-based wisdom and spirituality.
Rituals - The Temple shall hold rituals, as deemed appropriate, on the Sabbats and Esbats and other special occasions to celebrate the seasons, work magic, recognize rites of passage, and generally to honor the Divine, the God, and the Goddess. Temple events and rituals shall be “open,” except upon the rare occasion there are valid reasons otherwise (i.e., initiations shall be closed rituals, as well may be the occasional ritual utilizing advanced workings which may be inappropriate or potentially detrimental for an inexperienced individual).
III. Administration and Operation
A. Board of Directors
The Board of Directors / Trustees shall consist the Officers of the Temple plus additional Directors / Trustees as may be elected by current Trustees to serve as a Trustee. The Chairperson of the Board shall be the President of the Temple. Board Members / Trustees shall be either First, Second, or Third Degree initiated Clergy in the Temple or have been elected by current Trustees to serve as a Trustee.
B. Officers
Head Minister - The spiritual leader of the Church. The position of Head Minister shall be held by either a Third Degree High Priestess or High Priest (to be referred to as the First High Priestess or First High Priest of the Church).
Co-Head Minister - The Deputy Minister and co-spiritual leader of the Church. The position of Co-Head Minister shall be held by either a Third Degree High Priestess or High Priest, if such a candidate is available, appropriate, and interested; and if not, a non-third degree Priestess or Priest may be appointed/elected to the position (and would be referred to as the First Priestess or First Priest of the Church).
President of the Church - Responsible for the administrative and corporate governance of the Church (the Church’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO)). It is expected that while the Church is in its growing phase, the position of Church President will be held simultaneous by the Head Minister.
Vice-President of the Church - Shall assist the President of the Church in the administrative and corporate governance of the Church. If the President of the Church so desires and directs, the Vice-President of the Church may act as the Chief Operating Officer of the Church, responsible for managing the day-to-day activities of the Church. It is expected that while the Church is in its growing phase, the position of Church Vice-President will be held simultaneous by the Co-Head Minister.
Scribe / Secretary of the Church - Responsible for keeping the minutes of meetings and handling correspondence as required or requested. Shall also keep the records of Church projects, rituals, and activities as deemed appropriate.
Purse Holder / Treasurer of the Church - Responsible for the collection of monies, keeping of accounts, making purchases or reimbursing others for authorized purchases, coordinates fundraising projects, and keeps files and records related to the church's accounting and legal status.
Elder of the Church - Honorary position of spiritual elder and adviser to the Church. The position of Elder High Priestess or Elder High Priest may be granted by the Board of Directors to an individual of wisdom who has shown extended and distinguished service to the Temple.
IV. Membership
A. General
Membership consideration in the Temple of the Sacred Arts shall be made- without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, social condition, Pagan tradition, religious background, or other religious affiliation (the Temple shall have no restrictions regarding membership in other Churches or spiritual communities) - to any individual who affirms the principles and goals of the Temple as stated in these Bylaws and who pledges to strive to live by the Wiccan Rede.
Minors may only participate in Temple events or rituals if they are either accompanied by their parent or guardian, or said parent or guardian has provided the Temple with a written authorization permitting their participation after an-in person meeting with one of the Temple Board of Directors.
Privacy of Members - The names, addresses, telephone numbers, and other information relating to individual Temple friends and members shall be considered confidential and will not be disclosed to non-members without the permission of that individual.
B. Membership Structure
Friend of the Temple - An individual who is interested in attending occasional Temple events, but is not ready or interested in becoming a Member of the Temple. Friends of the Temple are welcome to attend Temple events and open rituals; however, events or rituals that are held at a private residence may be by invitation. There is no attendance requirement for a Friend of the Temple. Friends of the Temple are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the normal codes of civic conduct while attending Temple activities. Serious breaches of such codes of civic conduct will result in banishment from Temple activities.
TempleMembership - General Member A General Member is an individual for whom the Temple of the Sacred Arts is their chosen spiritual community (or one of their chosen spiritual communities - the Temple shall have no restrictions regarding membership in other Churches or spiritual communities).
Upon being invited as such and signing the Temple Membership Book, Temple membership is open to “Friends of the Temple” who have attended three or more Temple activities. Temple members pledge to strive to abide by the Wiccan Rede, the Temple Code of Ethics, and the Temple Code of Behavior [currently being developed] (serious breaches of such will result in the removal of Temple membership status by the Board of Directors). Temple members are expected to attend at least three rituals per twelve-month period.
TempleMembership - Clerical Membership A Clerical Member is a First, Second or Third Degree Cleric initiated into the Temple. Clerical Membership and “Degrees” are by invitation and may only be granted upon the recommendation and approval of the Temple Board of Directors and after the completion of the required courses of study as specified by the Temple Board of Directors. Clerical Members pledge and dedicate themselves to personal spiritual development, service to the larger community and strive to live by the Wiccan Rede. Clerical Members support and may have an official role in the life of the Temple.
Ordained Clergy - Ordained Clergy status (authorized by the Temple to perform weddings, etc.) may only be granted upon meeting requirements specified by, and the unanimous approval, of the TempleBoard of Directors.
V. Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of the Temple shall be January 1 to December 31.
VI. Annual Membership Meeting
A Temple General Membership meeting shall be held a minimum of once a year. Both General Temple Members and Clerical Temple Members may attend the Temple’s General Membership Meeting.
VII. Revising the By-laws
These By-Laws may be changed by a vote of the TempleBoard of Directors.