By Laws
The Church of New Enchantment Bylaws
Revised November 5, 2024
ARTICLE I - NAME
The name of this organization shall be “The Church of New Enchantment,” hereafter referred to as the Church.
ARTICLE II - PURPOSE
The purpose of the Church is to provide a spiritual community grounded in Esoteric Universalism, with a foundation in Gnosticism and the principles of Christ Consciousness. This alignment fosters a deep commitment to exploring inner truth and divine wisdom while remaining open to diverse religious backgrounds and beliefs. We believe that all spiritual paths are interconnected and that each individual’s journey contributes to a universal understanding of enlightenment and divine love.
The Church operates as a virtual-based religious organization, primarily through an online platform, offering spiritual counseling, educational services, and community engagement. The Church also advocates for spiritual inclusivity and respects the privacy and anonymity of its members.
The Church of New Enchantment is an interfaith, nondenominational organization grounded in Esoteric Universalism. We honor diverse spiritual practices and embrace individuals from all religious backgrounds. Our beliefs incorporate practices such as Reiki, crystal energy work, herbalism, sacred rituals, and light work, supporting personal transformation and spiritual exploration. With inspiration drawn from a range of spiritual traditions, we aim to empower individuals to awaken their divine potential and pursue enlightenment.
ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP
1. Membership Eligibility: Membership is open to all individuals who resonate with the beliefs and principles of the Church.
2. Membership Process: Membership shall be granted upon completion of an application and approval by the Church’s leadership. Members’ privacy shall be respected, and anonymity shall be protected.
3. Termination of Membership: Membership may be terminated by written resignation or by a decision from Church leadership for conduct contrary to the Church’s beliefs and principles.
ARTICLE IV - LEADERSHIP AND OPERATIONS
1. Leadership: The Church is led by the Lead Minister, Dr. Peter Sousa, and the Vice-Lead Minister, S. Roxanne Ramirez-Sousa, responsible for overseeing the Church’s management, direction, and operations.
2. Decision-Making: The Church does not currently have a formal council; decisions on operations, finances, and activities are made by the Lead and Vice-Lead Ministers, with plans to add council members as leaders emerge.
3. Virtual Operations: The Church primarily operates online, offering virtual reflections, spiritual counseling, and community engagement.
4. Core Services: Services include religious counseling, pastoral guidance, and spiritual readings, central to the Church’s mission. The Lead Minister, Dr. Peter Sousa, receives compensation for these services.
5. Volunteer Clergy: Volunteer clergy members contribute without receiving payment, supporting the Church’s mission and operations.
ARTICLE V - FINANCES
1. Funding: The Church shall be supported by voluntary contributions, fees for services, memberships, and other lawful means deemed appropriate by Church leadership.
2. Compensation: The Lead Minister is compensated for services integral to the Church’s mission, including spiritual counseling and readings.
3. Financial Compliance: All financial transactions adhere to applicable laws and regulations, ensuring compliance with IRS requirements.
ARTICLE VI - THE CNE SEMINARY
1. Purpose: The CNE Seminary, part of the Church of New Enchantment, provides religious education aligned with the Church’s beliefs in Esoteric Universalism.
2. Religious Education: The Seminary is authorized to offer religious degrees and certifications solely for religious purposes, not constituting secular academic degrees.
ARTICLE VII - AUTOMATIC EXEMPTION AND LEGAL STATUS
1. Tax-Exempt Status: The Church of New Enchantment operates as a tax-exempt organization based on freedom of religion, without the need for formal 501(c)(3) registration, asserting independence from government interference.
2. Exclusion from Public Insurance: Due to religious beliefs, the Church does not participate in public insurance programs like Social Security or Medicare for its ministers or employees. Members handle personal tax and insurance matters per their beliefs and applicable laws.
ARTICLE VIII - AMENDMENTS
1. Amendment Process: The Lead Minister and Vice-Lead Minister may amend these bylaws to meet the Church’s evolving needs, in compliance with applicable laws.
2. Membership Notification: Members shall receive notice of proposed amendments at least two weeks before implementation.
ARTICLE IX - FINAL PROVISIONS
As an inclusive spiritual organization, The Church of New Enchantment embodies Esoteric Universalism and fosters acceptance, exploration, and inner growth. Through sacred rituals, energy healing, angelic work, prayer, crystal energy practices, and holistic wellness, we support spiritual freedom and personal empowerment.
ARTICLE X - SPIRITUAL ADVOCACY
The Church of New Enchantment is committed to being a spiritual advocacy group, dedicated to promoting freedom of spiritual expression and supporting diverse beliefs. We aim to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to explore and express their spirituality.