By-Laws of Templum Vetus Deus quod Dea
Article I: Name and Statement of Purpose
Name: The name of this Church and Corporation is: Templum Vetus Deus quod Dea. Hereafter, referred to as Templum Vetus Deus quod Dea or TVDqD. Templum Vetus Deus quod Dea (TVDqD) is a Nonprofit Religious Organization; organized and incorporated to perform legal activities appropriate of Religious Organizations. Templum Vetus Deus quod Dea is a Church (Temple) of the Tradition of Traditional British Witchcraft. Templum Vetus Deus quod Dea was incorporated in the State of Georgia on January 14, 2010.
Statement of Purpose: Our purpose is to educate Members, Seekers, Initiates, and the General Public about the Beliefs, Practices, and Tradition of Traditional British Witchcraft; to provide Members, Seekers, and Initiates with materials and tools to aid in their Spiritual Journey.
Article II: Qualifications of Membership and Participation
A. Membership shall be offered by Application to Seekers and Initiates of Traditional British Witchcraft upon approval of the Council of Elders. No person shall be denied access to membership on the basis of Gender, Race, Sexual Orientation, Physical Handicap, or Age providing they are 18 years of age.
B. All perspective members have read and understand these By-Laws.
C. Degrees of Participation
1. Guest: Individual who may attend all open events of Templum Vetus Deus quod Dea.
2. Initiates: Individuals who can validate their Lineage and Initiation within Traditional British Witchcraft.
Article III: Administration and Operation
A. The Council of Elders: The Council of Elders shall oversee the operation of the Church. By-Laws for the Church are voted upon by the Council. The Council will consist of no more than 13 Elders of Traditional British Witchcraft. There will always be an odd number of Elders on the Council. After initial election, all terms will consist of 4 years. The Council of Elders shall be responsible for activities to the General Public including: Events, Information for Membership of Templum Vetus Deus quod Dea, and Resources for Initiation within Traditional British Witchcraft, Outreach, and Networking. All Elders are elected by the general vote of the membership of the Church. Election of Elders for the Council will occur at the announced meeting in the year of the term expiration.
B. Elders: Defined as any Third Degree Initiate of Traditional British Witchcraft, who has shown High Levels of Commitment to the Church and voted upon by the Council of Elders. Elder are responsible for the long term Health and Sustainability of the Church.
C. Ordained Clergy: The Status of Ordained Clergy is authorized by Templum Vetus Deus quod Dea through the Council of Elders to Third Degree Initiates of Traditional British Witchcraft.
Article IV: Schedule of Meetings
A. Rituals: The Rituals will be at the recommendation of the Council of Elders to benefit the General Public and Members of Templum Vetus Deus quod Dea.
B. Seminars: Seminars shall be open to the General Public and should be offered at such times and places as the Council of Elders decides. The Council of Elders shall establish the Curricula.
Article V: Attendance
A. Esbats: Esbats should be held in the Homes of the Elders and shall be closed to the General Public and are considered a teaching and learning event for the Members of Templum Vetus Deus quod Dea and Initiates of Traditional British Witchcraft.
B. Sabbats: Sabbats should be held in the Homes of the Elders and shall be closed to the General Public and are considered a teaching and learning event for the Members of Templum Vetus Deus quod Dea and Initiates of Traditional British Witchcraft.
C. Sabbats (Public): Public Sabbats shall be open to the General Public and are scheduled on or near selected Sabbats.
D. Classes: Classes shall be designated open only to Initiates and Elders of Traditional British Witchcraft and Templum Vetus Deus quod Dea, or open to the General Public by the Council of Elders.
Article VI: Finances
A. The Finances of the Church shall include donations, profit from fundraising activities, and sales of items established by the Council of Elders.
B. The Council of Elders shall make a quarterly report of income and expenses to the Council of Elders and Members of Templum Vetus Deus quod Dea.
C. All required forms and reports shall be filed with the State and Federal Government as required to maintain Legal Status of Templum Vetus Deus quod Dea.
Article VII: Privacy of Members
A. The Names, Addresses, Phone Numbers, and other information relating to Members of Templum Vetus Deus quod Dea shall be considered confidential and may not be disclosed without prior permission from the Member(s) involved.
B. Disclosure of confidential information shall be grounds for expulsion.
C. Templum Vetus Deus quod Dea considers the Personal Information provided by Members to be used by the Church only and will not give such information without explicit permission for the Member(s).
Article VIII: Revision of By-Laws
A. Any part of these By-Laws may be amended by the request of the Council of Elders at any time without prior notice.
B. If at any time, any portion of these By-Laws are deemed to be in conflict with any Applicable Laws, that section will no longer be valid.
