Post by jadedsage on Aug 10, 2004 13:55:29 GMT -5
Composed by: Mirlin Poplar, Ellyn Keyel, and Suzan McDermott-Measheaw
Email: mirlin1968@aol.com
The Practices of Members of the Universal Terran Church (UTC)
History:
We date our origin back to when Ike "Mirlin Poplar" Moorefield conceived the idea for Uniterran Paganism in September 2002 while living in FL. The original High Council was founded July 23, 2003 in Victor, NY. The group's by-laws were ratified in Victor, NY on September 27, 2003. The members chose the word "Church" because of its rareness of use in Pagan groups. Its use is intended to restore a positive image to the word "church." The word "Terra" is the Latin word for "Earth." "Terran" is another word for "Earthling" or "Human." The use of this word signifies a great affection for and dedication to the Planet Earth. We call it a Universal Church because we have branch Parishes in several other nations besides the United States. The Universal Terran Church originally chartered as a Congregation of the Universal Life Church based in Modesto, CA. The first ritual of the group was held on November 1, 2003 in observance of Samhain or "Ancestor's Day." An observance of Yule, Christmas and Hanukkah was held on December 20, 2003 and was the Church's first official "All Faith's Day" ritual. Each Sabbat since has been observed with some form of ritual or fellowship. Weekly and Monthly "Breakfasts" have been held on Sundays to promote fellowship among members and, quite often, some form of spiritual or educational literature or poetry has been shared at the close of these gatherings. It is the goal of the Universal Terran Church to be independent and registered as a 501c3 Non-Profit "Church" organized for the purposes of Religion. That is a long uphill battle, but that is a battle worth fighting. UTC is now based in Canandaigua, NY.
What Constitutes Membership?
It was decided early on that membership in any online Yahoo Group or forum did not constitute membership in the Universal Terran Church. In order to be a member of UTC, each individual must fill out and sign a membership form. Without submitting this signed form, an individual cannot claim membership in the Universal Terran Church. Those under the age of eighteen must have a parent or guardian give written consent by filling out a consent form. This form MUST be signed in the presence of a Notary Public before it can be valid. Membership is free; there is no obligation to tithe. All memberships are for life.
Branch Parishes:
The first Parish established was in the state of Florida by Pastor Cela SilverMoon in November 2003.
Virginian, Canadian and Australian groups were formed in November 2003 as well.
These groups have formed Yahoo Groups and have been meeting on a local basis. Various states have started UTC Yahoo Groups for the sole purpose of trying to start state Parishes. It is the intention of UTC to allow these groups a certain amount of autonomy while helping to spread our core beliefs without proselytizing.
Core Beliefs:
The primary belief of adherents to Uniterranism is that "All Paths are Valid."
Bearing this in mind, UTC is primarily Neo-Pagan, but the Church is open to all religions, even mainstream and "not-so-popular" left-hand paths. We believe the Earth (Terra) is "alive and sacred" and that it is our duty as citizens of Earth to care for it and preserve it. Another goal of UTC is to educate Pagans about paths they may not be familiar with and to help teach tolerance of these paths. We teach "D.A.R.T." which is an acronym for Diversity, Acceptance, Respect, and Tolerance. These four ideals are what UTC strives to teach others and ourselves. "Service to Humanity" also plays a strong role in Uniterran belief.
"Fellowship" is a core value of Uniterrans and there is a belief that wherever members gather, a spiritual experience is taking place regardless of whether or not a ritual is being held. Like many Pagan groups, UTC does not believe in proselytizing, but UTC does seek to introduce "Uniterran Paganism" to others by inviting others to join with us, either in person or on the Internet.
Role of Clergy:
Clergy in the Church are dedicated to a three-year training course that includes elements of Pagan religions, mainstream religions, crafts of the craft, journal work, goal setting, and teaching. After three years, a Clergy Examination must be passed.
Clergy members plan and coordinate ritual, solemnize handfastings, teach and give counseling. They help teach in the community at large and they give community service. It is the responsibility of each Clergy member to set an example of "Servant Leadership." Before one can lead, one must serve others. Most Clergy within the Church have specific areas of responsibility. Within the Church there is a "High Council" made up of nine adults, all of whom have specific duties. Members of the Church who are not at least 18 years of age may not serve on the High Council but may be appointed or elected to certain positions of leadership within the Church.
Email: mirlin1968@aol.com
The Practices of Members of the Universal Terran Church (UTC)
History:
We date our origin back to when Ike "Mirlin Poplar" Moorefield conceived the idea for Uniterran Paganism in September 2002 while living in FL. The original High Council was founded July 23, 2003 in Victor, NY. The group's by-laws were ratified in Victor, NY on September 27, 2003. The members chose the word "Church" because of its rareness of use in Pagan groups. Its use is intended to restore a positive image to the word "church." The word "Terra" is the Latin word for "Earth." "Terran" is another word for "Earthling" or "Human." The use of this word signifies a great affection for and dedication to the Planet Earth. We call it a Universal Church because we have branch Parishes in several other nations besides the United States. The Universal Terran Church originally chartered as a Congregation of the Universal Life Church based in Modesto, CA. The first ritual of the group was held on November 1, 2003 in observance of Samhain or "Ancestor's Day." An observance of Yule, Christmas and Hanukkah was held on December 20, 2003 and was the Church's first official "All Faith's Day" ritual. Each Sabbat since has been observed with some form of ritual or fellowship. Weekly and Monthly "Breakfasts" have been held on Sundays to promote fellowship among members and, quite often, some form of spiritual or educational literature or poetry has been shared at the close of these gatherings. It is the goal of the Universal Terran Church to be independent and registered as a 501c3 Non-Profit "Church" organized for the purposes of Religion. That is a long uphill battle, but that is a battle worth fighting. UTC is now based in Canandaigua, NY.
What Constitutes Membership?
It was decided early on that membership in any online Yahoo Group or forum did not constitute membership in the Universal Terran Church. In order to be a member of UTC, each individual must fill out and sign a membership form. Without submitting this signed form, an individual cannot claim membership in the Universal Terran Church. Those under the age of eighteen must have a parent or guardian give written consent by filling out a consent form. This form MUST be signed in the presence of a Notary Public before it can be valid. Membership is free; there is no obligation to tithe. All memberships are for life.
Branch Parishes:
The first Parish established was in the state of Florida by Pastor Cela SilverMoon in November 2003.
Virginian, Canadian and Australian groups were formed in November 2003 as well.
These groups have formed Yahoo Groups and have been meeting on a local basis. Various states have started UTC Yahoo Groups for the sole purpose of trying to start state Parishes. It is the intention of UTC to allow these groups a certain amount of autonomy while helping to spread our core beliefs without proselytizing.
Core Beliefs:
The primary belief of adherents to Uniterranism is that "All Paths are Valid."
Bearing this in mind, UTC is primarily Neo-Pagan, but the Church is open to all religions, even mainstream and "not-so-popular" left-hand paths. We believe the Earth (Terra) is "alive and sacred" and that it is our duty as citizens of Earth to care for it and preserve it. Another goal of UTC is to educate Pagans about paths they may not be familiar with and to help teach tolerance of these paths. We teach "D.A.R.T." which is an acronym for Diversity, Acceptance, Respect, and Tolerance. These four ideals are what UTC strives to teach others and ourselves. "Service to Humanity" also plays a strong role in Uniterran belief.
"Fellowship" is a core value of Uniterrans and there is a belief that wherever members gather, a spiritual experience is taking place regardless of whether or not a ritual is being held. Like many Pagan groups, UTC does not believe in proselytizing, but UTC does seek to introduce "Uniterran Paganism" to others by inviting others to join with us, either in person or on the Internet.
Role of Clergy:
Clergy in the Church are dedicated to a three-year training course that includes elements of Pagan religions, mainstream religions, crafts of the craft, journal work, goal setting, and teaching. After three years, a Clergy Examination must be passed.
Clergy members plan and coordinate ritual, solemnize handfastings, teach and give counseling. They help teach in the community at large and they give community service. It is the responsibility of each Clergy member to set an example of "Servant Leadership." Before one can lead, one must serve others. Most Clergy within the Church have specific areas of responsibility. Within the Church there is a "High Council" made up of nine adults, all of whom have specific duties. Members of the Church who are not at least 18 years of age may not serve on the High Council but may be appointed or elected to certain positions of leadership within the Church.