The Bylaws of The Source Coven Network

1/  NAME
The name of this Temple and Tradition will be The Source Coven Network.

2/ PURPOSE
The Source Coven Network is established as a Temple, and a Mystery Tradition of the Wiccean religion, dedicated to the reverence of Deity as we understand it, and to aiding the practice and spiritual development of our members and our community .We recognize that major change in the world can only begin by nurturing change in individuals and their circumstances, therefore we set forth the following functions and purposes of this organization;

1. To facilitate the practice of the Wiccean religion in accordance with the forms and manners of the Traditions custom.

2. To identify, develop and train members, students, and associates by means of the Traditions degree system as established and modified by the Core Coven (The Source Coven of The Blue Dragon)

3. To support, research, teach and promote the religious arts, sciences, and concepts of Wicca, of our Tradition and the various associated skills and traditions.

4. To encourage reading, research, study and growth on the part of members and associates, and to make available literature and any other materials necessary to facilitate these pursuits among members and the community.

5. To publish newsletters, papers, magazines articles, pamphlets, books, internet sites, and other materials deemed appropriate to the stated purposes of the church and Tradition as determined by The Root Coven or its delegated authority .

6. To establish and maintain congregations, religious orders, temples, schools, colleges, libraries, research facilities, Sanctuaries, retreats, camps, and/or festivals, and to provide services in accordance with this church and Tradition.

7. To work associate and affiliate with other individuals, churches, agencies and organizations whose purpose and goals are in accordance with the principals and goals of this church and Tradition as determined by the Core Coven.

8. To receive money, property and values of every kind that might be donated, contributed, collected or held by the church, and to administer these funds and property which after the payment of necessary expenses, shall be devoted exclusively to the religious, charitable, literary and educational purposes of this Temple and Tradition as determined by The Core Coven.

9. To engage in and promote any functions, services and activities deemed appropriate, necessary or expedient for the purposes of the Temple and Tradition as determined by the Core Coven, its delegated authority, or the directors of the various subordinate organizations.

10. To exercise any and all powers to which an establishment of religion is entitled in the respective countries of operation.

3/ MEMBERSHIP
There will be Seven levels of membership in the Church;

1. Seekers i.e. Cowan’s

A. This level of membership requires no dues or covenants.
B. Requirements are attendance and /or participation in a minimum of one Church or Tradition function or forum, and to abide by the Church and Tradition guidelines while present at Church or Tradition sponsored events or while participating in Church or Tradition forums.
C. Cowan’s may participate in all public events and forums, and may, at the sole discretion of the Home Coven or their delegates, be invited to events or forums for other levels.
D. Cowan’s are not eligible to vote in Church or Tradition business, and may not run for any office.

2.  Dedicates

A.  This level of membership may require dues or services as determined by the Home |Coven, and will require the them to abide by the home coven ethics statement and guidelines
B.  Requirements are that you be at least of the age of consent and to meet the standards set by the Tradition and the home coven.
C.  A mentor of a higher degree will be chosen for the dedicant by the local Coven or its designated representative.
D.  Dedicants may participate in all public events or forums, and those church and Tradition events , functions and forums not specifically limited to member of a higher level
E.  Dedicants are not eligible to vote in Church or Tradition business and may not run for any office.

3.  First Degree

A. This level of membership may require dues or services as determined by the Home Coven, and will require the covenant to abide by the home circle ethics statement and guidelines.
B. Requirements ar4e to have the recommendation of the mentor chosen for the member, as well as one of the other members and to meet the standards set by the tradition and the root coven within the temple degree system.
C. First degrees may participation all public events or forums, and those temple and tradition events, functions and forums not specifically limited to members of a higher level.
D. First degrees in good standing have one vote in general temple or tradition business and may run for any office not limited to members of a higher level.

4. Second Degree

A. This level of membership may require dues or services as determined by the home Coven and will require the covenant to abide by the home circle ethics statement and guidelines.
B. Requirements are to have the recommendation of two home circle members of second or higher status, and to meet the standards set by the tradition and the root coven within the degree system.
C. Second degrees may participate in all public events and forums, and those temple and Tradition events, functions and forums not specifically limited to members of a higher level.
D. Second degrees in good standing have one vote in general temple or Tradition business and may run for any office not limited to those of a higher level.

5. Third Degree

A. This level of membership may require dues or services as determined by the home coven and will require the covenant to abide by the home circle ethics statement and guidelines.
B. Requirements are to have the agreement of two thirds of the root coven, and to meet the standards set by the Tradition and Core coven within the Temple degree system.
C. Third degrees may participate in all public events or forums, and those Temple and Tradition events, functions and forums not specifically limited to the Core Coven.
D. Third degrees in good standing have one vote in general Temple or Tradition business and may run for any office.
E. Third degrees in good standing with the Temple shall be ordained by the church to perform the rites and rituals of the root coven Tradition within the guidelines set by the Tradition and the Core Coven.

6. Root Coven Inner Circle

A. This level of membership is reserved for the founders of this Temple and tradition, the senior officers of the Temple, and the elders of the Tradition.
B. At all times the number of members of the Core Coven inner Circle shall be between two and thirteen.

7.Founders

A.  It is emphatically the province of the founders to deal with matters that affect the tradition as a whole.

1/ The officers of the Temple, or councils of individual covens or congregations do not have the power to take any action that is binding upon the Tradition as a whole without the prior agreement and consent of the founders

A/ Maters that affect the Temple as a legal entity shall remain the province of the Core Coven inner circle acting as the board of directors.

2.. The position and powers of the founders are granted for life, or until incapacitation or voluntary retirement.

B. The founders prior to their death, incapacitation or retirement, designate a successor to assume their positions, with all the rights and responsibilities that the position entails.

1. If the founders choose to exercise this right, the chosen successor may also choose a successor to assume their position upon their death, incapacitation, or retirement.

2. Each chosen successor shall have the right to choose and train their successor until such time as a chosen successor elects not to exercise this right.

3. Should a founder or any chosen successor not exercise this right, the Inner Circle may elect a member to fulfill the position left vacant.

4. All other responsibilities and powers granted to the founders through the Temple constitution or bylaws, or through Tradition, become the province of the Core Coven inner Circle as a whole upon the death, incapacitation or retirement of the founders.

4/ CORE COVEN INNER CIRCLE

A. Management of the Temple is vested in the Inner Circle, consisting of the founders of the Core Coven the senior offices of the Temple , and the elders of the Tradition.

B. The Senior Officers are defined as The Grand Master, the Squire, The Lady , and the Crone.

C The Elders of the Tradition are those third degree members who have met the definition of Elder within the established Temple degree system.

D. The inner Circle will meet on a regular basis as determined by the founders or by a majority vote of the inner circle, but no less often than quarterly.

E. Notice or regular Inner circle meetings shall also be made to the general membership via electronic publication and or printed media when available.

F. A record will be made of all inner Circle meetings and activities, incorporating all reports submitted to the council. These records will be maintained accessible to all members upon request.

G. The powers of the Inner Circle will be those delegated by the founders, and by the bylaws Of the Temple

H. To call regular or special meetings of the Inner Circle or of the membership on the initiative of the founders, the Grand Master, or by mutual agreement of two or more Inner Circle members.

I. To make rules and regulations, not inconsistent with law or the bylaws of this Temple and Tradition for the guidance of officers and members.

J. To make rules and regulations for the use and management of all church property, whether real or personal, and to change such rules and regulations as is deemed right and proper by the founders or Inner Circle

K. To establish, modify and maintain standards of education and proficiency for circle and degree requirements, and to set continuing education requirements and practice standards for Clergy.

L. To establish and modify dues and service requirements for membership that are not inconsistent with the constitution or the bylaws of the Temple and Tradition.

M. To determine what is due and reasonable compensation to be paid to any member of the Temple or Tradition for services rendered to or for the Temple or Tradition, or affecting one or more of its purposes.

N. To maintain at a central office confidential files and any other such records as may be deemed necessary to carry out the purposes of the Temple and Tradition.

0. To have full power and authority to borrow money on behalf of the Temple, or to otherwise incur indebtedness on behalf of the Temple, and to authorize the execution of promissory notes or other evidences of indebtedness.

P. The mission of the Inner Circle collectively and of each member individually includes, within reason, seeking input from the membership on all major decisions, especially from concerned parties

Q. The proceedings of the Inner Circle acting in accordance with the Temple and Tradition bylaws.

R. If any matter should require action by a board of directors, or by trustees, the Inner Circle will be considered the Board of Directors and its members Trustees.

S. Except in matters outlined in The Temple or Tradition Bylaws, or in matters in which a dispute arises, the Inner Circle should exercise the minimum necessary power to coordinate the business of the Temple and Tradition.

T. Only as directed by the bylaws, or where there is a compelling interest should the Inner Circle take action in the internal matters of individual Covens.

5/ OFFICERS

A The senior officers of the Temple shall be a Grand Master, A High Priestess,  A Crone

THE GRAND MASTER shall preside over all meetings of the Inner Circle and general membership

Shall have general charge of the business of the Temple and Tradition.

Shall execute in the name of the Temple all deeds, bonds, contracts, and other obligations and instruments authorized by the Inner Circle and/or necessary to carry out the resolutions of the Inner Circle

Shall be a member of third degree or higher.


THE HIGH PRIESTESS shall be vested with all the powers and shall perform all the duties of the Grand Master in case of the absence or disability of the Grand Master

Shall have such other powers and responsibilities as may be assigned by the founders or Inner Circle.

Shall be Second degree or higher and an active member of the Temple.

In the case of resignation, permanent disability or death of the Grand Master they shall serve as Grand Master Pro tem, and the Inner Circle shall appoint a new High Priestess Pro Tem

6/ The FOUNDERS

A. The Founders of the Inner Circle may designate such other officers and assign such other duties as they deem necessary to facilitate the management of the Temple, or to carry out the purposes of the Temple and Tradition. Such other officers shall meet the requirements for the office by the Inner Circle

Shall serve for a term designated by the Inner Circle

Shall be elected or appointed in a manner set by the Inner Circle and consistent with the requirements of the Temple Bylaws.

Shall report to the Inner Circle, but shall not be considered members of the Inner Circle unless they qualify for Inner Circle membership according to the definition of the Inner Circle as stated in the Temple Constitution and Bylaws.

May not vote in Inner Circle business unless they qualify for Inner Circle membership and vote according to the definition of the Inner Circle as stated in the Temple Constitution and Bylaws.

7/ COVENS

A. The Temple acting through the Inner Circle or its designated representatives, may issue permission to members to create Covens as congregational units of the Temple

These Covens are recognized congregations of the Temple and shall be recorded as such in the Temple records.

Covens shall not be considered subordinate organizations of the Temple for legal and tax purposes.

A Coven is defined as any group of Source Coven members who decide to work together, and who meet the following requirements.

A Coven shall consist of a minimum of two members, at least one of which must be second degree or higher.

A Coven must agree to conduct themselves in accordance with the constitution and Bylaws of the Temple and Tradition and to abide by the ethics statement and guidelines as established by the Inner Circle

The Coven may establish local policies for the coven and make these known to the Inner Circle.

These policies may be peculiar to the individual coven

Coven policies shall neither circumvent nor contradict the Bylaws of the Temple or Tradition.

If a conflict is found to exist between the Bylaws of the Temple or Tradition and the policies of a member Coven, the Bylaws will take precedence.

The Coven shall meet on a regular basis, but no less often than quarterly.

The Coven shall submit reports to the Inner Circle or its designated representative on a quarterly basis in the manner and form to be determined by the Inner Circle

All Covens shall be answerable for their actions to the founders and the Inner Circle whose decisions in all cases shall be final excepting such appeals as are allowed in the Bylaws of the Temple

A Coven does not have the right or the power to incur debt in the name of the Temple

The Inner Circle may establish and modify additional requirements for covens consistent with the Temple constitution and Bylaws.

8/ ETHICS AND GUIDELINES

A.  An essential feature of the Temple and Tradition shall be the commitment to integrity and ethical conduct.

B. Inner Circle should recognize the Wiccan rede,” An it harm none, do what thou will”

C. To assist in clarifying the Temple and Traditions interpretation of the rede and its application to the decisions and choices of the everyday life of its members, and covens, a code of honour shall be used to serve as a guideline for ethical and moral standards.

D. The code of honour shall be comprised of the following core principals

1. Truth
2. Civility
3. Respect
4. Responsibility
5. Scholarship
6. Courage
7. Conservation
8. Community

A. Interpretation of these principals shall be based on personal honour, coven and family honour, personal responsibility and fulfillment of duty to gods and goddesses, to family,

B. to self and to community.

E.  All coven members must read and sign, and abide by the following
covenant;

1. I will consider my pledge word sacred.
2. I will respect others’ sights to freedom in all areas, including safety, privacy, and philosophy.
3. I will endeavor to treat others with the civility and respect deserved by all living creatures.
4. I will endeavour to accept full responsibility for my actions and my words, and for the consequences of my choices.
5. Honesty is valuable, I will remember this in thought, word and deed.
6. I will respect the privacy of others, and will not disclose personal information shared in Source Coven Forums, classes, and circles’
7. I understand that willful transgression of this covenant, or repeated violation of the code of honour shall be grounds for the termination of my membership of The Source Coven Network.
8. All Source coven forums and activities will be conducted with appropriate ethical and moral behavior.

F.

1. No ritual nudity at any Source Coven sponsored public events, unless the land and property are privately owned and afford reasonable security and privacy during all ceremonies or events. Any nudity shall be entirely optional, and is to be announced in advance by the persons or group holding the event.
2. All public representations of sexual rites will be symbolic only. The source Coven Network regards private consensual sexual activities between adult members to be their own private business, but exploitive behavior , such as pressure on a reluctant or unwilling being to engage in sexual activity of any kind is entirely unacceptable and constitutes grounds for immediate banishment from The Source Coven Network.
3. Sacrificial rites will be symbolic only. Ritual sacrifice of any living being is expressly prohibited. While The source Coven Network recognizes that ritual slaughter of an animal is intended for consumption may be a valid expression of religious belief, absolutely no animal slaughter shall be allowed at any Source Coven Event under any circumstances.
4. No substance abuse will be tolerated at Source Coven functions

A .To possess or use any illegal substance at any Source Coven event or function constitutes grounds for immediate banishment.
B. Any disruptive, abusive, exploitive, or intoxicated behavior is prohibited. Such behavior includes refusal to comply with reasonable requests regarding behavior related to drinking, and any pressure on an unwilling person to consume alcohol, or offering alcohol to underage attendees. Such behavior shall result in expulsion from the event, and possible out-casting or banishment upon review by the inner Circle.

5.  Should behavior outside Source Coven Forums, functions and events by any member present an unfavourable image of the Source Coven Network, and such behavior threatens the Temple or Tradition, the Inner Circle shall have the option of disciplining, out-casting, or banishing the offending party or parties.

9/ ALLIANCES WITH OTHER TRADITIONS AND GROUPS

A. Other Groups

1. The Network may with the consent of the inner circle, issue statements of support to , and cooperate in the endevours of, any other organization that furthers the stated purposes of The Source Coven Network. As outlined in the constitution and by laws and is consistent with the constitution and by laws of The Source Coven Network.
2. Any statement of support may be withdrawn or any cooperative endeavour halted at any time by the Source Coven Network in the involved organization ceases to function in furtherance of the stated purposes of the Source Coven Network or if credible evidence is found that said organization operates or contributes to behaviour or agendas against The Source Coven Networks purpose and or ethics.

10/ AMENDMENTS

A. The procedure for amending these bylaws shall be as follows:

1. The proposed amendment shall be presented to the Source Coven Inner Circle at a regularly scheduled meeting. After a period of deliberation, they shall vote on the proposed amendment.
2. If the proposed amendment receives a two thirds affirmative vote, it shall be presented to the general members for consideration
3. If the proposed amendment receives a two thirds affirmative vote from the general membership, the amendment shall be incorporated into these bylaws.

ACCEPTANCE

We the undersigned members of the Source Coven Network, do hereby declare the forgoing bylaws accepted as the governing document of the Temple and Tradition of The Source Coven Network