.............................. | I. Mission Statement The Purpose of the Lion’s Gate is to promote a healthy environment for the growth of nature-based religion(s), through education, fellowship, and responsible lifestyle. To assist associated pagan groups in performing their events or activities if asked and we are able to do so, and to work on helping the community at large through charity and service. II. Requirements for Membership Members must meet the following requirements: a. Must be able to read and write.Upon request the applicant will receive the needed forms to request membership, to be turned in with a non-refundable application fee of $5.00. The applicant will then be contacted within 7 days, and a time for their Induction arranged. III. Responsibilities of Members a. Members understand and agree that this handbook is subject to change and amending at anytime, and without their consent. However, the Elders must inform the group and wait 7 days before enforcing any changes to the bylaws, or 5 days if members voted it. IV. Code of Conduct The following things are violations of the Lion’s Gate Code and may cause disciplinary action or discharge from the group. a. Bringing any illegal recreational substance to a Gate function, or one where we are present. V. Resolving Differences In the event that there is a conflict between members, the Clan Head(s) shall determine a solution. Should that not be satisfactory or if the behavior is a violation of the Code of Conduct, then the relevant parties are required to submit a written statement to the Council of Elders. The Elders will then make a decision that will be the final word on the subject. If directed towards an Elder the same process applies but that Elder is omitted from deciding. VI. Classes of Events Lion’s Gate has two classifications for events that it is associated with, and/or supports/sponsors. a. Family- These are events that it is safe to bring all ages of the family to. There’s no graphic violence or sexual content. When such themes are used, they are in a very symbolic context. Since there may be children or the feeble-minded present we ask that attendees follow IV-d at these rituals. VII. Clans Elected within each Clan is the Clan Head. The Clan Head is responsible for coordinating the members of the Clan, and keeping the Clan informed. The Clan Head is elected once a year on the Summer Solstice. Each Clan has its own area of interest, and as time goes by Sub-Clans will be added. To change your Clan, you must first submit a written request to your Clan Head, or an Elder. a. Ox Clan- This Clan is mainly concerned with Family events and get-togethers, and fund-raisers such as bake sales, car washes, etc. This clan would also govern things like family counseling and weddings. VIII. Ritual King On the Solstices and Equinoxes a Ritual King will be elected and serve until the next king is elected. This position is purely ceremonial and the King’s duties are to mainly hold court at ritual, and play his role in the High day rites. To be elected to this position is to be honored by the members, and as such during his reign he is exempt from dues. Elders may not be elected to this position. IX. Eldership Elder Council shall have final say over disputes, and shall make decisions as to the groups goals, and create/eliminate offices. The Council will have final say over budgetary matters in the bylaws. There is to be an odd number of Elders including the Emerald Sanctuary’ Lord High Priest, who may have final veto power in all decisions. Elders are also exempt from dues. The requirements for Eldership are as follows: a. A minimum of 4 years running or supervising a pagan group, or 2 years experience as a practicing pagan and 600 hours of service to the Lion’s Gate. X. Voting Members are expected to vote at each High Day. If the member is going to be unable to attend, they will need to submit their absentee ballot via e-mail or post. Ballots shall be provided at each High Day for the relevant issues. Each member gets to vote only once per issue. Any member may submit a proposal for a bylaw change or activity motion up to 30 days prior to a given High Day. For more information contact Lord Rassilon at (864) 335-8565 or 1-800-253-7011 or e-mail. Back to The Sanctuary | ......... |