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| Q: What is Coven of Christ Ministries and why was it formed?
A: Coven of Christ Ministries is an Ecumenical Esoteric Christian Community and Coven Church of like minded believers called to a ministry of service. It was formed to give those persons who are sincere in desiring ordination into an Esoteric Christian communion with a valid, legal opportunity to serve God/dess as a Priest or Priestess. Q: If that is the case, why not become ordained in one of the mainstream Christian denominations or Neo-Pagan traditions? A: Because for some, it simply is not possible. The reasons are many and diverse. Such may include the inability to attend a full time Seminary, because of gender or other societal reasons, or even dogmatic or doctrinal reasons of their respective traditions or bodies of worship. Some are solitaries and have no structured ordination endorsing agency to turn to. Q: So, is Coven of Christ Ministries a group of clergy who are in schism with other mainstream Christian denominations or Neo-Pagan traditions? A: The answer is no. Coven of Christ Ministries was not formed by a group of clergy who are schismatic. COCM was formed simply to give those who do not have the means or opportunity to serve their God/dess in fulfillment to a calling that has been placed upon them. Q: Must one seeking ordainment with COCM relinquish membership, affiliation, or alignment with other denominations or traditions currently associated with? A: Of course not! We do not concern ourselves with which tradition or denomination one wishes to align themselves with. Nor whether or not one chooses to be a solitary practitioner. Our focus is faith centered rather than observing traditional religious structure or dogma. All members of the clergy who are ordained by COCM may choose the liturgy and style of worship that they are comfortable with or accustomed to. Q: Is there any rank structure associated with ordination sanctioned by Coven of Christ Ministries? A: No. COCM does not have a formal degree structure. COCM ordination, in and of itself, is not an indication that the clergy member has matched the level of a 2nd or 3rd degree initiate in Orthodox practice. Indeed, some COCM clergy are very well educated and proficient in practice and discipline, but this is not a degree system. Q: Who may seek membership and/or ordination in Coven of Christ Ministries? A: Coven of Christ Ministries is an inclusive Christo-Eclectic fellowship and coven church open to all Christian Wiccans, Christian Mystics, Magickal Christians, Esoteric Christians, Earth-Based Christians, Christo-Pagans, and all others with a Christo-Eclectic flare who wish to align themselves with the works and ministry of COCM. Q: Does ordination by Coven of Christ Ministries make a person a legally ordained member of the clergy? A: Again the answer is yes. Coven of Christ Ministries serves as an umbrella organization providing members with formal representation in the eyes of the federal, state, and local governments. This coven church legally ordains local clergy providing them with legitimacy in the eyes of the government and the same rights and responsibilities as ordained clergy from any other church organization. Q: That sounds good, but what is the legal basis for this type of ordination process? A: In 1974, a ministry which ordained people in a simple manner by mail, and by other means, sued the United States Government. The suit was over taxes. However, when the Federal Judge ruled in the ministry's favor on taxes he also ruled on the legality of receiving ordination in a simple manner. Here is part of the Federal Judge's decision concerning simple ordination. "The Court must then address itself to the defendant's second conclusion: that the ordination of ministers, the granting of church charters, and the issuance of Honorary Doctor of Divinity certificates by plaintiff are substantial activities which do not further any religious purpose. Certainly the ordination of ministers and the chartering of churches are accepted activities of religious organizations. The defendant impliedly admits that same on Page 5 of its Memorandum in Support of its Requested Instructions. The fact that the plaintiff distributed ministers’ credentials and Honorary Doctor of Divinity certificates is of no moment. Such activity may be analogized to mass conversions at a typical revival or religious crusade. Neither this Court, nor any branch of this Government, will consider the merits or fallacies of a religion. Nor will the Court compare the beliefs, dogmas, and practices of a newly organized religion with those of an older, more established religion. Nor will the Court praise or condemn a religion, however excellent or fanatical or preposterous it may seem. Were the Court to do so, it would impinge upon the guarantees of the First Amendment." If you would like to read the complete case decision, it's filed in the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California, Civil No. S-1954. COMMENT: As a result of this Federal Judge's ruling, ministries started by mail ordained clergy have been flourishing throughout the United States , and in many other countries throughout the world. Q: Is Coven of Christ Ministries an " Internet Church "? A: The answer is no. Coven of Christ Ministries is an international fellowship open to members located across the world. The Internet is a valuable resource in means of communication, reaching out to people in a non confrontational format, and bridging a gap that may be thousands of miles long, in a second. Q: How are ordinations accomplished? A: All those interested in ordination must complete the minister ordination application as the first step in a process which will vary with each individual based on personal background, education, ministry experience, knowledge of Esoteric Christian and Neo-Pagan history and theology, etc. This process will also include dialogue either by telephone, e-mail, or, when possible, in person. Once a candidate is approved, a time and date for ordination will be mutually agreed upon. Q: Once ordained, am I an independent clergy person? A: Yes, you are. Coven of Christ Ministries, however, DOES NOT assume any LEGAL responsibility for its ministers. Neither COCM nor the individual minister is an agent for or of the other. However, each minister remains in communion with COCM. If an investigation finds serious violations of ethics, morals and values have indeed been committed; certain sanctions can and may be applied, up to and including removal and or revocation of the clergy member’s faculties and ordination. COCM reserves the right to refuse ordination to those who it determines should not be clergy for legitimate reasons. Q: Why should I become legally ordained? I thought only God/dess could ordain us. A: God/dess calls us to ministry. True! However, we live in the secular world, run by man. We are subject to man's laws. Man's laws dictate that we be recorded as legally ordained. Without recorded ordination we will not be recognized as "legally ordained" in man's world. Q: Is there any other registration required to perform marriages? A: YES! Ordination affords the Esoteric Christian Priest/ess the ability to perform a state recognized marriage ceremony that is totally valid providing due process of marriage license is followed to the letter. Marriages are regulated on the state level (sometimes county) with each having its own requirements. In most areas you must get your ordination recorded by the local government to legally perform marriages. IT IS IMPORTANT that you check at the county or court clerk's office in your area for complete details and legal requirements. Local laws governing religion and clergy vary widely so check with state, country, and provincial authorities BEFORE performing marriage ceremonies. WARNING: It is absolutely vital that the Priest/ess confirm the specific requirements with local authorities BEFORE offering to provide marriage services for anyone. Failure to do so could possibly put the Priest/ess in the position of having “married” a couple only to find out that the marriage is not legal or binding. Q: Is there any other registration required to perform funerals? A: Although ordination is a commonly accepted prerequisite, we are not aware of any legal requirements on who may preside at, or perform, a funeral ceremony. It is generally accepted that the family appointed clergy is “in charge” and will determine the course of events. It is strongly suggested that care be taken, however, to avoid conflict. Q: To what extent is a member of the clergy allowed to conduct counseling? A: Religious counseling should not be confused with psychological counseling. The function of a religious counselor is to assist the practitioner in coming to terms with issues related specifically to their religious beliefs. There are two legal issues that a Priest/ess should be aware of. First is not to step over the line into psychological counseling. If things stray off the religious topic, you can still listen and console but not counsel (literally meant as giving advice). Second is the law concerning confidentiality. What is told to you as a counselor is private personal information and is not to be discussed with others. Q: Is my ministry automatically Tax Exempt? A: NO. You must file for non-profit status with the IRS if you desire such exemption. Forms are available at your post office, or you can collect all the forms and information you require in this area directly from the IRS. COCM does not provide this coverage. To do so would require listing all of our ministers with the government. All of our ministers would then fall under governmental scrutiny. COCM will remain free of all government association either by incorporation or through IRS status. This assures autonomy of all ministries and ministers through the guarantees of the US Constitution. COCM will provide support through programs and various materials and offerings. Q: Why do I need professionally published Ministerial Credentials when I become ordained? A: Most areas will require you to record your ordination with the local government to legally perform marriages, etc. Email notification contains NO authorized signature and therefore will not qualify for recording. Many areas will not accept anything delivered via email or received directly over the Internet. There are other times that you may be asked to show some ID to prove your ordination as well. Check in your local area to find out your particular needs. Q: What is the cost of membership and ordination? A: Membership and ordination is 100% free. Q: Are there any renewal fees to keep my Ordination in tact and active? A: NO. Once you are ordained by Coven of Christ Ministries, you are registered as such for life! Q: Is my personal information kept confidential? A: YES. We will not give out your contact information without your approval being obtained first. We NEVER give out information for name lists or mailing lists Q: Once legally ordained, what title may I use with my name? A: You may use any standard Esoteric Christian or Neo-Pagan title that you choose. Any acceptable title may be used. You are not assigned a specific title by COCM. Q: I am not at this time seeking legal ordination. Is there still a place for me in Coven of Christ Ministries? A: Of course! We welcome, with open arms, all those who wish to align themselves with the works and ministry of COCM, whether they are seeking legal ordination or merely general membership. COCM is dependent upon the spiritual gifts, talents, and abilities of its members to fully become what the Lord and Lady intend it to be. For more details on how you can become a member of Coven of Christ Ministries, see the “Applications” link. |
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