By Laws
The Church of New Enchantment Bylaws
ARTICLE I - NAME
The name of this organization shall be “The Church of New Enchantment,” hereafter referred to as the Church.
ARTICLE II - PURPOSE
The purpose of the Church is to provide a spiritual community for Liberated Christians or those drawn to Liberated Christian beliefs and to promote the teachings and principles of Christianity and Liberated Christianity in a mutually supportive and harmonious way. The Church operates as a virtual-based church and religious organization, primarily through an online website, offering spiritual counseling, religious counseling, and educational services. The Church also advocates for our unique system of beliefs and protects the anonymity of our members.
The Church of New Enchantment is a nondenominational Christian Independent New Thought organization that incorporates New Age metaphysical practices. These include Reiki, crystal energy work, herbalism, rituals, and magic. As a nondenominational church and religious organization, we embrace individuals from diverse religious backgrounds and beliefs, fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment. We recognize and celebrate the inherent worth and dignity of every person, encouraging spiritual exploration and personal growth. Drawing inspiration from various spiritual traditions and the teachings of New Thought philosophy, we seek to empower individuals to awaken their divine potential and manifest their highest good.
As part of the Independent Sacramental Movement (ISM), we align with a tradition that values sacramental practices and apostolic succession while embracing independence and inclusivity. The ISM is a collection of Christian communities that practice sacramental Christianity independently from traditional denominational structures, allowing for a wide range of theological perspectives and spiritual practices, including those that are mystical and alternative.
ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Membership shall be open to all persons who share the beliefs and principles of the Church.
Section 2. Membership shall be granted upon completion of a membership application and approval by the Church’s leadership. All members shall remain anonymous, and their privacy shall be protected by the Church.
Section 3. Membership shall be terminated by written resignation or by a decision made by the Church’s leadership for conduct contrary to the Church’s beliefs and principles.
ARTICLE IV - LEADERSHIP AND OPERATIONS
Section 1. The Church is led by the Lead Minister, Dr. Peter Sousa, and the Vice-Lead Minister, S. Roxanne Ramirez-Sousa. They are responsible for the management, direction, and operations of the Church.
Section 2. The Church does not currently have a formal Church Council. All decisions related to the Church’s operations, finances, and activities are made by the Lead Minister and Vice-Lead Minister. However, as we build leaders we will be adding members of council. and ranking members.
Section 3. The Church operates primarily through an online platform, offering virtual sermons, spiritual counseling, and religious services to its members and the public. The majority of the Church’s activities and interactions take place online.
Section 4. The Church’s operations include providing one-on-one religious counseling, pastoral counseling, and psychic readings, which are central to the Church’s mission and belief system. The Lead Minister, Dr. Peter Sousa, generates the majority of the Church’s income through these services and receives payment for these activities as they are directly related to his role within the Church.
Section 5. The Church has volunteer clergy who assist in various ways without receiving payment. Their contributions are vital to the Church’s mission and support its operations.
ARTICLE V - FINANCES
Section 1. The Church shall be supported by voluntary contributions, fees for services provided, and spiritual course memberships, and any other lawful means deemed appropriate by the Church’s leadership.
Section 2. The Lead Minister, Dr. Peter Sousa, is compensated for his services related to pastoral counseling, psychic readings, and other religious activities, as these are integral to the Church’s mission and operations.
Section 3. The Church’s financial transactions, including payments to the Lead Minister and operational expenses, are managed in accordance with applicable laws and regulations to ensure compliance with IRS requirements.
ARTICLE VI - THE CNE SEMINARY
Section 1. The Church of New Enchantment includes the CNE Seminary, which is dedicated to providing religious education and training within the context of our beliefs and practices. The seminary operates as an integral part of the Church’s mission to promote spiritual growth and understanding.
Section 2. The CNE Seminary is authorized to offer religious degrees, certifications, and other forms of recognition solely within the scope of religious education and the Church’s denomination. Any educational offerings are intended exclusively for religious purposes and do not constitute secular academic degrees.
ARTICLE VII - AUTOMATIC EXEMPTION AND LEGAL STATUS
Section 1. The Church of New Enchantment operates under the principles of freedom of religion as protected by applicable laws and regulations. The Church asserts its status as a tax-exempt organization through automatic exemption as a church and religious organization, without the need for formal registration with the IRS under section 501(c)(3). The Church reserves the right to separate itself from any government interference or control.
Section 2. The Church does not participate in public insurance programs such as Social Security or Medicare for its ministers or employees due to deeply held religious beliefs that conflict with such programs. Ministers and employees are responsible for handling any personal tax or insurance matters according to their religious convictions and applicable laws.
ARTICLE VIII - AMENDMENTS
Section 1. These bylaws may be amended by the Lead Minister and Vice-Lead Minister as necessary to meet the evolving needs of the Church, provided that such amendments are in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Section 2. Notice of proposed amendments shall be given to the Church’s membership at least two weeks in advance of their implementation.
ARTICLE IX - FINAL PROVISIONS
Section 1. By embracing an inclusive and empowering form of Christianity that integrates New Age metaphysical practices, the Church of New Enchantment fosters acceptance, exploration, and inner liberation. Through sacred rituals, angelic work, prayer, Reiki, crystal energy work, herbalism, and the recognition of interconnectedness, we prioritize spiritual freedom and personal empowerment.