Date: Tue, 21 Jun 1994 11:12:06 -0700 (PDT)
From: Joy Williams 
Subject: Ring Cycle part 1
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Okay, I don't how many parts there are, but I will begin this process:
If you have question or suggestion...this is still a semi-draft...write 
in your the subject line Response RC, part 1, or 2, or 3.

CHURCH OF ALL WORLDS

	THE  RINGS  SYSTEM

	By Anodea Judith and the Lifeways RINGS Committee

The RINGS system is the successor to the "PIP," or Progressive 
Involvement Program. This description of it was accepted and approved by 
Members at CAW's Annual Meeting July 31, 1993.  It is a first effort to 
describe this system and therefore may in future undergo changes.

The Church of All Worlds (CAW) is organized into a metaphoric form of 
nine concentric circles (see Stranger in a Strange Land, Heinlein), which 
provide a basis for training, growth and commitment. These Circles are 
grouped into three basic RINGS, each comprised of three Circles.  The 
RINGS denote, first, Seekers; second, Scions, and third, Clergy. (Yes, 
the CAW is a 3-Ring Circus!)  This system is designed to create a sense 
of spiritual accomplishment and focus, as well as a foundation for 
training and service into the Clergy. 

Each Circle assumes incorporation and completion of previous levels. It 
should be emphasized that there is absolutely no expectation or 
requirement that you, as a member of the CAW, need to progress into the 
Circles at all, unless you yourself so desire. Many members are perfectly 
content to remain in 2nd Circle indefinitely, and only a very few feel 
called to become Priestesses or Priests. But if you should wish to become 
more involved in the workings of CAW, and to help evolve a network of 
Pagans interested in changing themselves and the world around us for the 
better, here's how:

FIRST RING:  SEEKERS  (Circles 1, 2 and 3)  Ring Color:  Green

PURPOSE:  GROWTH

CIRCLE ONE:  CONTACT

If you are reading this, you have already come into contact with us, and 
this automatically puts you in Circle One.  One purpose of this phase is 
to make contact. Ways to accomplish this are:

	Read Green Egg. See if there is a local Nest in your area, and 
        attend a meeting. Attend our events or classes.
	Get to know some CAW members. 
	Decide whether you like us enough to formally join.

TRANSITION TO CIRCLE TWO:  If you decide to join, then you simply fill 
out an application and send us the current fee for yearly dues. If you do 
not know where to find an application, write to Church of All Worlds, 
P.O. Box 1542, Ukiah, CA 95482. 
 Joining the Church automatically puts you in: 

CIRCLE TWO:  GETTING TO KNOW US  (minimum, 6 months)

Once you join, you will receive one year's worth of quarterly issues of 
our national publication, Green Egg, and the smaller CAW membership 
newsletter, The Scarlet Flame.  You will also receive a membership card, 
a bibliography, a membership handbook (in progress) and a 10% discount on 
all classes and events sponsored by the Church or its subsidiaries.

The purpose of this phase is to get to know the people, the philosophies 
of the Church, our religious practices, and the movement we are a part 
of. Ways to accomplish this are:

	Read the following books: 

	Stranger in a Strange Land, by Robert Heinlein ( 1961 edition). 
While this wonderful science fiction classic is a bit outdated by now, it 
was the seminal book out of which the Church of All Worlds, in its 
original form, was conceived. From this book we got the concept of 
"grokking," the ritual of water sharing, and the "waiting is" that will 
remind you of why everything takes so long. 

	Drawing Down the Moon, by Margot Adler. This book chronicles the 
Neo-Pagan revival, and describes the movement of Goddess-oriented worship 
and the people that are part of it. This is a sizable tome; and for those 
who may feel daunted, we ask that you at least read the Chapter on the 
Church of All Worlds. It gives you some idea of our past history and 
development.

	The Spiral Dance, by Starhawk. If you are unfamiliar with the 
religious practices of Neo-Paganism, this book has become the standard 
introductory classic. Well-written, it covers the basics you need to know 
to be able to follow our general liturgical style and the meaning behind it.

In addition to reading, we ask that you to: 

	Attend your local Nest meetings.
	Take classes that are offered.
	Attend festivals.*
	Subscribe to other newsletters
	Read other books of your choice.
	Seek out other members and ask them questions. 
	Take time to "smell the roses" during this phase of getting to 
        know us.

	*(A listing of Pagan festivals nationwide can be obtained for 
$4.50 per year through Larry Cornett, a CAW Scion, at 9527 Blake Lane 
#102, Fairfax, VA 22031.)
TRANSITION TO CIRCLE THREE:  Once you feel certain that this is the right 
place for you and that your own ideas are complementary to ours, we ask 
you to write a short essay (1-2 pages) describing your understanding of 
the Church of All Worlds, and how you see yourself fitting in. You might 
include special skills you'd like to offer, pertinent ideas that sing to 
your soul, or what you hope to get out of your affiliation with us. This 
will enable us to know better how to serve our members, and to make sure 
people do not have the wrong impression of us. Acceptance of the essay 
puts you in: 


CIRCLE THREE:  GROWING  (minimum 6 months from acceptance of essay)

Now that you have placed your feet firmly upon the path, we request that 
you turn your attention to personal growth and education. Ways to 
accomplish this are:

     Begin some form of magical training if you haven't already. This can 
come from classes, correspondence course, private teacher, and in some 
cases where a lengthy time period is allowed, simple osmosis. Some people 
come to us who have already completed this level prior to their contact 
with us. If so, simply continue, and you will be credited for previous 
experience.

     Establish a regular spiritual practice. This can be meditation, Tai 
Chi, exercising, a daily ritual of some kind, establishing a home altar, 
daily meal blessings, prayers, puja, yoga, or taking care of animals. It 
should enhance your own state of being, strengthening mind, body, and spirit.

     Develop social skills and relationships by becoming active in your 
local Nest, working together with other people in ritual, or joining a 
philosophically aligned group outside of CAW. 

     Spend time in intimate contact with Mother Nature, through hiking, 
backpacking, gardening, eco-activism, or nature study.

     Begin exploration of the basic bibliography, reading at least four 
more books from at least three different categories.

     Subscribe to an additional Pagan journal. (Green Egg usually lists 
and describes other journals.) 

     Take training in communication skills and group dynamics. Since we 
are a grass roots organization, creating as we go, skills such as "active 
listening" or understanding of family system dynamics are crucial to 
further involvement. Believe us, if you get involved further, you will 
need them!

     Explore your own issues from childhood, if you have not already done 
so, working with any addictions to a substance or process you may be 
subject to, and finding a means of support for your own psychological 
health and further growth. This may involve entering therapy, a 12-step 
group, co-counseling, receiving body work or other group experience, such 
as our Chakra Intensive.



Joy Williams / dhummer@netcom.com
Scion in the Church of All Worlds


From owner-cawpagan-l@netcom.com  Tue Jun 21 20:54:36 1994
Date: Tue, 21 Jun 1994 11:51:58 -0700 (PDT)
From: Joy Williams 
Reply-To: Joy Williams 
Subject: Ring Cycle part 2
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TRANSITION TO SECOND RING:  Becoming a Scion

After spending a minimum of six months from your previous essay, and a 
minimum of one year from date of joining (though we suggest much longer), 
you may feel you are ready to work within the organization by offering 
service in the form of time, energy, or other skills that are needed. If 
so, you may wish to become a Scion. (This does not mean that we do not 
accept help from those who are not Scions, but that Scions are 
formalizing their commitment to service.)

If you wish to do this, we ask that you contact Lifeways to find a "Scion 
Advisor," and call the advisor up and have a chat about CAW, being a 
Scion, and what it's all about from the perspective of someone who's 
doing it. 

If you remain interested, then we ask you to obtain two letters of 
recommendation from members of your local Nest, or the equivalent if not 
Nest yet exists (responsible, adult Pagan associates). These letters 
should attest to your organizational skills, your general character, your 
communicative abilities, and your ability to inspire confidence in 
others. We also ask that you have a conversation with a clergy member and 
get them to make a verbal or written recommendation.

In addition, we ask that you demonstrate your ability to think critically 
and express yourself knowledgeably about comparative religion by writing 
the following essay:  Compare the religion you were brought up in (or the 
absence of such), Neo-Paganism, and a third religion that you have 
studied on your own. If you need more guidelines about this essay, 
contact Lifeways' voicemail at (510) 549-7740. Submit the essay first to 
your advisor; and if he or she feels it addresses the issue, and that you 
have satisfactorily completed the above suggestions, they will pass your 
essay and a note of recommendation on to Lifeways for final approval,  
and the setting up of your Scion Initiation Ritual.

     Note:  If there are major issues with other CAW members or Nests 
that remain unresolved, we ask that you use conflict resolution 
techniques to solve them before initiation. You may enlist the help of 
others to do so if necessary. Speak to your Scion advisor, or call Lifeways.

     Undergo Scion Initiation Ritual_usually held at Spring Equinox, 
Lammas, and at festivals where CAW clergy are present). 
     Receive Scion initiation, its tokens, and welcoming from the community.

SECOND RING:  SCIONS   (Circles 4, 5, and 6)   Ring Color:  Red

PURPOSE:  SERVICE

A Scion tithes the equivalent of one hour's wage per month to the Church 
(minimum $5 per month), which can be earmarked toward an area chosen by 
the Scion, such as Lifeways, Forever Forests, publishing projects, 
computer equipment, or Sanctuary improvements. All contributions are 
tax-deductible. Work trades are seldom acceptable. For this the Scion 
gets to attend festivals at cost (usually half price), and will continue 
to receive 10% discount on classes. (Green Egg subscription starts when 
tithing payments amount to at least $35, the regular membership fee.)

The Scion is expected to take on an active role in CAW affairs. This 
might mean forming a proto-Nest if there is not one in your area, or 
helping to run it if there is. It also means serving on committees or 
projects, attending CAW meetings, taking on organizing or reporting 
tasks, or helping to run festivals and events. There are always things 
that need to be done; and some people have skills such as carpentry, 
word-processing, fund-raising, legal or medical skills that are 
especially helpful at their appropriate times.

	In addition, the Scion is expected to: 

	Continue your magical training
	Read more books from the bibliography 
	Keep up contact with Mother Nature, and
	Become familiar with CAW's literature, history, and internal 
        structure . . .
	All in your spare time.

Introducing the Four Tracks

	Service is conducted through the following tracks, depending upon 
interest, aptitude, and needs of the community. One needn't be restricted 
to just one track; but as with a major in college, people will choose to 
focus their work primarily through a particular track. Each one has 
slightly different requirements. We encourage being well-rounded.

Track One:  Support Services

CIRCLE FOUR:  SERVING

     Take on one or more of the fundamental tasks that need doing, such 
as producing a Nest newsletter, typesetting for Scarlet Flame, 
researching available grants, typing meeting minutes, making phone calls, 
selling advertising for Green Egg, mailing out flyers for events, doing 
bookkeeping, etc. Ideally this should be at least one hour per week, and 
most find themselves getting involved and doing more. Some tasks are 
irregular in their time requirements (such as helping at a festival, 
where you work hard all weekend and then rest for a while). Your Scion 
Advisor should know where to plug you in if you don't have ideas 
yourself, after having been involved thus far! 

     In addition, we ask that you take some steps to study related topics 
such as organizational development, public relations, record-keeping, 
management of time, persons, offices or budgets, business in general, 
fund raising, grant writing, mediation, or marketing. Courses at local 
junior colleges are acceptable, as are reading a number of books on the 
subject, or prior experience or classes. We want the people who are 
helping to run the organization to actually know something about running 
an organization. This is an area where most of us are weak, and all 
contributions of knowledge are greatly appreciated.

     Read at least three books from the Bibliography listed under Support 
Services and at least two more from other categories. 
CIRCLE FIVE:  CREATING

     Find a way to teach what you have learned in your studies related to 
Support Services. Take on a subsystem within CAW or your local Nest and 
actually make it better, such as improving the communications network, or 
create an informational handbook, facilitate meetings, teach seminars in 
communications, mediate disputes between members, serve on a governing 
Board in your area, communicate with local newspapers, write articles, or 
get Pagan books and periodicals carried in your local bookstore or 
library. Example:  A Scion recently equipped the CAW with a Voice Mail 
system, and taught us how use it. 

	Continue to read and study in this area. 
	Keep up your magical training and personal spiritual practices.
	Work closely with members from other tracks and help to 
        facilitate projects.
	Become a Scion Advisor for another member entering the Second 
        Ring in this track.



Joy Williams / dhummer@netcom.com
Scion in the Church of All Worlds



From owner-cawpagan-l@netcom.com  Tue Jun 21 20:59:02 1994
Date: Tue, 21 Jun 1994 11:54:48 -0700 (PDT)
From: Joy Williams 
Subject: Ring Cycle part 3
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Track Two:  Earth Stewardship

	This is the track that deals with hands-on approach to loving 
Mother Earth. A Scion in the Stewardship track devotes his or her time 
and energy to working at the Church of All Worlds sanctuary (if you live 
nearby), or donating time to a local park project, recycling venture or 
other ecological activity. In addition, you would:

CIRCLE FOUR:  SERVING

	Keep a garden, orchard, or house plants if a garden is impossible.
	Subscribe to at least two environmental journals, such as Earth 
Island Journal, Earth First!, EDF (Environmental Defense Fund 
newsletter), or other informational journals dealing with environmental 
issues.
	Reduce your imposition on Mother Nature by reducing your 
consumption and waste. Reduce, re-use, recycle. Make it a point to 
recycle cans and bottles at Nest meetings, learn about your local 
recycling centers and what kinds of products they accept. While this 
should be done by the members, you, as a Stewardship Scion, ought to make 
it a point to set an example for others and lead others in this process. 
	Build an outdoor altar somewhere that enables you to maintain a 
shrine to the Earth Mother.
	Write letters to Congress members concerning environmental 
issues. 
	Inform other members in the tribe about issues they should be 
aware of and what they could do about it (without being obnoxious about 
it). 
	Read Earth in the Balance, by Vice President Al Gore, and two 
other environmental books from the Bibliography, as well as two from 
other categories. 

CIRCLE FIVE:  CREATING

	Organize tree plantings, erosion control work parties, or 
clean-up projects in your area. 
	Write articles on environmental concerns for local newspapers, 
environmental journals or Green Egg. 

	Learn about your local ecosystem, so that you can make informed 
decisions about local events. 
	Lead a backpacking or hiking trip for others to a choice spot in 
your area, or organize a magical mystery tour.
	Take a course in geology, botany, ecology, gardening, or forestry.
	Become a Scion Advisor for someone entering this track of the 
Second Ring.

Track Three:  Magical Guilds

	This track is made for people whose talents are best utilized 
through healing, artistic, scholarly, or technical contributions. Some of 
the Magical Guilds now forming are: 

	The Guild of Healers: Therapists, body workers, facilitators, 
mediators, herbalists, acupuncturists, doctors, medical technicians, 
nurses, etc.

	The Pagan Corps of Engineers:  This is comprised of people with 
technical expertise who enjoy figuring out how to make challenging 
puzzles happen. This may include computer networks, installation of water 
systems, building a stage for a festival, designing a building, solar 
panel system, audio system for a ritual, lighting, stage design, etc. 
They help to make a perfect world so much more perfect, when the rest of 
us are stumped. 

	Bardic Guild:  This Guild is for those who have talents in 
writing, music, or performing arts, such as dancing. There may be subsets 
in the Bardic Guild, such as the Musicians Guild, Poets Guild, or Dancers 
Guild. The Bardic Guild contributes to the lore of the community through 
the creation of songbooks, musical performance, invocations, dance 
pieces, and of course new material.

	Guild of Visual Artists:  This Guild focuses on the Visual Arts, 
and may make contributions such as costumes, flyers, sculpture, computer 
graphics, illustrations for Green Egg, or other works, such as paintings, 
sculpture, set design, etc.

	Guild of Scholars:  This guild is made for people who love to 
glean information from complicated books the rest of us don't have time 
to read, or who have put time and energy into special study of a subject 
related to CAW, such as Comparative Religion, History, Cosmology, 
Herbalism, Nature Studies, etc. Scholars can be called upon from time to 
time to research or provide information to others who may be writing 
rituals, papers, or creating classes.

	This is not a definitive or final list of Guilds.  If you have a 
good idea for a new guild, please bring your proposal forward.


Joy Williams / dhummer@netcom.com
Scion in the Church of All Worlds


From owner-cawpagan-l@netcom.com  Tue Jun 21 21:14:46 1994
Date: Tue, 21 Jun 1994 11:59:07 -0700 (PDT)
From: Joy Williams 
Subject: Ring Cycle, part 4
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CIRCLE FOUR:  SERVING

	For all Guild tracks, Circle Four is about serving the needs of 
the Community through your particular talent. Ways to accomplish this 
are:  

	Find out who Guild members are in your area, and join the Guild. 

	Take on some of the tasks of the Guild, such as organization, 
compiling songbooks, information, etc. 

	Make contributions of your own to rituals, lore, newsletters, or 
solving problems that exist.

Examples:  The Guild of Healers may wish to do medical duty during 
festivals. Pagan Corps of Engineers will work with festival planners to 
solve problems that may come up. Bards will learn music for a ritual and 
teach it to others. Scholars will generate articles and classes for 
others to learn from. Artists will help beautify the local sanctuary, 
make costumes, offer illustrations, etc. 

CIRCLE FIVE:  CREATING

	Take a more active role in your Guild. 
	Organize a new Guild if the one in your area is not satisfactory.
	Create new projects. Get your work out there beyond the immediate 
community. 
	Continue to grow and learn in your own area.
	Teach your skills to others. Create classes or one-on-one trainings.


Track Four:  Ministry

	This track is for those who feel called to become Ministers or 
members of the Clergy. Entering this track does not mean that you need to 
follow through all the way to Clergy, but that you are taking the 
necessary steps should you decide to do so. Of you we require training in 
ritual design, drama, counseling, comparative religion, artistic skills, 
administration, personal development of the physical, emotional, mental, 
spiritual and leadership skills, as well as a certain level of 
involvement in each of the other tracks.

CIRCLE FOUR:  SERVING

	Assist in the rituals of your local Nest. 

	Student-teach classes. 

	Help the present clergy in their duties, and assist in the ritual 
planning and execution at major events.

Studies include development in the following areas:

Counseling:
	Take courses in counseling techniques, and learn as much as you 
can about:  12-step programs, crisis counseling, addiction recovery, 
family systems, mediation techniques, body work, diet and nutrition, 
death and dying, co-dependence, and group facilitation. 

Drama and liturgy:
	Study basic acting techniques and liturgical construction

Religion:
	Study the ancient Greek, Egyptian, Celtic, Native American, 
Hindu, African or Oriental pantheons and magical systems (not limited to 
this list). Visit local Buddhist temples, Christian churches, synagogues 
or other religious services. Sit in on Interfaith dialogues.
	Become familiar with the History of the Craft, the development of 
the Goddess religion, its downfall and resurgence. Become familiar with 
the various sects and styles within Paganism, such as Druids, 
Gardnerians, or Contraries. Read at least ten books from the bibliography 
in at least five different categories. 

CIRCLE FIVE:  CREATING 

	Create and lead rituals at Nests, and minor Sabbat festivals. 
	Start your own Nest or Circle if appropriate. 
	Teach classes through Lifeways or your local Nest.
	Facilitate at meetings, offer mediation and conflict resolution.
	Serve on a governing board, such as the Fun Committee, Board of 
Directors, Annwfn Council, subsidiary or Nest council.
	Create new events in your community.

CIRCLE SIX:  MINISTERS AND POSTULANTS 

     This circle is reserved for those who are clear that they want to 
serve in very specific ways. To enter the Sixth Circle, one must obtain a 
sponsor from among the existing clergy, to help you through the ropes of 
this part of the Net. There are two classifications:  ministers and 
postulants.

Ministers:  Ministers are those who do not feel they want to make the 
commitment to becoming full time CAW clergy, but feel a strong desire to 
serve their community in a very particular way. Our first Minister, for 
example, created a prison ministry, bringing religious information and 
counseling to incarcerated Pagans. Another might become a minister of 
children, specializing in children's issues, rituals, etc. A steward may 
choose to become a minister of forestry, and specialize in learning and 
dispensing forestry skills.
     Ministerial credentials are awarded on a case-by-case basis, by the 
clergy, through the recommendation of their clergy sponsor. What we look 
for is whether they have completed the previous levels, and whether they 
are adequately trained for the ministry they have chosen. A proposal in 
writing should be made stating desires and qualifications, and the duties 
to which one wants to be supported, such as the ability to perform 
marriage ceremonies, the ability to visit prisoners or hospital patients, 
etc. 
     Upon acceptance, a Minister may choose to create a ritual for 
themselves to commemorate this passage, though this is not required. 
Ministers remain in Circle Six unless they decide to become postulants to 
the clergy.

Postulants:  Postulants enter Circle Six through proven accomplishment in 
the former Circles, a demonstration of some breadth through the four 
tracks, acceptance by the community, the recommendation of a clergy 
sponsor, and a consensus vote of confidence by the existing Third Ring. A 
postulant spends a minimum of a year and a day (usually longer) working 
with their sponsor to complete any remaining areas that need focus or 
attention before become fully ordained. Areas of general concern include: 

	The general health of one's life:  physically, mentally, 
emotionally, and financially.
	The ability to lead rituals, work well with others, and serve the 
community. 
	A basic level of scholarship in the areas relevant to Pagan 
clergy, such as psychology, religion, history, sociology, etc.
	Familiarity with the basics of CAW philosophy, and the ability to 
conduct intelligent interviews on CAW topics.
	One's ability to represent the God or Goddess to the outside 
world in a way that commands respect. 

In addition, postulants are required to:  

	Be a CAW member for at least three years (usually much longer).
	Go on a solitary vision quest in the wilderness (7 days minimum).
	Write an in-depth research paper or suitable substitute (one 
Priestess produced a commercial tape of Pagan music).
	Submit, in writing, their qualifications for service, and plan 
for further enrichment. 
	A statement of their particular interest to which they may 
dedicate their services (mine was the founding of Lifeways, a teaching 
branch).
	Spend time with as many current clergy members as possible.
	Pass the clergy oral exam. (Piece of cake!)  
	Create and execute an ordination ritual. 


Joy Williams / dhummer@netcom.com
Scion in the Church of All Worlds



From owner-cawpagan-l@netcom.com  Tue Jun 21 21:08:50 1994
Date: Tue, 21 Jun 1994 12:03:20 -0700 (PDT)
From: Joy Williams 
Subject: Ring Cycle, part 5
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  This should be the end of it!

THIRD RING:  CLERGY   (Circles 7, 8 and 9)   Ring Color:  Purple

PURPOSE:  LEADERSHIP IN HER MAJESTY'S SACRED SERVICE

	The purpose of the third ring is to foster the growth and 
development of the Pagan movement and community, and help the return of 
the Goddess to the world at large.  This is achieved in numerous ways:  
through ritual, leadership, workshops and teaching, writing, traveling 
and speaking, conducting interviews, creating works of art, and just 
getting in there and doing it.

	Expectations and qualifications for Clergy include:

	Establish a link between the Gods/Goddesses and community, and 
help people make that link themselves.
	Administer sacraments, meaning be able to perform the rituals of 
this religion and lead regular services.
	Communicate articulately the body of lore or doctrine of the 
Church to anyone.  Be knowledgeable thealogically, historically, etc.
	Teach what you know (and know what you teach).
	Take responsibility to make things happen.
	Put out "fires" effectively.
	Have a sense of presence that is inspiring to others.
	Create original material.
	Maintain personal credibility through lack of hypocrisy.
	Think on your feet, and be able to wing it when necessary.
	Demonstrate effective leadership without using "power over" (Starhawk).
	Evoke a sense of affection and respect.
	Maintain clarity of vision for the community.
	Be able to deal with administrative issues effectively, 
appropriately, and in a timely manner.
	Willingly serve others before "laying out your own trip."
	Be able to raise power magically.

	These are the general guidelines for conduct within the third 
ring.  Further guidelines are being developed and will be compiled into a 
Clergy Handbook.
Commonly asked questions:

What if I have achieved some of these requirements in other 
organizations?  Do I have to do it all over again?
	Very often people come to the CAW with prior experience in other 
religions, other communities, and other training.  We greatly appreciate 
such diversity, and ;will often find it acceptable toward filling a 
listed requirement.  This is the job of your Scion Advisor or Clergy 
Sponsor.  They will look over what you have done and how much of it 
fulfills the RINGS requirements.

Is it possible to lose your status in a given Ring?
	Yes, for two reasons.  One, you may choose to step back from a 
Ring you have chosen to embark on because of circumstances in your life 
(such as not having enough time while you go to school or have a new 
baby), or because you no longer feel the same affinity and commitment.  
We only ask that you return any symbols of your office to the Church, and 
hope that you remain part of the community in whatever circle feels most 
appropriate for you.
	Occasionally, members of the Clergy or Lifeways staff may become 
concerned about the conduct of a particular member who is acting as a 
Scion, spokesperson for CAW, or other responsible capacity.  If continued 
complaints come to us about someone, or if we feel that someone is 
putting the Church in jeopardy, we will ask that person to address these 
issues.  Failure to address and correct the issues may result in a 
removal from the office of responsibility to a more appropriate level.  
An example might be chemical addiction problems interfering with Nest 
business, offensive social skills, or reckless behavior with regard to 
the Church.

Do I have to do everything just as it says, or are there alternative ways 
to meet the requirements?
	For many of the requirements it is possible to offer 
substitutions.  You may have read a book that is not on the Bibliography 
but is similar in subject matter.  You may have written an in-depth paper 
in Graduate School that demonstrates understanding of Comparative 
Religion, but doesn't fit the suggested format.  You may produce a work 
of art instead of a paper.  There are many ways to accomplish the same 
thing.  These substitutions should be approved by your advisor before 
submitting them to Lifeways.

Can I do the program faster if I come with prior experience?
	Unfortunately, no.  The minimum time required is just that:  a 
bare minimum.  This is not just about your training in general, but about 
your training within this community, and their chance to get to know you 
and see your integrity in action.  So you can't do it faster with prior 
experience, but you can definitely do it better.  Waiting is.

Do I have to do any of this?
	Absolutely not.  This is an entirely optional program, created 
out of requests by members and needs of the growing community.  In fact, 
we encourage you not to move out of a Circle, or a Ring, unless you are 
absolutely certain of why you are doing so.  Take your time.

What can I expect to get out of this?
	Mostly, whatever you put into it.  Ideally, you will get a great 
deal of personal growth, knowledge, training, recognition, satisfaction, 
a sense of community, and only a little frustration.

Whom do I call if I get lost?
	Church of All Worlds has a voicemail system; all numbers are in 
the (510) telephone area.  The number of Lifeways and the folk who 
presently coordinate the RINGS system is 549-7740; for the Clergy call 
549-7746; Products and Publications is 549-7739; and Membership is 549-7738.*

*OBVIOUSLY, that last part is realtively defunct, since they are getting 
rid of voice mail.  I will post this info tomorrow!

Joy Williams / 
dhummer@netcom.com Scion in the Church of All Worlds