UNDERSTAND OUR CLERGY STRUCTURE

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• One First Class High Elder Warlock/Witch: His purpose is to be the final judge to break any votes that may potentially be deadlocked in a 50/50 split.

• Three Second Class High Elder Warlocks/Witches: Their purpose is to be the head administrators over three branches of the Drusidu with each one supervising:

  • Elder Warlocks/Witches: Clergy who holds the seats within the Drusidu and oversee clergy with church branches

  • High Warlocks/Witches: Clergy who operates branches of the Father Church who oversee independents and clubs called,

  • Warlocks/Witches: Clergy who are more independent and do not operate a branch but fulfill basic services for their communities (including members and non-members alike) and simply called. 

• Druans (singular Druan): refers to active members and those who associate themselves with the Druish religion of Druwayu. Inactive or "passive" members who identify as Druans but are not active as either 'associates or adherents' tend to simply be called Kinfolk. 

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The old Structure was closer to associations with folklore which aligned as:

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• One High Elder Warlock: His purpose is to be the final judge to break any votes that may potentially be deadlocked in a 50/50 split.

• Three High Elder Witches: Their purpose is to be the head administrators over three branches of the Drusidu with each one supervising:

  • One High Elder Witch supervising Elder Warlocks/Witches: Clergy who holds the seats within the Drusidu and oversee clergy with church branches.

  • One High Elder Witch supervising High Warlocks/Witches: Clergy who operates branches of the Father Church who oversee independents and clubs called.

  • One High Elder Witch supervising General Warlocks/Witches: Clergy who are more independent and do not operate a branch but fulfill basic services for their direct interactions with communities (including members and non-members alike).  

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Reason for the changes:

 

The Old Structure was originally based on concepts from Folklore where one Warlock and three Witches were often associated as being parallel representatives of the One and Three which is the short form of referring to our theology of the One God and three Goddesses. 

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The Present Structure reflects simple concepts of equality between men and women in roles of leadership which the previous could be potentially abused and imposed in ways not intended in the near or distant unforeseeable future. 

 

Specific Purpose of Clergy:

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In every Druan community, our clergy play a pivotal role in nurturing the community’s religious life. Our clergy are a cooperative, where they pool their knowledge and experience, as well as education within and external to Druwayu, supporting one another and helping expand on mutual spiritual leadership, and roles as in regard to determining policies that best serve members and non-menders alike as well as the adaptation and maintaining the foundations of Druwayu and its Church. 

 

1. Each one contributes to our shared experience and knowledge in regard to our teachings and compliance with state, federal and international laws (this is no small task itself, and some go to law school in addition to being recognized as clergy through our hallowing to better serve the community as a whole).

2. This also requires each one, when called upon by a Druan, or the Druish community they serve, provide guidance and rulings on a wide range of religious and ethical dilemmas.

3. This means every Warlock and Witch, regardless their rank, are always learning and adapting to develop the required deeper expertise for these roles.

4. This also means each one is often on a lifelong committed journey of meticulous research, and an unwavering commitment to upholding and respecting various traditions while addressing the unique needs of the community in which they live.

5. Traditionally each one is to be open and willing to provide guidance to the best of their abilities to non-Druans alike in spiritual and academic subjects, as well as called from time to time to preside over and officiate at lifecycle events within the community such as dedications, weddings and funerals.

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More details are clarified under General Information.

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BE AWARE

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• Contrary to what many assume or may assume, Druwayu is not 'Pagan, Heathen, Mystical, Occult, Shamanistic, Satanic or Atheistic/Non-theistic, and while it does include humor, it is not a parody religion of parody cult.  

• You may be called upon or questioned about what it means to be a Warlock or Witch and must be prepared to address and confront false information calmly and clearly.

• To help ensuring the quality of our clergy we will secretly arrange arguments as periodic testing of our clergy to insure they can remain clear, calm and show self-control even with extreme challengers.

• We will not protect clergy who have engaged in various crimes, especially person to person, or have used and abused their positions to intimidate or coerce others under the definitions of abuse of power.

• We do retain the right to revoke recognition of title and status within Druwayu and the Church, especially in external non-religious criminal misconduct and or internal breaches of our terms, policies and agreements. 

• Misrepresentation of Druwayu and its church(es), or divulging personal, private information of members for any reason will result in legal action unless such information has been requested by a signed subpoena of a federal judge and such copy has been submitted prior to the Drusidu for point of records.  

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IN OREGON, THINGS ARE STRAIGHTFORWARD

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1. Legal Authority: According to Oregon Revised Statutes § 106.120, individuals who can legally perform marriage ceremonies include judicial officers, county clerks, and clergypersons of religious congregations or organizations.

2. No Registration Required: Oregon does not require marriage officiants to register with any government office prior to performing marriages. This means that once you are ordained by a recognized religious organization, you can legally officiate weddings in Oregon.

3. Online Ordination: Many people choose to get ordained online through organizations like American Marriage Ministries (AMM). This process is quick, free, and legally recognized in Oregon.

4. Documentation: While there is no formal registration process, it is a good idea to keep personal records of your ordination credentials. This may include an ordination certificate and a letter of good standing from the ordaining organization.

5. First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution: This amendment protects the freedom of religion, allowing religious organizations to ordain ministers according to their beliefs and practices.

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​Be sure to check the specific laws of your state. Each have their own laws and may not recognize our authority to ordain others as Warlocks or Witches (clergy). If that is the case, cite the specific laws at which point there may be a requirement of individual members to participate in contacting the local ACLU as a class action lawsuit on the grounds of discrimination and religious biases in trespass of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

 

For example: Oregon has adopted the Uniform Unincorporated Nonprofit Association Act (UUNAA). This act provides a legal framework for unincorporated nonprofit associations, including provisions for their formation, governance, and liability The Uniform Unincorporated Nonprofit Association Act (UUNAA) provides a legal framework for unincorporated nonprofit associations in Oregon. Here are some key points:

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• Legal Recognition: The act grants legal recognition to unincorporated nonprofit associations, allowing them to operate as separate legal entities.

• Liability Protection: It provides liability protection for members and managers of the association, shielding them from personal liability for the association's debts and obligations.

• Property Ownership: The act allows unincorporated nonprofit associations to own and transfer property in their own name.

• Governance: It outlines the governance structure and operational procedures for unincorporated nonprofit associations, including provisions for meetings, voting, and decision-making processes.

• Filing Requirements: While the act provides a legal framework, it does not require unincorporated nonprofit associations to file with the Secretary of State to operate.

 

WITH THE IRS, THINGS ARE STRAIGHTFORWARD

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1. A 501(c)(3) is not required: According to the IRS (Internal Revinue Service), the The IRS does not require churches, including Druwayu, to apply for 501(c)(3) status to be recognized as tax-exempt. This is because churches automatically qualify for tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code as long as they meet certain requirements. These requirements include being organized and operated exclusively for religious, educational, scientific, or other charitable purposes, and ensuring that none of their earnings benefit private individuals or shareholders.

2. No Registration Required: If you meet the IRS definition of a “church” — generally an organization organized and operated for religious worship — you are automatically considered a tax-exempt charity described in section 501(c)(3).  You don’t have to file an application to be recognized and don’t have to file annual tax information returns to retain the status. For clarity, the term "church" is found in the Internal Revenue Code, but it is not specifically defined and as such includes such alternatives as temple, synagogue mosque and so forth. However, the IRS and court decisions have developed certain characteristics generally attributed to churches. These definition standards are:

   1. Distinct legal existence

   2. Recognized creed and form of worship

   3. Definite and distinct ecclesiastical government

   4. Formal code of doctrine and discipline

   5. Distinct religious history

   6. Membership not associated with any other church or denomination

   7. Organization of ordained ministers

   8. Ordained ministers selected after completing prescribed courses of study

   9. Literature of its own

   10. Established places of worship

   11. Regular congregations

   12. Regular religious services

   13. Sunday schools for the religious instruction of the young

   14. Schools for the preparation of its members

3. A Federal EIN is still required: Many are unaware they will need a distinct EIN under Form: SS-4 specifically for the selection of Church. This is required even if individuals involved in the operations of the church organization are unpaid volunteers and will still need to file specific forms within the confines of one's particular state laws through their Secretary of the State office. 

4. Donations: Churches can allow donors to make tax-deductible contributions as long as the church is operating for the most part as a non-profit organization and funds are used for the specific intended purposes outlined within local state and federal laws. Funds used to pay for specific services have to be clarified and detailed and documentation must be available and kept in secure private locations and cannot be used for personal benefits other than paying recognized reasonable wages/earnings of staff which also extends to founders and clergy.

5. Properties: Any properties purchased in the name of a church generally are to be maintained as property of the church and not individual clergy or founders including housing as church rather than personal property. Otherwise, housing purchases for clergy separate from Church Buildings and related Hallowed Grounds are community owned and maintained through free will offerings (donations).​

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​Be sure to check the specific laws of your state. Each have their own laws and may not recognize our authority to ordain others as Warlocks or Witches (clergy). If that is the case, cite the specific laws at which point there may be a requirement of individual members to participate in contacting the local ACLU as a class action lawsuit on the grounds of discrimination and religious biases in trespass of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

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