NationStates Jolt Archive

So, at the Yule Sabbat, we talked about our Intentions, and the Priest said that one of his intention for 2009 was to take the group and have it legally recognize as a Church, which won't change how the group is run, it'd just give him authority to do weddings (or hand fasting), and to be allowed to see his members at the hospital as a religious leader.

What I'm wondering, is what is involved in getting a group to be recognized as a Church by the state?

I do believe that in the US you have to have a certain number of followers, its in the thousands... if there are say 10,000 Seax Wiccans in more than one location than it might qualify.

I do believe that in the US you have to have a certain number of followers, its in the thousands... if there are say 10,000 Seax Wiccans in more than one location than it might qualify.

Ahh, really? Hmm, I may contact the family lawyer after Christmas to get his insight on this, because it'd suck for the Priest to get psyched about this and then get told that it can't be done because there's not enough Pagans in the area...But then again, there is a Church of Wicca in Shelby, NC, so maybe it'll work out.

So, at the Yule Sabbat, we talked about our Intentions, and the Priest said that one of his intention for 2009 was to take the group and have it legally recognize as a Church, which won't change how the group is run, it'd just give him authority to do weddings (or hand fasting), and to be allowed to see his members at the hospital as a religious leader.

What I'm wondering, is what is involved in getting a group to be recognized as a Church by the state?

Your friend actually needs to get a lawyer for this. Seriously. What the government recognizes as a "Religion" (as opposed to "Cult" or "Hobby") is a pretty murky thing. A Pagan friend of mine slipped in by registering as a "Universalist/Unitarian" minister, which I guess is a pretty popular option for some Pagans who aren't down with trying to convince uncle sam that they're legit.

Your friend actually needs to get a lawyer for this. Seriously. What the government recognizes as a "Religion" (as opposed to "Cult" or "Hobby") is a pretty murky thing. A Pagan friend of mine slipped in by registering as a "Universalist/Unitarian" minister, which I guess is a pretty popular option for some Pagans who aren't down with trying to convince uncle sam that they're legit.

Well, like I said there is already a Wicca Church that lies between Charlotte, NC and Asheville, NC and they seem to be recognized as a Religious Organization from the state, so it may be possible.

http://www.churchofwicca.org/