Studies

Knight's Secretary/Assistant Knight's Secretary

2020-06-29T02:50:51+00:00

Knight’s and Assistant Knight’s Secretary

From the FAQ: The Knight's Secretary is responsible for organizing and chairing the Knights' meetings, managing discussions and organising votes. Furthermore, the Knight's Secretary is a contact person for all Temple Members who wish to contact the Knights directly.

Here are a list of the duties of the Knight’s Secretary and their Assistant:

Journal Checking

The Knight’s Secretary is responsible for organizing the Journal Checking process for Novice’s.

A Novice will message you to let you know they have completed their journal
You will then make a sticky post as follows: Journal Needing Checked:[Novice’s Name] in the IP Checking subforum in the Knight’s Chambers
Two Knights will then agree to check the journal and post their thoughts on whether it passes/doesn’t pass and any corrections that need to be made
The Knight suggesting the correction will then PM the Novice
Once all corrections are made, the two Knights will pass the journal
The final post will come from you and it will say something like “Thank you”[Novice’s name] is ready for apprenticeship
Unsticky the thread and change the title to Journal Checked [Novice’s Name]
Place the person in the Initiate’s Waiting for Apprenticeship (Year). If there isn’t a thread, please make one and sticky it
Once they are taken as an apprentice, please make a note of that in the same thread Under the heading “New Apprenticeships”

Knights Meetings

At regular intervals (at your discretion) there are Knights meetings, which either Knights Secretary or Assistant Secretary chair
A notice is given that a Knights meeting is to be held, location and time is to be at your discretion, but please give Knights two weeks to add to the agenda
PM all Knights to ensure they are in attendance if they can make it
Post the log on the forum in place where you made the announcement

Knighting Apprentices

The process for Knighting Apprentices is here: https://www.templeofthejediorder.org/forum/114-Announcements/121999-new-knighting-procedure#330743

These are the questions: https://www.templeofthejediorder.org/forum/Knights-forum/122000-how-to-knight-a-fellow-jedi#330745

Steps 1-3 should take no more than 7 days

Steps 4 no more than 7 days

Step 5 no more than 7 days

Step 7 is allotted 10 days

Quorum is 6

End of the Year Report

Each year, the Council is responsible for the End of the Year Report. Knight’s Secretary typically collates:

New Initiates for the year
New Apprentices for the year
New Knights for the Year
New Senior Knights for the Year
New Masters for the Year
How many meetings were held this year for the Knights Corps

About the Forum

2020-06-21T22:18:38+00:00

The forum is now divided into Three sections, available from the menu:

Temple includes:
Introductions
Temple Business
Member Discussions
Studies
And things directly related to the practice of Jediism

Intersectional includes:
Spaces where our practice of Jediism intersects with other aspects of our identity:
These include topics of faith and topics related to identity (race, gender, sexuality, ability, class, etc)
Rather than a place for debate, this is a space for support

Outer Rim includes:
Open discussions
Miscellaneous Discussion
Humor
Philosophy
Science
Health, Physical Fitness and Well Being
World Events

By default every member has access to the Temple forum as well as the Outer Rim.
Remember that the Temple section deals with Jediism and things related to the business of the temple and the outer rim is the space for free discussion.

The Temple is guided by the TOS exclusively
The Outer Rim is guided by the TOS as well as guidelines specific to its forum spaces
The Intersectional is guided by the TOS and guidelines specific to its forum spaces

The only space that one has to request access to is the Intersectional forum and this is directly related to the type of conversation that we have in that space

Navigate to other sections here to read important guidelines and to request further acess

Days of Significance and Monthly Reflections

2016-08-24T18:57:59+00:00

Link to Articles Index

Link to FAQ

Days of Significance

Monthly Reflections

Days of Significance

21 March: Jedi Creed Day (First International Earth Day)

"The global celebration of Earth Day on March 20, the first day of Spring, is a matter directly related to St. Francis and the amazing results of his vision and life. Were he here today, he would undoubtedly focus all his prayer and effort on achieving Earth Day's original purpose.

Earth Day is on the March Equinox, which determines the annual date of Easter. (Easter is the first Sunday after the first full moon following the March equinox.)

Not only that, the equinox is also the New Year in Iran and other Islam countries, which makes possible attention for a common purpose - the sustainable care of Earth, with justice and peace for all.

This will help us show real love for our world neighbors and the web of life that covers our globe.

ST. FRANCIS AND THE BIRTH OF EARTH DAY

The first Earth Day was inaugurated in San Francisco - The City of St. Francis. I had long been familiar with the Prayer of St. Francis: \"Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love...\" In 1969 we obtained backing of the Mayor, city officials, churches, schools, businesses - a really all out event with massive coverage in media. While the event was backed by Franciscans and Catholic churches, participation included synagogues and many other denominations. The Red Cross delivered plants to schools for children to take home.

In succeeding Earth Days at the United Nations, we demonstrated that people of diverse creeds and cultures can leave room for their differences and come together for \"peace, justice and the care of Earth.\"

A factor in the choice of the date was my own history. In 1957 I obtained global attention for an editorial in my weekly North Carolina \"Toe Valley View\" newspaper. The first Sputnik Satellite had just been launched on October 4th. None of the media seemed to note that this was the \"Feast Day of St. Francis.\" And launched by the then Godless USSR! (The person who chose the date must have been a secret Christian.)

My editorial called for a visible \"Star of Hope\" satellite. It would be launched as a symbol of hope to further understanding and peace on our planet. It obtained front page attention around the world.

My own study and prayer life led to the conviction that we needed a common purpose that would appeal to people of all creeds and cultures - and a way to get attention for it. We needed something that would end history's terrible record of war and injustice.

These thoughts planted the seeds that led to Earth Day.

Another factor was my efforts in 1963 to get global participation in a daily \"Minute for Peace.\" I was responsible for the Minute for Peace on radio world-wide, which followed the period of mourning for President Kennedy. \"Peace begins in the mind.\" We asked for a one minute radio spot on all stations that would carry the sound of a bell and a thought or prayer for peace. We invited all listeners to join in this special minute - to deepen their commitment and increase their efforts for world peace.

Minute for Peace became the centerpiece of Earth Day. When we ring the UN Peace Bell we invite people world wide to join in two minutes of heartfelt prayer that we will overcome \"doubt with faith\" and strive to be a responsible Trustee of Earth.

Pray that every year St. Francis Day and Earth Day will bring a new sense of identity with the whole human family and a commitment to see peace through understanding and love -- the love that Jesus revealed. And may we put feet to our prayers with action to help make it happen.\"

St. Francis and the Birth of Earth Day by John McConnell

Contents

25 May: International Jedi Day

The International Day of the Jedi is an \"annual Star Wars fan holiday\", started on the 30th anniversary of the release of the original Star Wars film... The International Day of the Jedi is ment as a celebration of the entire Star Wars saga. The observance of International Day of the Jedi in May coincides with the release months of each Star Wars film. The date of May 25th was selected because the original Star Wars film, A New Hope, was released on May 25, 1977.

Contents

31 October: Youngling Day/Vocations Day (Halloween)

\"A vocation as defined in a religious environment is an occupation for which a person is suited, trained or qualified. Often those who follow a religious vocation have a inclination to undertake the work, often called a calling. This type of vocation is either professional or voluntary and can include many different religious backgrounds.\"

A Jedi Vocation can be seen as fulfilling the spiritual need of a potential Jedi, and explains the specific task for which that Jedi is specifically gifted, and usually implies that this same Jedi in question has a form of \"calling\" for the task. \"The word \"vocation\" comes from the Latin vocare, meaning \"to call\"; however, its usage before the sixteenth century, particularly in the Vulgate, refers to the calling of all humankind to salvation, with its more modern usage of a life-task first employed by Martin Luther.\"

Appart from its innate serriousness as a Pagan feast day, Halloween presents an opportunity for kids and adults alike. In its liberating spirit this day was chosen to reflect our Jedi Youngling Day and Vocations Day.

It is a day for us to honour our future and pass on our legacy and traditions. A simple tradition of making a child smile, and for one day putting aside all the normal rush and routine and spending time with our future.

Contents

25 December: TotJO Anniversary Day (Christmas)

Today, we not only celebrate TOTJO anniversary but also the community of people who meet here.

Today we are celebrating everyone who visits and are members here no matter what walk of life they may come from nor in what way they may participate.

In the Force each individual is unique in his own image where everyone has different talents. And just like the ingredients in a recipe we all bring different elements into the community.

In addition to celebrating all the different groups and people who are part of our present community, we also remember the people who came before us. We remember the people who founded this Temple years ago and we remember the people who built this Temple site 4 years ago.

The purpose of this remembering is not to dream nostalgically about the past, but to thank the Living Force for the life, work and witness of those people. We remember how they lived and the love and the concern they showed to us, and we acknowledge all of that before Community and Force.

Human relationships are not always easy, and the difficulties we have are part of being human and part of the risk of being a member of a community.

Relationships are at the heart of what it means to be human. Some relationships are easy and some are difficult. Some take a lot of effort and some very little effort.

TOTJO has shown that our relationship to the Force can be like that too: sometimes it’s easy and sometimes it’s difficult. Sometimes, our relationship to the Force flows swimmingly for weeks, months, or years, and other times we struggle: either with faith, with closeness, or with perceiving the presence of the Force.

But to acknowledge the difficulties as well as the goodness in our relationships is a truthful thing, and an authentic thing. And the best relationships are the ones in which we are free to be truthful and authentic. Because, when we acknowledge our differences, our disagreements and even our faults, we can make amends and start to move forward constructively.

We can learn to forgive and we can learn to be forgiven.

There is one group of people here not mentioned yet. We’ve mentioned the people who are part of our community today. And we’ve mentioned the people who have come before us. But we’ve not mentioned the people who will come after us.

As we think about who we are now and who we want to be in the future, some of us will have different ideas; I’d be surprised if there wasn’t some disagreement, but all of that is OK.

Let us be mindful as we move forward into what is for us a new year, that the Living Force will move with us and give us the strength to continue to be a community which is forgiving and forgiven.

May the Living Force open our eyes and our ears to it`s work in our lives and in the world and help us to respond as we are each called.

May The Force Be With Us!

Contents

31 December: Day of Reflection (New Year's Eve)

This is a day on which we honour the secular festivity called New Year`s Day. We clarify once again in our mind`s eye our place in the world and the context we live in. It is a constant reminder that we are given opportunity on each day of the year. So it does not really matter when the year or for that matter the month or week starts. It is the day, it is the now which matters. We want to honour that which the Force has made possible. We as a part of history are still moving with the times. Ironically history is becoming our future.

Contents

Monthly Reflections

January - Reflecton: Tradition, yet Originality

February - Reflection: Attachment, yet Freedom

March - Reflection: Despair, yet Hope

April - Reflection: Cowardice, yet Courage

May - Reflection: Ego, yet Humility

June - Reflection: Chaos, yet Harmony

July - Reflection: Corruptibilty, yet Integrity

August - Reflection: Fickleness, yet Discipline

September - Reflection: Iniquity, yet Justice

October - Reflection: Foolishness, yet Wisdom

November - Reflection: Recklessness, yet Responsibility

December - Reflection: Greed, yet Generosity

The Reflections are dichotomies of, for lack of better terms, 'vices and virtues' human nature. One cannot reduce all the variables of the human experience into 12 dichotomies of vice/virtue, nor insist that these are the most important. These periods encourage reflection, whether that be on a vice and virtue they promote or a vice and virtue not listed. They serve as reminders to the Jedi that we shall never be 'more than' human, which should be embraced not regretted

As reflections on human nature it is important that we remember not only the goals we strive for, but the shortcomings that hold us back, we accept this fact, about all of us, with humility. We should recognise all variations of human nature, we would not wish to forget or reject charateristics which many in society organise their lives by. While these dichotomies are complimentary opposites the limitations of language encourage us to see them broadly, to see the nuances and extended meanings behind each of them and how they have, do and might apply to us in the past, present and future.

Reflect and learn.

Reflections

"To everything there is a season"
- Ecclesiastes 3:1
- The Byrds, Turn! Turn! Turn!

Our religion is syncretic in nature, meaning it is based in part on existing traditions. The Temple keeps (and often neglects) a calendar of feast days, many of which are drawn from other faiths; but often these religious festivals take their inspiration from broader trends related to the passage of the year. The passage of the seasons is familiar to people the world over, albeit at a six month remove depending on which hemisphere you reside in: the hope and promise of new life in the spring, the heat and light of summer, the autumn harvest, and the cold and dark "death of the year" in winter. Humans live on one planet, and this cycle of seasons is part of us all.

As we move through the months, religious, spiritual and folk festivals remind us of a variety of sentiments and call on us to reflect on a wide range of values and ideas. From New Year and the familiar resolutions to change our ways, through Valentines Day and its emphasis on bonding, ultimately to create life, moving into the stories of hope in both the Easter and Holi festivals of Spring; then on through the year, the courage reflected by both Passover and Vaisakhi, the harmony enshrined by the summer solstice, integrity at Ramadan, Rosh Hashanah and its focus on judgement; and as the Autumn evenings begin to draw in, the celebration of the light of wisdom at Diwali, a recognition of human conflict and our responsibility around Memorial Day, finally into the period of Advent with its focus on generosity. The flow of these festivities is common to us all, whether we choose to join with them or not.

Whether we remember to consider these very human traditions on given days seems less relevant than remembering to reflect on each of them at some point of the year. As such, the Clergy of the Temple have voted to replace the existing and oft-forgotten Feast Day calendar with one based around monthly seasonal Reflections.

These Reflections take their inspiration from the passage of the year described above, and like our Code and Creed are based around apparent dichotomies in human nature. We are all familiar with phrases such as "emotion, yet peace", or "where there is doubt, faith". One reason our values are presented in this way is that we recognise that humans are not perfect. We may be peaceful one day and emotional the next. We do not seek to deny or ignore emotion - just to prioritise and cultivate peace. The Reflections follow this same pattern, and Jedi are asked to consider these related ideas, "sliding scales" or paths, in their own lives.

Rather than repeating the formula of single-date Feast Days which can be missed or forgotten about, we have instead dedicated whole months to particular Reflections - seasons, if you like, for considering particular topics. These encourage Jedi to reflect on specific values relevant to the prevailing moods of the season. The Clergy intend to have services/sermons at the start of each month to introduce the Reflection in question, and invite focus, discussion and meditation on the topics presented in the weeks that follow.

Contents

Temple Offices

2016-08-20T10:48:22+00:00

Link to Articles Index

Link to FAQ

Offices are positions of official responsibility within the Temple. Officers dutifully serve the Temple to ensure its smooth running. Offices require an Oath of Office.

Councillors
The Councillors act as the general management (board of directors) as well as the Supreme Court to act and decide upon appeals. The Council is meant to provide a sense of direction without inhibiting the latitude that each Master, Knight, and member deserves.(read more)

Council Secretary
The Council Secretary is responsible for the day-to-day communications and record-keeping of the Council, manages and certifies Council votes, and serves as organizational and logistical support to the department heads as needed. Because the Temple is incorporated as a non-profit, the Council Secretary also serves as the corporate secretary.

Council Secretary: ren

The Degree Administrator

The degree administrator is responsible for developing, monitoring, and evaluating the progress of members undergoing the degree system.

Degree Administrator: RyuJin

The Education Administration

The Education Administration is a committee which is responsible for all of the Temple's education, including the IP, the SIP, the Degree Scheme, and the Seminary.

Head of the Education Administration: Alexandre Orion

Members: Rosalyn J, Zero, Rex, TheDude, Atania Kenobi

Intake Officers

As soon as a member begins a journal or makes an introductory post, an Intake Officer (as well as possible other members) will greet you. If you have questions, and do not know who else to ask, these officers will be happy to answer your questions (as would any other member).

Head of Intake: Tavi, Rini

Knight's Secretary
The Knight's Secretary is responsible for organizing and chairing the Knights' meetings, managing discussions, and organising votes. Furthermore, the Knight's Secretary is a contact person for all Temple Members who wish to contact the Knights directly.

Knight's Secretary: Verheilen

Assistant Knights Secretary: Rex

Librarian

The main focus of the Librarian is to ensure that information available on the Temple's website is kept up-to-date as well as ensuring that the Library contains relevant and useful resources.

Librarian: Loudzoo

Assistant Librarian: Silenus

Matriarch/Patriarch

Honourary title reserved for the longest serving members of the Temple.

Matriarch: Neaj Pa Bol

Patriarch: Br. John

Administrator
In addition to other roles around the site, members who act as administrators can make changes to grant permissions appropriate to rank or status and make changes to the site (with the approval of the Council), as well as on Discord where relevant. Current active administrators are:
Br. John

Moderator

The Moderators are tasked with ensuring that participants on TotJO's forum, Discord and Chat abide by the appropriate behaviour and courtesy towards each other according to all temple rules and policies. The Head Moderator also serves as the Temple security officer, an invaluable service guaranteeing all Temple member's safety. The Security Officer is a person of trust who can and should be contacted in the case of any anti-social or illegal activities. All contacts are treated seriously and confidentially.

Head Moderator: Zero

Assistant Head Moderator: Rex

Email: moderator1@templeofthejediorder.org

The IP Team

The IP team is a group of Apprentices and Initiates who assist people with the Initiate Program. Should you request a personal IP sponsor, your sponsor will be available to answer your questions, provide feedback, and ensure that your completed IP journal is ready for the Knights' check. While they will not challenge your opinions or beliefs, they will help guide you as you explore your own personal philosophy and thought process. To request a sponsor please click the link below to message our IP Team Lead or Assistant Team Lead. The team is also available to provide support to any IP student, regardless of whether they have a personal sponsor. Here is a list of IP Team Members:

IP Team Lead: The Coyote

Assistant Team Lead: Greybeard

Members: Antares, ChaotishRabe, Davi-Kar, kevlar, Khwang, Morkano, Tetrahedron, TheUndreamer, WrenPhoenix

Pastor
A Pastor is a minister responsible for overseeing the spiritual welfare of the Temple. When the Pastor is unavailable, the Associate Pastor for Outreach is acting head of the clergy.

Pastor: Carlos.Martinez3

Associate Pastor: J. K. Barger

Assistant Pastor for the Seminary: (vacant)

Assistant Pastor for Outreach: (vacant)

Email: clergy@templeofthejediorder.org

Pastor Emeritus
Retired pastor awarded this honorary title for their services to the clergy and to the Temple.

Pastor Emeritus: Kana Seiko Haruki

President

In our case the President is the chief secular operations officer of the corporation and deals with legal affairs and keeping the corporation legal under Texas and Federal law. He files the reports with the state. The President also concerns himself with the structure of our Temple.

President: Br. John

Public Relations and Marketing

The Head of Public Relations and Marketing co-ordinates the Marketing Team and acts as spokesperson for the Order. The Marketing Team is tasked with community building and informing the public about the Order.

Head of Public Relations and Marketing: Vacant

Public Relations and Marketing Assistants: Vacant

Email: pr@templeofthejediorder.org

Secretary of the Clergy

The Secretary for the Clergy is tasked with the day-to-day communication and secretarial tasks of the clergy such as contacting clergy members, making announcements, arranging schedules, filing reports, and maintaining records.

Secretary for the Clergy: Vacant

Email: clergy@templeofthejediorder.org

Secretary of the Synod

The Secretary for the Synod is tasked with the day-to-day communication and secretarial tasks of the Synod such as filing reports, maintaining records, and recording meetings.

Secretary for the Synod: Vacant

Email: clergy@templeofthejediorder.org

VP of Clerical Affairs

It is the responsibility of the VP of Clerical Affairs to see to the Administrative tasks of the Synod and Clergy, supporting their efforts and providing guidance as needed. Furthermore, the VP of Clerical Affairs presses the agenda of the Synod and the Clergy to ensure follow through on measures proposed.

VP of Clerical Affairs: Verheilen

Email: clergy@templeofthejediorder.org

Senior Pastor

Former Pastor who has retired from day-to-day activities but still oversees the spiritual welfare of the Temple.

Senior Pastor: Br. John

Special Interest Advisor

These are members that have particular experience with individual Special Interest Groups and have taken on the responsibility of providing help and guidance to those seeking information. If you have any questions about a specific Special Interest Group, the relevant Advisor will be happy to answer them.

Special Interest Advisor for the Pagan Special Interest Group: Vacant
Special Interest Advisor for the Abrahamic Special Interest Group: Neaj Pa Bol
Special Interest Advisor for the Eastern Special Interest Group: RyuJin

Supplemental Initiate Programme Administrator

The SIP Admin provides additional lessons to Initiates.

Supplemental Initiate Programme Administrator: Zero

Systems Administrator

Manages and maintains the web server and forum software that TOTJO runs on.

Systems Administrators: Ren

Temple support specialist
Provide administrative support to the Temple: RosalynJ

Treasurer

The treasurer is responsible for the management of the TotJO funds and paying for our w3b hosting and related expenses.

Treasurer: Br. John

Youth Officer
Due to increasing interest shown by younger members and the potential vulnerability of such members, Youth Officers (trusted members of our community) have the duty of accommodating those under eighteen (18) years old. The Youth Officers are trusted persons who can be contacted in confidence on any issue. One important aspect of our youth work is the direction of discussion for under eighteen (18) year olds in the youth forum which can only be accessed after first talking with the Youth Officer.

Youth Officers: Skryym

Newsletter Editor-in-Chief
Editor of the 'TOTJO Times' a regular newsletter provided by the Temple.

Editor: ZealotX

Event Coordinator

The Event Coordinator coordinates and oversees the planning and execution of all events sponsored by the Temple of the Jedi Order. They work with Public Relations to inform the Temple about events being held by the larger Jedi community. Promoting TotJO events within the Temple, and to the larger Jedi comnunity as appropriate, is also within the Event Coordinator's purview. Ideas and suggestions for Temple events should be addressed to the Event Coordinator.

Event Coordinator: Vacant

Training and Ranking

2016-06-26T16:11:36+00:00

TOTJO Certificates

2016-02-17T21:18:43+00:00

Link to Merchandise Article

We offer physical certificates for membership of TotJO.

Each is numbered and recorded in our archives for verification purposes.

We are offering three kinds of certificates;

1. Membership

2. Knighthood

3. Clerical Status

If you are interested in obtaining one of these, please contact The Council.

Temple Calendar of Events

2016-02-02T20:26:34+00:00

Article Index

2015-08-13T10:39:38+00:00

Link to FAQ

An article is anything written on pages like this (not in a forum post). The articles are used to provide information about the Temple including official Temple policies.

Information:

Membership Application

Library

Oaths

Merchandise

Terms of Registration

Knights Secretary Role and Responsibilities

Initiate Programme

Initiate Programme Index

Read Here First

Preface

Lesson 1: Introduction To The Temple

Lesson 2: Introduction To Myth

Lesson 3: Introduction To Temple Doctrine

Lesson 4: Introduction To The Force

Lesson 5: Introduction To Religion

Lesson 6: Introduction To Meditation

Lesson 7: Introduction To Learning

Lesson 8: Introduction To Communication

Lesson 9: Capstone Essay

Completing The IP

About Us

Jedi Community Page

2015-05-29T20:18:08+00:00

Link to Articles Index

Link to FAQ

Please contact a Librarian if you think a Jedi group is missing and should be added to this list.

Temple of the Jedi Order (TotJO) is one of a number of other Jedi groups in the wider Jedi community. This page lists a number of other groups and includes a short description about what their focus is and a person of contact. Please click on the links to follow through to the websites and member profiles.

TotJO's policy is, and has always been, that members are welcome to participate in as many other organisations and groups, Jedi or non-Jedi, as they please.

Jedi groups are listed alphabetically below.

Chicago Jedi

"Inspired by the fictional Jedi in Star Wars, we strive to walk the path of the Jedi in our real lives. We’re not just fans, but people who see a core of truth in its philosophy that is worth bringing into the world."

Force Academy

"Founded in 1998 and home to many students of the Force, who mainly align with one of three Aspects: Light, Dark or Shadow. Each Aspect emphasizes different methods, tools and approaches to the Force, for both the Community and the Individual - resulting in a variety of spiritual paths."

Contact: Alethea Thompson (Head of the Light Aspect)

Jedi Gatherings Facebook Group

"Seeks to promote offline gatherings, safe local meet-up's, and to provide safe, neutral, territory to conduct constructive conversations about the Jedi and all those who follow the ways of the Force."

Contact: Kit (The Keeper)

Email: trisskar@gmail.com

Facebook: Jedi Gatherings

Instiute of Jedi Realist Studies

"IJRS serves the Jedi community by offering self-paced, instructor led training that directly impacts your day to day life as you become a Jedi. We accept everyone interested, including Jediists, Realists, Pragmatists, and even dark-siders looking to 'lighten up'. Join us!"

Email: Jax@instituteforjedirealiststudies.org

Jedi Living

"Jedi education in practical and applicable Jedi philosophy for everyday life. Utilizing the Jedi Way to focus on world-betterment through self-betterment."

Contact: Opie Macleod

Facebook: Jedi Living

Ways of the Force

"We are one. We are Jedi. The Force is with us. If you find yourself here, it is not by accident or coincidence. Though we claim no special knowledge or experience that you can't find on your own, here at Ways of the Force, we would like to help you to realize your abilities and the insight that lies within you. You will find no ranks here. If you choose to join this site, then you are a Jedi by faith, not by title. Here we are all equals. Teacher and student are one in the same, for each one learns and each one shares.."

Contact: Streen

Email: streen47@hotmail.com

Governance Document for the Clergy

2014-12-07T20:43:30+00:00

Link to Articles Index

Governance Document for the Clergy

of the
Temple of the Jedi Order

05 December 2022

MISSION

To foster the relationship between the Clergy and the Temple at large by meditation, contemplation, and study; to provide adequate and effective spiritual guidance; to share the foundational directive of promoting awareness, the vital experience; and attention to morality and ethics as expressed in Temple of the Jedi Order Doctrine through teaching and ministry.

OFFICES OF THE SYNOD
Pastor of the Order

It is the responsibility of the Pastor to see to the spiritual well-being of the individuals and the community who are the Temple of the Jedi Order through sermons, teaching, and presence. The Pastor maintains a dialogue with active members of the Clergy, whether personally or in the context of Clergy Meetings, and oversees the curricula and training of clerical trainees in the Seminary and post-seminary work. The Pastor serves in and is accountable to the Council of the Temple of the Jedi Order. The Pastor has the authority to promote members of the Clergy at any time, with the consent (simple majority) of the Synod.

VP of Clerical Affairs

Whereas it is the responsibility of the Pastor to see to spiritual wellbeing, it is the responsibility of the VP of Clerical Affairs to see to the Administrative tasks of the Synod and Clergy, supporting efforts and providing guidance as needed. Furthermore, the VP of Clerical Affairs presses the agenda of the Synod and the Clergy to ensure follow through on measures proposed.

Assistant Pastor of Seminary

The Assistant Pastor for the Seminary is responsible for engagement and intake of new Seminarians (clerical trainees), assistance with their ongoing studies, and tracking the completion of Seminarian’s training journals. Additionally the Assistant Pastor for the Seminary assists in the procedural functioning and services of the Clergy including producing Sermons and providing pastoral care.

Assistant Pastor for Outreach

The Pastor for Pastoral Care is responsible for connecting the Temple to the community members and for the development and fostering of relationships across all levels of participation. This includes leading a team tasked with welcoming new members, providing spiritual outreach services and spiritual crisis mitigation, conflict resolution.

APPOINTMENT OF SYNOD OFFICES

When an Office is vacant, public notice will be made to the Temple requesting candidates who would like to fill this office to submit a letter to the Administrator of Clerical Affairs. Candidates must be an ordained member of the Clergy and in good standing with the Temple. If no suitable ordained Clergy are forthcoming, a suitable Licensed Minister may be appointed as interim officer for a maximum time period of one year and one week. Interim Synod members assume all the roles, rights and responsibilities of the Synod position they are filling, this includes the ability to vote on Synod decisions. Seminarians who complete their studies while in office will be considered standing officers. All candidates will be fairly considered, interviewed, and voted upon by the General Clergy If the Synod vote results in a tie, or there are fewer than four members of the Synod, Councilors that are also members of the Clergy (but not the Synod) may be asked to cast deciding votes.

REMOVAL FROM OFFICE

These are the reasons for which an individual may be removed from an office of the Synod/Clergy

Dereliction of Duty
Long stretches of inactivity or invisibility (6 months or more)
Failure to perform duties in accordance with the description of the role
Abuse of the power that comes with any role

. RANKS AND ROLES

The Clergy is the part of the Temple that deals specifically with the spiritual well-being of the community as a whole. The Clergy are not spiritual authorities, but are entrusted with helping guide people along their Jedi journeys. The Clergy are not mental healthcare professionals- they are guides, and if a member is feeling particularly emotionally distressed, they should seek the appropriate clinical help.

As a non-profit religious organization, the Temple of the Jedi Order has the ability to license and ordain ministers to serve in a clerical capacity. All Ministers can officiate weddings and conduct other religious ceremonies. Both licenses and ordinations are Legal in every state in the USA and may be in foreign countries (check with your local civil authorities for guidelines). To become a Minister of the Force, you must be Licensed or Ordained by the Temple of the Jedi Order; it is not a Certificate that makes you a Minister, but our records on file.

All members of the clergy must maintain good standing within the Temple and generally function by regularly contributing to the Sermon Calendar, engaging with members regularly either in a 1-1, on the forum, on discord, or in a group setting to foster the spiritual health of the community, and (even) creating and maintaining a ministry project. Due to the nature of the vocation, a Clergy member must report any criminal convictions immediately.

Entering Seminary

In order to enter the seminary interested individuals must be ranked Knight or higher within the Temple of the Jedi Order. A live interview is conducted with the Dean of the Seminary or in their absence, another member of the Synod. If a live interview cannot be arranged, the questions may be sent via direct message to the interested party. Admittance will be determined by the person conducting the interview. In the case of a negative response, the individual may appeal to Synod Ordination

Ordination

occurs when an individual completes Seminary and has completed at least six months as a Licensed Minister. A vote is called for within Synod where a simple majority of voting members rules. The announcement is made that an individual is to be ordained in Clerical Promotions and the ceremony [linked here] is carried out. The newly ordained person conducts a live service as a part of their ordination ceremony which is then posted in the sermon archives

Clerical Ranks

Licensed Minister

Licensure is granted by the Synod to a minister who has completed Seminary Training. It is a rank one holds for a minimum of six months while learning the practicalities of ministry within the Temple of the Jedi Order. With this license, a minister is permitted to create and facilitate a personal ministry, may serve as part of a ministerial team, is expected to regularly contribute to the sermon calendar, and craft a Clerical Handbook. As a Licensed Minister is not ordained, they cannot act as a Confidant.

Ordained Clergy Person

The first ordained rank of the Clergy is that of the Ordained Clergy Person. In conjunction with ongoing Ministry and sermons, a cleric takes an Oath of Confidence during Ordination so that they may legally act as Confidants (or "take confession"). The chief role of the Ordained Clergy person is Pastoral Care.

Sr. Ordained Clergy Person

The Sr. Ordained Clergy Person is a visionary for the Clergy and as such sees the "big picture" of the Temple. Sr. OCP looks out for themes that crop up in the Temple in need of addressing while identifying possible areas of growth and filtering that information down all the way down to the Licensed Minister so that projects can be created to address these needs. While reaching out to the wider Temple, Sr. OCP’s are also expected to contribute to the sermon calendar and maintain regular contact with the governing body of the Clergy (Synod)

GOOD STANDING

Members of the Clergy are in Good Standing if:

They engage with meetings of the Clergy either by attending the meeting live or by providing feedback in the thread announcing the meeting.

They update their ministerial statement and handbook at least once per year

They provide a report once per quarter concerning how they are completing their ministerial statement

They complete at least 10 hours of continuing education every year by either completing lessons provided for that purpose or contributing lessons to the bank provided for that purpose

MEETINGS OF THE CLERGY

The members of the Clergy will meet once a quarter. The dates and times of the meetings will be determined by an assessment of the availability of members of the clergy

Three weeks before the meeting, the agenda will be presented in the Temple of the Jedi Order forum and a link will be posted in the #Clergy-General discord. During this time, members who cannot attend may present their points for discussions for each part of the agenda. Each aspect of the agenda will be refined until a suitable proposal of each item is created. The meeting portion is designed for voting for each point of the agenda. Once all members of the Clergy have voted, the majority rules.

VII. FORMING COMMITTEES

Committees may be formed on an ad-hoc basis and overseen by an Ordained Clergy Person or Senior Ordained Clergy person depending on the competency required.

VIII. THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESS

The administrative process of the Synod is directly governed by the Doctrine of Temple of the Jedi Order. Mindful that no one is completely immune from character fault or flaw, the following administrative procedure has been established to provide for the equitable conception, discussion, and decisions of the clerical leadership.

All members of the Synod are encouraged to put forth ideas for improving any of the functions of the Clergy.

These ideas are then discussed, refined, modified, and then voted upon.

All members of the Synod may vote on any measure. The measure passes when a majority is reached.

If the measure passes through the Synod, the Pastor will then submit the proposal to be ratified by the Council of the Temple of the Jedi Order as necessary.

Veto power for any measure rests with the Council of the Temple of the Jedi Order.

Any member of the Temple of the Jedi Order may submit ideas, requests, or grievances to the Synod for investigation, examination, and discussion.

Studies

Knight's Secretary/Assistant Knight's Secretary

About the Forum

Days of Significance and Monthly Reflections

Temple Offices

Training and Ranking

TOTJO Certificates

Temple Calendar of Events

Article Index

Information:

Initiate Programme

About Us

Help

Learning

General Decrees (General Laws)

Español

Clergy

Jedi Community Page

Governance Document for the Clergy

Governance Document for the Clergy