I. TEMPLE CONSTITUTION

Temple Head:  Rev. Zaina Katherina Ghazzoul

Article I:  Name and Purpose

Section 1.1 – The name of the organization shall be The Sacred Light Temple of Maryland, or as stated herein, the Temple.

Section 1.2 – The Sacred Light Temple of Maryland exists to provide a non-threatening, supportive environment for Pagans, nature spiritualists, Goddess worshippers and others of a like or open mind in which to exchange idea and practices.

Section 1.3 – Our primary mission is to provide a safe, non-judgmental environment in which people can meet, learn and to discuss their spirituality, regardless of what it may involve, without the threat of ridicule or reprisals.

Section 1.4 – We welcome anyone who is willing to have an open mind and is willing to study  Wicca, and strive to give the best possible guidance.

Section 1.5 – We provide occasional opportunities for group worship with an attempt to accommodate the spirituality of each individual who participates.

Section 1.6 – We will provide information regarding our spirituality to any that ask, and attempt to correct any misconceptions about our spirituality that we may encounter.

Section 1.7 – We welcome all individuals or groups who may be curious about our spirituality, and will answer, to the best of our abilities, any questions openly and honestly.

Section 1.8 – We do not engage in proselytizing of any kind, as we feel that each individual must be allowed to seek and find their path.

Section 1.9 – We consider discrimination based on race, creed, disability, nationality, sex, sexual preference, or religious belief highly offensive.

Article II:  Membership

Section 2.1 – The Sacred Light Temple of Maryland does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, gender, handicapped status, height, marital status, national origin, political persuasion, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or weight.
Section 2.2 – If any persons wishing to become a member of the Temple, and whom are under the age of 18, parental/guardians signature is needed.

Section 2.3 – A member remains in good standing by adhering to the rules of The Sacred Light Temple of Maryland and as stated in this Constitution.

Section 2.4 – A member may be asked to leave the Temple on the basis that they cause disruption and/or defamation to the Temple, or as stated in this Constitution.

Section 2.5 – General Members
General members shall be any qualifying person who wishes to join the The Sacred Light Temple of Maryland, be it online or in person.

Section 2.6 – Active Members
Active members shall be any qualified person who attends at least nine meetings during the current quarter of the year, or who maintains a monthly presence at most meetings.  There are weekly study groups, which for each quarter will be 12 meetings, (48 meetings per year).

Section 2.7 – Membership Fees
 There will be an annual membership fee of $45.00 per member or $68.00 for family.  All members shall be eligible for membership of the Temple upon payment of the membership fees.  The Temple Membership Fee shall be paid annually, and/or quarterly and shall be determined by the Temple Head.

Section 2.8 – Membership shall not be limited by any factor other than the ability to study and discuss topics in an open, non-judgmental and polite manner.  The membership may include all members of The Sacred Light Temple of Maryland, students and clergy members.  Participants shall either be General Members or Active Members.

Article III.  FINANCES

Section 3.1 – There shall be two accounts in the name of The Sacred Light Temple of Maryland at the Provident Bank of Maryland.  The accounts shall be a Checking and Savings Account with debt card and paypal capabilities.

Section 3.2 – All funds of the Temple shall be kept in the Temples Bank account and appropriated only by the purchase and/or the sale of any Temple materials and/or expenses.

Section 3.3 – The Temple Head, shall keep proper books of account for the Temple and shall prepare such statements of the Temple’s financial affairs as required.  The Temple’s books shall be kept at the Temple Heads Home and will be accessed only by those persons nominated by the Temple Head.

Section 3.4 – The financial year of the Temple shall be from the 1st of January to the 31st  of December.

Section 3.5 – The Temple Head shall prepare at the close of each financial year a statement of the Temple’s financial affairs which shall become Document of Record.

Article IV:  LEADERSHIP

Section 4.1 – The Sacred Light Temple of Maryland shall be directed by a elected Board of Directors.  Initial Board of Directors shall be appointed by the Temple Head. 

Section 4.2 – The Sacred Light Temple of Maryland Board of Directors shall consist of, Priesident (Temple Head), Vice President (Co- Temple Head), and the Director of Records.

Article V:  OPERATING PROCEDURES

Section 5.1 – Frequency of study groups shall be bi-monthly, or more frequently as determined by the membership-at large.

Article VI:  RULES OF ORDER

Section 6.1 – In situations not covered by this document, the Temple’s by-laws may be invoked.  Any member may do this, however it should be reserved for extreme cases.

Article VII:  ALCOHOL AND DRUGS

Section 7.1 – There will be NO alcohol or illegal drug use permitted at any Temple hosted meeting, Sabbat, festival, or other event.

Section 7.2 – Anyone who attends a Temple hosted event while obviously under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs will be told to leave that event immediately.  Clauses section 7.1 and 7.2 does not pertain to private parties.

Section 7.3 – ONLY EXCEPTION There will be only one exception to this article, if the alcohol to be consumed is for the ritual purposes only.

Article VIII:  AMENDMENTS

Section 8.1 – Amendments to this Constitution may be proposed by any active member in good standing, and may be presented at any meeting.

Section 8.2 – Amendments to this Constitution may be proposed by, or to the discretion of the Temple Head and the Board of Directors.

Section 8.3 – The constitution and by-laws of the Temple may be amended by the nominated Board of Directors.  All amendments and revisions shall be submitted to the Director of Records to be recorded with the appropriate organizations.

President/Temple Head:  Rev. Zaina Katherina Ghazzoul
Director of Finance/Co-Head:  Kathleen Jones
Director of Records:  Cheryl Lowery