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| UPM charter as revised March 1, 2001 |
United Pagan Ministries Charter
Mission Statement
United Pagan Ministries (UPM) is an interfaith religious organization, representing
a range of traditional and neo-Pagan faiths including (but not limited to)
Shamanism, Druidry, Wicca, Asatru, Elementalism, Goddess Worship, Discordianism,
Men's and Women's Spirituality Groups, Nature-based Spirituality, and the various
Ethnic subdivisions of. As an interfaith group, UPM recognizes that there are many
distinct paths toward spiritual fulfillment.
It is the purpose of UPM to provide services, support, advocacy and education for
the Pagan communities of Cornell University, Ithaca, New York and the surrounding
area. UPM also seeks to provide an environment which enables people of various
Pagan spiritualities to practice and share their faiths. It is furthermore the purpose
of UPM to provide education regarding Pagans and Paganism in general, to participate
in the development of a vibrant academic study of Pagan religions, and to promote
interreligious understanding in the global community.
Statement of Philosophy
UPM operates in accordance with the following basic philosophies:
- Harm none: UPM does not support, advocate, sponsor or condone slander,
violence, denigration or bigotry in any form.
- Respect: UPM advocates mutual respect for all individuals, organisms, religions,
beliefs, and environments. UPM does not proselytize.
Statement of Goals
The primary goals of UPM are as follows:
- To facilitate the organization of worship and observances appropriate to various
Pagan religions, in accordance with the statements of philosophy above.
- To sponsor discussion and education about Pagan religions
- To provide a networking and support mechanism for Pagans and Interested individuals.
- To acquire and maintain for Pagans the rights and privileges accorded to other religions.
- To improve the recognition and respect of Paganism as a valid spiritual path.
- To promote understanding, acceptance and tolerance of all religions.
- To provide an open and supportive environment for those individuals who follow
the teachings of more than one faith.
Amendment and Ratification of the Charter
The methods for amendment and ratification of this Charter shall proceed as follows:
- Amendments to the charter may be proposed by any affiliate.
- Any Amendment agreed to at a business meeting must be ratified at the next
business meeting, which must be at least one week later. No changes may be
made to the amendment between agreement and ratification.
It is the commitment of United Pagan Ministries to adhere to this charter and to work with
other Ministries of various faiths to enhance the spiritual life of local communities.
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