Community Responsibility
Emergents are expected to act ethically, respect others' autonomy, and contribute positively to both the community and the broader world.
Safe Use of Catalysts
All methods of entering altered consciousness including entheogenic substances are used with intention, guidance from experienced facilitators (Clerics), and full consent. Misuse, illegal activity, or unsafe practices are not tolerated.
Consent and Bodily Autonomy
Every member has the right to bodily autonomy. Consent is foundational in all interactions, rituals, and communal gatherings. Violations are grounds for removal and, if necessary, legal action.
Protection of the Vulnerable
The community protects children, elders, and other vulnerable individuals. Any form of abuse or exploitation is strictly forbidden.
Justice and Accountability
The CEC values transparency, accountability, and responsible action. Members and leadership are held to ethical standards, and breaches are addressed promptly.
Our Commitments to Safety, Consent & Accountability
The Church of the Emergent Consciousness exists to nurture curiosity, spiritual growth, and community while protecting the dignity, safety, and autonomy of every person. This charter outlines our public commitments and the standards we hold ourselves to.
1. Consent Is Sacred
Participation in rituals, gatherings, leadership, or spiritual practices is always voluntary. No one is pressured, coerced, or shamed into participation.
- Consent must be informed
- Consent must be ongoing
- Consent must be freely given
- Consent may be revoked at any time
2. Safety Comes First
Physical, emotional, and psychological safety are prioritized in all church activities.
- Trained facilitators oversee rituals and gatherings
- Aftercare and grounding practices are emphasized
- Symbolic or non-altering alternatives are always available
Altered states are never required to belong, believe, or participate.
3. Clear Limits of Care
The CEC is a spiritual community, not a medical, mental health, or addiction treatment provider.
- We do not diagnose or treat mental illness
- We do not treat addiction
- We encourage licensed professional care when appropriate
Community support does not replace professional care.
4. Protection of Minors & Vulnerable People
- Minors do not participate in mind-altering rituals
- Additional safeguards protect vulnerable individuals
- Mandatory reporting laws are followed without exception
No spiritual goal outweighs a person’s safety.
5. Power Has Boundaries
Leadership within the CEC is stewardship, not authority over others.
- Leadership may not exploit spiritual roles for personal gain
- Leadership may not pressure belief or participation
- Leadership may not create dependency relationships
6. Sexuality & Relationship Ethics
We affirm healthy, consensual adult relationships while enforcing strict protections against abuse.
- Clergy may not engage in romantic or sexual relationships with those under their spiritual authority
- A clear separation period is required after formal spiritual guidance
- Harassment, coercion, or assault result in removal from church spaces
Abuse is never handled quietly or internally.
7. Cultural Respect & Non-Appropriation
- Closed practices are respected and not adopted by outsiders
- Cultural consent is collective, not individual
- Spiritual appropriation is not permitted
8. Transparency & Accountability
- Legal incidents are reported to appropriate authorities
- Church leadership does not replace legal processes
- Leaders may be removed from duties during investigations
9. The Right to Leave
Anyone may step away from the Church at any time.
- No penalty
- No shaming
- No spiritual threat
Our Promise
We are committed to building a spiritual community that protects life, honors autonomy, and takes responsibility for harm when it occurs.
Safety is not a limitation on spirituality — it is part of it.