CREATING CONGREGATION

 

The First Church of Druwayu (FCD), founded in 2014 by Raymond S. G. Foster, is a modern polytheistic movement rooted in Druish culture, blending ancient wisdom with logic, humor, and absurdity. Druwayu, meaning "True Ways" (Drú: true, Wayú: path), welcomes those 18 and older to build communities aligned with its values. Review the FCD’s Policies, Bylaws, and Recommendations for New Druans on the official website before starting.

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Age Restriction:

 

The FCD strictly prohibits directing or marketing Druwayu, its teachings, congregations, clubs, or activities to individuals under 18. Membership and participation are restricted to those 18 and older. Non-compliance may result in revocation of membership, clergy status, or affiliation, as well as asset seizure, legal action by the Drusidu, or other measures to protect Druwayu’s integrity.

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Starting a Congregation

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1. Become a Druan:

   • Declare alignment with Druwayu’s culture and values.

   • Register as an active member on the FCD website (Members section); no fees or initiation required.

2. Study Druwayu:

   • Understand the FCD’s mission, values, history, and teachings via the official website.

   • Ensure your congregation reflects Druish culture, emphasizing community, reason, and creativity.

3. Gather Druans:

   • Form a group of committed Druans (no minimum size) to sustain Druish activities.

   • Members may include Druans or recognized Warlocks/Witches (clergy outside the Drusidu).

4. Name and Organize:

   • Choose a name, e.g., “Druish Assembly of [Location].”

   • Plan activities reflecting Druish traditions, led by Druans or clergy.

   • Comply with local laws; the FCD is not liable for violations.

5. Website and Contributions:

   • Create a webpage with a visible link to the FCD website, avoiding redirects to unrelated/restricted content.

   • Send 10% of funds collected using FCD content to the Parent Church.

   • Pay a $5 monthly or $60 annual fee for an active listing on the FCD website.

   • Register your branch with us so we can create a listing page to your page and make sure to create a link to this Website.

6. Clergy Requirements:

   • Ensure one recognized Warlock or Witch (18+, active website member) oversees the congregation.

   • Clergy recognition may be revoked for policy violations.

   • Issue “Hallowed” credentials (not “ordained”) with Drusidu approval if charging fees.

7. Drusidu Distinction:

   • Use terms like “council of elders” for local leadership, not “Drusidu” (reserved for the FCD’s primary council).

8. Legal Responsibility:

   • You and your members are solely liable for legal actions; the FCD is exempt.

   • Misrepresentation of Druwayu may lead to asset seizure or legal action by the Drusidu.

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Starting a Club

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• Structure: No clergy required; obtain Drusidu or High Elder Warlock approval for fundraising events, sending 10% of funds to the FCD.

• Website: Create a webpage linking to the FCD site, ensuring compliance with content policies.

• Legal Liability: Adhere to local laws; the FCD is not liable.

 

Using FCD Materials

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• Logos and Characters: Use for non-profit purposes with approval; for-profit use requires Drusidu consent and 30% of net profits sent to the FCD.

• Merchandise: Obtain approval from the Drusidu High Elder Warlock/Witch or successor for authorized merchandise, with 30% of net profits to the FCD.

 

Key Notes

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• Drusidu’s Role: Provides guidance but does not require approval to start a congregation. Unauthorized actions (e.g., financial misconduct) may lead to asset seizure or reimbursement demands.

• Inclusivity: Welcome Druans 18+, excluding those acting against FCD values.

• Practical Needs: Fund your own activities (e.g., ritual materials, spaces). Develop a “Druish Chronicle” to define your group’s identity as an extension of Druwayu.

• Reserved Rights: The FCD may discontinue or take over branches/clubs misusing Druwayu’s name or content, with potential legal action for misrepresentation.

 

Next Steps

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• Review FCD Policies and Bylaws on the official website; adopt them if desired, crediting their origin.

• Register as a member and commit to Druish values.

• Launch your congregation or club to strengthen the Druish community. May your journey with Druwayu flourish!

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Remember This:

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The First Church of Druwayu (FCD) strictly prohibits directing or marketing Druwayu, its teachings, congregations, clubs, or associated activities to children or persons under 18 years of age, restricting membership and participation to individuals 18 and older in accordance with FCD’s policies and values. Failure to comply with this policy, including any attempt to involve or target individuals under 18, may result in immediate revocation of membership, clergy recognition, or affiliation with the FCD, as well as potential asset seizure, legal action by the Drusidu, or other measures deemed necessary to protect the integrity of Druwayu and its community. We take this very seriously. 

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LEGAL COMPLIENCES: 

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The FCD’s guidelines for establishing congregations or clubs include strict requirements for compliance with its Policies and Bylaws, as well as adherence to local, state, and national laws. The FCD explicitly states that branch congregations and clubs, as extensions of the Father Church, are solely responsible for ensuring compliance with these legal frameworks. The following outlines the legal actions and consequences for non-compliance, as per the FCD’s policies:

 

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Non-Compliance with FCD Requirements:

 

• Revocation of Affiliation: Failure to adhere to FCD establishment requirements (e.g., registering on the FCD website, paying the $5 monthly or $60 annual fee, or sending 10% of funds collected using FCD content) may result in the revocation of membership, clergy status (Warlock or Witch), or affiliation with the FCD.

• Asset Seizure: Unauthorized actions, such as financial misconduct or misrepresentation of Druwayu’s name, terms, or content, may lead to the Drusidu (FCD’s primary council) seizing assets associated with the branch or club.

• Legal Action by the Drusidu: Misrepresentation of Druwayu, including using its name or materials without approval or in violation of policies, may trigger legal action initiated by the Drusidu to protect the FCD’s integrity and intellectual property.

• Discontinuation or Takeover: The FCD reserves the right to discontinue or take over branches or clubs that misuse Druwayu’s name, terms, or content, ensuring alignment with its mission and values.

 

Non-Compliance with Age Restriction:

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• The FCD strictly prohibits directing or marketing Druwayu, its teachings, congregations, clubs, or activities to individuals under 18. Non-compliance, such as involving minors in Druish activities, may result in immediate revocation of membership, clergy status, or affiliation, as well as asset seizure, legal action by the Drusidu, or other measures to safeguard Druwayu’s integrity. This reflects the FCD’s commitment to ensuring that its complex spiritual and cultural themes are explored only by adults with the requisite maturity.

 

Non-Compliance with Local Laws:

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• Branches and clubs are solely responsible for complying with town, province, city, state, and/or national laws in their respective countries. The FCD explicitly states it is exempt from liability for any legal violations by its branches or clubs.

• Legal violations (e.g., failure to register as a non-profit organization, tax evasion, or unauthorized public gatherings) may expose branch leaders and members to local legal penalties, such as fines, imprisonment, or organizational dissolution, depending on the jurisdiction.

• Misrepresentation or unauthorized activities could also lead to FCD-initiated legal action to protect its brand and intellectual property, potentially compounding local legal consequences.

 

Critical Note: The FCD’s emphasis on centralized control (e.g., Drusidu oversight, mandatory contributions, and approval for merchandise) suggests a structured approach to protecting its intellectual property and cultural identity. However, the lack of specific case studies or documented legal actions involving the FCD limits the ability to verify how these consequences are enforced in practice. The FCD’s policies appear designed to deter non-compliance through both internal sanctions (revocation, asset seizure) and external legal recourse, but their effectiveness depends on the FCD’s capacity to monitor and pursue violations globally.

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Comparison of International Laws Relevant to Religious Organizations (as of January 1, 2025)

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The First Church of Druwayu (FCD) requires all branch congregations and clubs to comply with its establishment requirements (see Policies and Bylaws) and the local, state, and national laws of their respective countries. Below is a comparison of legal frameworks in select countries to guide FCD branches in ensuring compliance. Non-compliance with FCD policies, including directing or marketing Druwayu to individuals under 18, may result in revocation of membership, clergy status, or affiliation, asset seizure, or legal action by the Drusidu. Branches are solely responsible for legal compliance, and the FCD is exempt from liability. These international laws can change without notice and will be updated as such discoveries are made.

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• United States

  • Registration Requirements: Religious organizations may operate without mandatory registration but must register as non-profits (e.g., 501(c)(3)) for tax exemptions, per IRS regulations.

  • Funding Regulations: No restrictions on domestic funding. Foreign contributions are monitored under laws like the USA PATRIOT Act to prevent illicit activities.

  • Activity Restrictions: Religious activities are protected under the First Amendment. Public gatherings may require local permits. Intellectual property (e.g., FCD logos) is protected under trademark law.

  • Penalties for Non-Compliance: Failure to register as a non-profit may lead to fines or loss of tax-exempt status. Illegal activities (e.g., fraud) face civil or criminal penalties.

  • Implications for FCD Branches: Register as a non-profit for tax benefits. Comply with local permitting laws. Protect FCD’s intellectual property to avoid misrepresentation lawsuits. The age restriction (18+) aligns with U.S. norms for mature content.

• Australia

  • Registration Requirements: Religious organizations must register as charities with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) for tax exemptions.

  • Funding Regulations: Foreign funding is monitored under anti-money laundering laws. Charities must report financial activities to the ACNC.

  • Activity Restrictions: Mandatory reporting laws require clergy to report child abuse, including from confessions, with strict enforcement.

  • Penalties for Non-Compliance: Fines, loss of charitable status, or up to 3 years imprisonment for failing to report abuse or financial mismanagement.

  • Implications for FCD Branches: Register with the ACNC and comply with mandatory reporting laws, which may affect Druish clergy practices. The FCD’s age restriction aligns with Australia’s child protection laws.

• China

  • Registration Requirements: Religious groups must register with the State Administration for Religious Affairs (SARA). Unregistered groups are often deemed illegal.

  • Funding Regulations: Foreign funding is heavily restricted to prevent external influence. Domestic funding must align with government-approved purposes.

  • Activity Restrictions: Activities must adhere to “Sinicization” policies, adapting religion to Chinese culture. Unregistered groups face raids or bans.

  • Penalties for Non-Compliance: Fines, imprisonment (6 months to 10 years for some groups), or confiscation of materials for unregistered activities.

  • Implications for FCD Branches: Strict registration and funding rules make establishing branches challenging. Druwayu’s polytheistic nature and humor-based culture may conflict with Sinicization, risking bans or arrests.

• India

  • Registration Requirements: Religious organizations must register under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) for foreign funds and as trusts or societies for non-profit status.

  • Funding Regulations: FCRA licenses, renewed every 5 years, restrict foreign funding to approved purposes. Non-compliance leads to license revocation.

  • Activity Restrictions: Activities must not disrupt “public interest” or “harmony.” New religious movements may face scrutiny.

  • Penalties for Non-Compliance: Fines, license revocation, or imprisonment for FCRA violations or activities deemed disruptive.

  • Implications for FCD Branches: Sending 10% of funds to the FCD requires FCRA compliance. Register as a non-profit and ensure activities align with public interest laws. The age restriction aligns with India’s child protection laws.

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Critical Analysis and Implications for FCD Branches

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• Diverse Legal Landscapes:

  • Variability: Legal requirements vary significantly. The U.S. and Australia offer religious freedom but require administrative compliance (e.g., non-profit registration, reporting). China’s restrictive policies and India’s FCRA regulations pose challenges for registration and funding.

  • Implication: FCD branches must tailor operations to local laws, ensuring compliance with registration, tax, and activity regulations to avoid penalties.

• FCD’s Centralized Control:

  • Structure: The FCD’s requirements (e.g., Drusidu approval, 10% fund contributions, 30% merchandise profit-sharing) align with U.S. trademark and non-profit laws but may conflict with restrictive foreign laws (e.g., China’s Sinicization or India’s FCRA).

  • Implication: Branches in restrictive countries must carefully document fund transfers to the FCD and secure approvals to avoid legal scrutiny or license revocation.

• Age Restriction Compliance:

  • Policy: The FCD’s prohibition on involving those under 18 aligns with child protection laws in the U.S., Australia, and India but requires diligent enforcement by branches.

  • Implication: Branches must implement strict screening to prevent minors’ involvement, as violations could trigger local penalties (e.g., Australia’s mandatory reporting laws) and FCD sanctions (revocation, legal action).

• Enforcement of FCD Policies:

  • Mechanisms: The FCD’s threats of revocation, asset seizure, or Drusidu-initiated lawsuits aim to protect its brand and intellectual property. However, enforcing these globally may be challenging due to varying legal standards and costs, however, this will not discourage Drusidu-initiated lawsuits being pursued.

  • Implication: Branches must adhere to FCD policies (e.g., website linking, approved merchandise) to avoid internal sanctions, while local legal expertise is needed to navigate jurisdictional differences.

• Practical Considerations:

  • Funding and Activities: Branches must self-fund activities (e.g., ritual materials, spaces) and comply with local tax laws, while sending required contributions to the FCD.

  • Implication: Develop a “Druish Chronicle” to define group identity, ensuring it reflects Druwayu as an extension of the FCD, to avoid misrepresentation claims.

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Thankyou for your interest.

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