Legal Religion | First Church of Druwayu

DRUWAYU IS REAL | VALIDITY OF THE CHURCH

OVERVIEW

Druwayu is a religion centered on logic, humor, absurdity, ethical growth, respect for diversity, and social integrity. It recognizes four primary deities (one God and three Goddesses), spiritual entities called Wights, revered individuals known as Holy Ones, and cosmological principles called the Drikeyu. Sacred Geometry is integral to its spiritual, philosophical, and scientific framework. The First Church of Druwayu operates with a structured governance system, including clergy ranks (High Elder Warlocks/Witches, Elder Warlocks/Witches, Warlocks/Witches, and Seekers), regular worship services, and a focus on community engagement, inclusivity, and ethical conduct. The bylaws emphasize compliance with federal and Oregon state laws, financial transparency, non-discrimination, and child protection, while promoting virtual and physical spaces for worship and community activities.

IRS Requirements for Church Recognition

The IRS does not provide a single definition of a "church" and a 501(c)(3) is not necessary for a "church" to operate as a non-profit origination or to be defined as a recognized religion. However, the IRS does use a combination of characteristics to determine eligibility for tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. These characteristics, as outlined in IRS guidelines and related sources, include:

Distinct Legal Existence: The organization must be a distinct legal entity, such as a corporation, association, or trust.
Recognized Creed and Form of Worship: A clear statement of beliefs and specific practices of worship.
Definite and Distinct Ecclesiastical Government: A formal structure for governance and leadership.
Formal Code of Doctrine and Discipline: Established rules or bylaws governing the organization and its members.
Distinct Religious History: A unique religious tradition or history, even if recently established.
Membership Not Associated with Other Churches: Members primarily adhere to this organization’s beliefs.
Organization of Ordained Ministers: A system for selecting and training clergy with authority to conduct religious services.
Literature of Its Own: Religious texts or materials produced by the organization.
Established Places of Worship: Designated physical or virtual spaces for religious activities.
Regular Congregations: A community that gathers regularly for worship.
Regular Religious Services: Consistent worship or spiritual activities.
Sunday Schools for Religious Instruction of the Young: Programs for educating youth (optional, as not all churches have this).
Schools for Preparation of Ministers: Training programs for clergy.
Additional Considerations: The IRS may consider other factors, such as community service, financial transparency, and compliance with federal and state laws.

Churches automatically qualify for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status without applying for a Letter of Determination, provided they meet these criteria, though they may seek formal recognition for validation.

U.S. Constitution Compliance

The First Amendment guarantees freedom of religion, prohibiting Congress from making laws respecting an establishment of religion or impeding its free exercise. The Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) further protects religious practices from government actions that substantially burden them unless justified by a compelling interest. The bylaws’ compliance with federal laws (e.g., Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII, Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act) and Oregon state laws ensures alignment with constitutional protections, particularly in maintaining non-discrimination, religious freedom, and equal opportunity.

Alignment of Druwayu Bylaws with IRS and Constitutional Requirements

1. Distinct Legal Existence

Bylaws Reference: Article I establishes "The First Church of Druwayu" as the official name, implying a distinct organizational entity. Article XIV notes that churches are not required to incorporate but can operate as unincorporated associations, which is recognized under federal law and Oregon law (ORS Chapter 65).
IRS Compliance: The church’s structure as an unincorporated association with a clear name and governance system satisfies the requirement for a distinct legal existence, whether incorporated or not.
Constitutional Compliance: The First Amendment supports the church’s right to exist as a religious entity without government interference, and the bylaws’ adherence to Oregon’s nonprofit laws (ORS Chapter 65) ensures legal recognition.

2. Recognized Creed and Form of Worship

Bylaws Reference: Article II outlines a clear statement of faith, including belief in four primary deities, Wights, Holy Ones, the Drikeyu, and Sacred Geometry. Article XXI specifies regular religious services involving contemplation, meditation, and community gatherings, indicating distinct forms of worship.
IRS Compliance: The detailed creed (deities, Wights, Holy Ones, Drikeyu, and Sacred Geometry) and specified worship practices (contemplation, meditation) meet the IRS requirement for a recognized creed and form of worship.
Constitutional Compliance: The First Amendment protects the church’s right to define and practice its unique creed without government restriction, as affirmed by the bylaws’ commitment to RFRA.

3. Definite and Distinct Ecclesiastical Government

Bylaws Reference: Article IV establishes a hierarchical governance structure with clergy ranks (High Elder Warlocks/Witches, Elder Warlocks/Witches, Warlocks/Witches, and Seekers) and a council for decision-making (Article V). The bylaws outline roles, responsibilities, and processes for leadership selection and governance.
IRS Compliance: The structured clergy hierarchy and council-based decision-making process satisfy the IRS requirement for a distinct ecclesiastical government.
Constitutional Compliance: The governance structure operates within the protections of the First Amendment, ensuring the church’s autonomy in organizing its leadership without government interference.

4. Formal Code of Doctrine and Discipline

Bylaws Reference: Articles II (Statement of Faith), XVI (Ethical Guidelines), and XXX (Code of Conduct) provide a formal code of doctrine and discipline. These outline the church’s beliefs, ethical expectations, and behavioral standards, with disciplinary actions for violations (Article XXX).
IRS Compliance: The bylaws’ detailed doctrine (Article II) and codes of conduct and ethics (Articles XVI, XXX) meet the IRS requirement for a formal code of doctrine and discipline.
Constitutional Compliance: The code aligns with First Amendment protections by allowing the church to enforce its internal rules while adhering to non-discrimination and other federal laws (Article XXVI).

5. Distinct Religious History

Bylaws Reference: While the bylaws do not explicitly detail a historical narrative, Article IV references the founder as "The First True Warlock," suggesting an origin story tied to the establishment of Druwayu. The unique beliefs (e.g., Drikeyu, Sacred Geometry) indicate a distinct religious identity.
IRS Compliance: A newly established religion can still meet this criterion if it demonstrates a unique identity, which Druwayu does through its specific deities, principles, and founder’s role. The IRS has recognized non-traditional organizations like Young Life as churches despite limited historical precedent.
Constitutional Compliance: The First Amendment allows new religions to form and gain recognition without requiring a long history, supporting Druwayu’s establishment.

6. Membership Not Associated with Other Churches

Bylaws Reference: Article III specifies that membership is open to those who embrace Druwayu’s principles, and Article IV clarifies that titles from other religious traditions are not recognized within the church, suggesting exclusivity in commitment.
IRS Compliance: The requirement for members to align with Druwayu’s principles and the non-recognition of external religious titles imply that members are primarily associated with Druwayu, meeting this IRS criterion.
Constitutional Compliance: The First Amendment protects the church’s right to define its membership criteria without government interference.

7. Organization of Ordained Ministers

Bylaws Reference: Article IV details a rigorous process for ordaining clergy (Warlocks/Witches), including training Seekers, essay submissions, and evaluation by Elder Warlocks/Witches. The process ensures clergy are qualified to lead rituals and provide spiritual guidance.
IRS Compliance: The structured clergy ranks and ordination process (hallowing in) meet the IRS requirement for an organization of ordained ministers.
Constitutional Compliance: The church’s autonomy in selecting and training clergy is protected under the First Amendment, as reinforced by RFRA.

8. Literature of Its Own

Bylaws Reference: Article XVIII designates the church’s website as the primary source of educational materials and resources, which are maintained and updated to reflect Druwayu’s teachings.
IRS Compliance: The church’s website serving as a repository for its literature satisfies the IRS requirement for literature of its own.
Constitutional Compliance: The First Amendment protects the church’s right to produce and disseminate its own religious materials.

9. Established Places of Worship

Bylaws Reference: Article XIX defines "Hallowed Grounds" (physical sacred spaces), "Virtual Worlds" (online sacred sites), and private homes as places of worship.
IRS Compliance: The inclusion of physical, virtual, and private home spaces for worship aligns with IRS recognition of diverse worship settings, as seen in cases like Young Life, which lacked a traditional church building but was recognized as a church.
Constitutional Compliance: The First Amendment supports the church’s right to designate its own places of worship, whether physical or virtual.

10. Regular Congregations

Bylaws Reference: Article XX specifies regular online and private home gatherings for worship, fellowship, and spiritual growth, open to all members.
IRS Compliance: The commitment to regular gatherings satisfies the IRS requirement for regular congregations.
Constitutional Compliance: The First Amendment protects the right to assemble for religious purposes, supporting these gatherings.

11. Regular Religious Services

Bylaws Reference: Article XXI outlines regular religious services, including contemplation, meditation, and community gatherings led by clergy.
IRS Compliance: The specified services meet the IRS requirement for regular religious services.
Constitutional Compliance: The First Amendment ensures the church’s right to conduct these services without government restriction.

12. Sunday Schools for Religious Instruction of the Young

Bylaws Reference: Article XLIII explicitly states that the church does not provide programs for children, leaving religious instruction to parents or legal guardians.
IRS Compliance: This criterion is optional, as not all recognized churches have Sunday schools. The IRS recognizes churches without youth programs, such as Young Life, which focuses on broader community engagement.
Constitutional Compliance: The decision to exclude youth programs is protected under the First Amendment, allowing the church to define its approach to religious education.

13. Schools for Preparation of Ministers

Bylaws Reference: Article IV describes a training process for Seekers, mentored by Warlocks/Witches, including essays and evaluations to prepare them for clergy roles.
IRS Compliance: The structured training for Seekers meets the IRS requirement for a system to prepare ministers.
Constitutional Compliance: The First Amendment supports the church’s autonomy in training its clergy.

14. Additional IRS Considerations

Financial Transparency: Article VII mandates transparent budgeting, accounting, and auditing practices, with regular financial reports to members, aligning with IRS expectations for tax-exempt organizations.
Community Engagement: Articles XX, XXXIV, and XL outline community outreach, interfaith collaboration, and service projects, demonstrating a broader societal purpose, which supports IRS recognition.
Non-Discrimination: Article XIII ensures compliance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Oregon’s non-discrimination laws (ORS 659A), aligning with IRS and federal requirements for tax-exempt status.
Child Protection: Article XXVIII complies with the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act and Oregon law (ORS 419B), reinforcing the church’s commitment to legal compliance.

Constitutional Compliance (Additional Considerations)

First Amendment: Article XXVI explicitly commits to upholding freedom of religion, ensuring that Druwayu’s practices are protected from government interference.
RFRA: The bylaws’ adherence to RFRA (Article XXVI) ensures that the church’s religious practices are safeguarded unless a compelling government interest exists.
Title VII: The non-discrimination policy (Article XIII) and equal opportunity provisions (Article XXVII) align with Title VII, prohibiting employment discrimination and supporting religious exemptions for hiring clergy.
Equal Opportunity for Religious Organizations: Compliance with 7 CFR Part 16 (Article XXVI) ensures the church can participate in federal programs on equal terms, reinforcing constitutional protections.

Conclusion

The First Church of Druwayu, as outlined in its bylaws, aligns well with IRS requirements for recognition as a church under Section 501(c)(3) and complies with U.S. Constitutional principles, particularly the First Amendment and RFRA. Its structured governance, clear creed, regular worship services, clergy training, and commitment to federal and Oregon state laws (e.g., non-discrimination, child protection, financial transparency) meet the IRS’s 14 criteria and additional considerations. The church’s non-traditional elements (e.g., Sacred Geometry, virtual worship) are not barriers, as IRS precedent supports diverse religious expressions. If seeking formal IRS recognition, the church could apply for a Letter of Determination using Form 1023, though it is already eligible for automatic tax-exempt status as a church. Constitutionally, Druwayu’s bylaws uphold religious freedom, non-discrimination, and equal opportunity, ensuring compliance with federal and state laws.

Date: October 1, 2024

Issued by: Raymond S.G. Foster, Founder and Representative of the First Church of Druwayu
On Behalf of: The First Church of Druwayu (FCD), he religion of Druwayu and the Drusidu.

I, Raymond S.G. Foster, founder of Druwayu and representative of the First Church of Druwayu (FCD), solemnly declare my sincerely held belief that Druwayu is a true religion. This conviction, forged over years of contemplation and exploration of the world’s beauty, ugliness, wonders, and horrors, is not a casual notion but a profound spiritual truth that defines my existence and unites the Druan community.

Quick Facts:

Druwayu means “True Ways.”
- It is adapted from the rare forms of Dru/Tru = true/strong/enduring/factual/dedicated/loyal + 'wayu' = ways as adapted from "wega" = course/direction/path/pattern/method; often used in reference to a tradition and/or religion." The context is a culture based in truth and facts over feelings or assumptions which also includes a responsibility to correct errors and to stand against misrepresentation.
Druan means "True One."
- Adapted from Dru + an = one. For simplicity Druans is a plural. Druish expresses as sense of culture and tradition. The basic sense is one who has embraced the culture, tradition and teachings of Druwayu individually, while also working together collectively.
Drusidu means "True Seats."
1. Dru + sidu; sidu is akin to situ and sed meaning "seat/sit," and also is applied figurative for "abode, place, establish, position or location, and often used as a gloss for "custom/customs." This usage of "custom" which means "habit" or "practice," is based more on the context of expectations, particularly in payments for trades. This custom can also be used in the sense of "what's established or set into place" which was the basis of it being used figuratively in such a sense. This is most apparent in Anglo Saxon ġe-sid-ian (“to set right/establish”). It is akin to Latin sedes (seat). Therefore, Drusidu means True Seats in the sense of dedicated chairs and a term for the governing council of Druwayu, its Church, branches and extensions.

Core Attributes of Druwayu as a Religion

The following will be specific to the previous points and information provided. Note that the First Church of Druwayu ((FCD) has secured its Church EIN on 01-31-2025 using Form: SS-4, from:

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE
CINCINNATI OH 45999-0023

Distinct Legal Existence

The FCD operates as a distinct entity under the Uniform Unincorporated Nonprofit Association Act (UUNAA) in the State of Oregon, USA, enabling it to conduct religious activities, own property, and function legally as a church, per IRS Publication 557.

Recognized Creed and Form of Worship

Druwayu’s creed, “Embrace Logic, Humor, and Absurdity,” guides Druans in seeking impersonal truth and interconnectedness through reason, laughter, and acceptance of life’s contradictions.

Our primary observance is sharing content and discussions through our online platforms and messengers.

Worship is regarded as up to one's own personal expression and includes contemplation of the One and Three deities (one God, three Goddesses) via the expressions of True Sacred Geometry and the Drikeyu (Three Keys: Worloga, Wyrda, Wihas), alongside practices like our weekly Holy Monday Night a communion, blending community and compassion with spiritual reflection and hospitality.

Definite and Distinct Ecclesiastical Government

The Drusidu (dru + sidu = True Seats), a council of Elder Warlocks and Elder Witches led by the High Elder Warlock or High Elder Witch, governs FCD.

General Warlocks and Witches, hallowed clergy outside the Drusidu, lead local branches, ensuring a structured hierarchy rooted in Druish wholeness and guidance.

Formal Code of Doctrine and Discipline

Druwayu’s doctrine integrates logic (critical thinking, coherence), humor (resilience, connection), and absurdity (wonder, creativity), rejecting sacrificial offerings as abhorrent.

Discipline includes ethical conduct (e.g., non-commercial propaganda, 30% profit to FCD if authorized), inclusivity (open to all, barring imposition), and honesty, as detailed on druwayu.com.

Distinct Religious History

Conceived by Raymond S. G. Foster over a course of many years and having gone through different prior incarnations, in 2014 the tradition finally received its name and formalized with FCD’s online creation on October 1, 2024.

Druwayu emerged as a modern response to spiritual needs of people disillusioned and fed up with the nonsense of so-called paganism, heathenry occultism, or parody religions.

This resulted in a recognized and serious need to be distinct from any and all such identities with the goal to form a different and clear path based in hard work and honest, and with a history tied to Druish etymology and contemplation, not revelation.

Membership Not Associated with Other Churches

Druans form an exclusive though sparse and widespread global community, rejecting affiliations with other denominations or ideologies (e.g., Paganism, Heathenry, Occultism, Satanism).

Membership is a choice, open to all who embrace Druwayu’s path, free from external imposition and self-dedication by self-proclamation, not external dictation or demand.

Organization of Ordained Ministers

Hallowed Warlocks and Witches, selected via study of Druish principles and community vetting (e.g., essays, background checks), serve as clergy.

Ranks range from First Class High Elder Warlock/Witch to Second Class Elder Warlocks/Witches (primarily associated with the Drusidu) and finally Third Class Warlocks/Witches, each with defined roles in guiding Druans and associated more with small local private groups and extensions of the main Father Church.

Ministers Selected After Prescribed Study

Clergy undergo a prescribed course on Druwayu’s beliefs and history, using the online Church's Website under its "Learn" link. All this is by choice of the one who has felt a sense of a calling to lead with integrity and compassion, not dictation or corruption.

This allows for self-paced learning ensuring they have a resource of information to stay up to date as they themselves learn to embody spiritual wholeness as they develop into leadership roles over time with the goal of being hallowed (our term for ordained).

Literature of Its Own

Future works contributing to the library of dedicated common members and clergy will be a natural process.

Established Places of Worship

FCD’s primary worship occurs online (druwayu.com, social platforms) and in private Druan homes, with sacred spaces for contemplation and communion (e.g., Monday Night communion), and online platforms to stay connected.

Future physical locations will be determined by the collective interests and support of Druans locally and aboard, potentially renovating locations up to the codes and expectations of the times they are established.

Regular Congregations

Druans convene regularly—online and in homes—for worship, fellowship, and contemplation, fostering a consistent religious community unbound by traditional structures or retained by physical limitations.

Regular Religious Services

Weekly services like the Holy Monday Night communion blend communal meals and meditation foundations of Druwayu and online discussions that shall be welcoming, even to newcomers and shall not bear ill will to them, with a constant reminder everyone was new to something at first, and Druwayu, in that respect, is no different.

Instruction for the Young

While clergy focus on adult education, Druans do not guide youth under 18 that are not their own children, and therefore any such education about Druwayu to minors must be by the legal parent(s) or guardian(s) of said children privately, and not through the establishment of various institutions, and shall mostly be based in teaching Druish values informally.

This is based on the founder's own view that such matters should not be institutionalized and forced upon children as required attendance and therefore, in accordance with the will of the founder in respecting age-based membership boundaries, no "academy of Druwayu" should be established for persons under 18 years of age; only for those 18 years or older.

Schools for Preparation of Members

Druwayu.com serves as a virtual school, educating Druans and training clergy in theology, sacred geometry, and AI-enhanced spirituality, ensuring a prepared community. Other options as the community grows over time will be considered and shall be adapted to accordingly.

Theological Foundation

Druwayu’s quadrotheistic polytheism honors the One and Three—one God and three Goddesses—distinct yet unified in essence, expressed through sacred geometry and the Drikeyu (Worloga: fore-laws, Wyrda: works, Wihas: life). These deities, impersonal yet present in existence’s geometries, guide Druans to ethical responsibility, empathy, and a holistic integration of science, spirituality, and philosophy. Unlike veiled monotheism, Druwayu rejects singular divinity, embracing a nuanced divine interplay.

Declaration of Sincerely Held Belief

I, Raymond S.G. Foster, hold Druwayu as my true religion with unyielding sincerity. Born from decades of reflection, it is a sacred path that balances logic’s clarity, humor’s joy, and absurdity’s wonder, offering Druans a framework to live honestly and connect deeply. The FCD, under the Drusidu’s custodianship, fulfills this vision through its practices, community, and rejection of dogma for truth. I affirm that Druwayu meets the IRS’s criteria for a church—distinct, structured, and purposeful—meriting automatic tax-exempt status under IRC Section 501(c)(3), as validated by our EIN and operations, without need for Form 1023, and shall likewise seek an affirmation letter to confirm our church’s tax-exempt status based on its automatic exemption.

ACLU: RELIGIOUS FREEDOM (OREGON)

TAX GUIDE/IRS: The specific Tax Laws or exemptions

IRS QUALIFIERS: Church or other religious organization