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Considering allowing minors into clergy...

Merry Meet all! MY name is Thodwen, and I am fifteen years old. I have been a dedicant of the 1st degree for the past year and three months; However I have come to a standstill in my clerical studies. I do know that within the Correllian tradition, the traditional by-laws state that anyone whom is not yet of legal age, cannot become fully initiated into clergy, however as I've said, this poses a rather large hindrance to my own, and most likely a few other's studies. I figured, considering the new changes made within the Correllian by-laws regarding the length of time of service within the tradition required to become an elder, that maybe the tradition would also consider changing, or modifying another by-law. My general idea is: If a minor wishes to become initiated as clergy after completing the required courses and assignments assigned unto them by his/her mentor and/or temple, that the Witch in question would be able to write a detailed essay as to why he/she wishes to become a part of the clergy, what it means to be part of the Correllian clergy, as well as he/she would give detailed answers to questions on Correllian philosophy, theology, correspondences, Deity, et cetera; as well as any other questions the tradition would see as suitable to ask. My main reasoning for this is because, once I complete the 1st degree lessons and assignments, sure I could move on to the 2nd degree courses and assignments, but by the time I actually would get to write the clerical application essay, and fulfill the other requirements, my fear is that I would be "rusty" in certain areas, considering the fact that it would be three years from now until I would be able to actually apply for Clerical Status. I just like forward movement, and to me, waiting that long for a number seems a bit unnecessary if one is qualified in every area but age. I just thought I would give a propostion!
Thanks for reading! Blessed Be!

-Thodwen

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Permalink Reply by Citrine (Rev) on April 29, 2011 at 9:43am

While clergy is something many aim for, it is not the most important role within any tradition or group. Clergy requires those who do not feel called, so that they have a reason to serve. Clergy is about service not status, but in the end we all serve in some capacity. If you are genuinely called to the task of being clergy, then waiting 3 years will not be a hard thing to do, for in the mean time you have the chance to build on the knowledge you already have, develop plans and ideas, and grow into the best young person you can be.

Do you have to be clergy to study second degree? NO YOU DON'T! You can finish all the degree programs before applying for clergy, because clergy is not about book learning. Some people have no interest in clergy, only in knowledge, and we need those people in our tradition as much as we need the air we breath. Take the time to enjoy the wait, because clergy can be quite a rollercoaster, and once you get on the tracks, its hard to get off before the end.

Listen to people like Rob, whose idea would give you a task well worth the effort not just for you but for others like you. Don't give up because you can't have what you want NOW... Instead, make the most of the time and grow in it. You seem a bright one, so use the smarts you were born with, and the faith that helped you perservere, and create something for yourself to do, and for others in the same boat to continue. You never know, you may even find you have found the purpose your calling came to you for.

Blessings and good luck.

Citrine

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Permalink Reply by Rev Karl Ben-Jedi on April 29, 2011 at 1:12pm

MM,Thodwen first let me congratulate you are starting a most interesting debate.I see this means a great deal to you and I am glad.If you did not hold the Correllian Tradition and its Clergy in such high esteem you would not have started such a proposition.Still at this time the Ancestors are with all of us and I am sure are aware of your spiritual yearning for Clergy status. I have gone through many types of initiations over the years and each one has its own path you must follow.The reason is to carefully prepare the Physical,Mental and Spiritual Bodies,we all possess.Challenges are set before us to which we must all over come.These Challenges are different for each person and causes a kind of spiritual crushing.This is what I feel you may be going through right now.Whatever challenges you feel are happening try to embrace them for they are sent for you at this time.Each time you do this it will bring you even closer to your higher selfs desire to serve others as a member of Clergy.I am sure that on the day you have fulfilled all the requirements to be granted the right to apply for Clergy,you will have a great deal to offer the Tradition in general.BB Rev.Karl

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Permalink Reply by Raincloud on April 30, 2011 at 12:23am

Thodwen, i actually think you are capable and probably ready to do the job.
So... that means you also have the spiritual discipline to wait until you turn 18?
Obviously the legal question has been answered.
Think of this delay as an extension of your training.