FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES
This church is an affiliated member church of the Native American Church of North America and recognizes the following as the fundamental principles of doctrine and government: (a) the Bible as the inspired and infallible Word of God and the only rule for faith and life and (b) to foster the Christian belief among the Ho-Chunk Nation (formerly Winnebago) and other tribes in
Wisconsin, namely by: teaching the scriptures, morality, charity, and right living; and to cultivate a spirit of self-respect and brotherly love and union among all; and other benevolent, charitable, and reformatory purposes. Open to all nationalities while still remaining in compliance with federal and state regulations. PURPOSES
This church is a nonprofit, ecclesiastical corporation organized and operated exclusively for religious purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law) (the “Code”). The church shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by a corporation exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Code or (b) by a corporation, contributions to which are deductible under Section 170(c)(2) of the Code. This church has not been formed for pecuniary profit or gain. No part of the assets, income, or profit of the church shall inure to the benefit of its members, council members, or officers. However, the church shall be authorized to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth. No substantial part of the activities of this church shall be the carrying on of propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation. This church shall not participate in or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office. CHURCH GOVERNANCE
The ecclesiastical government of the church, including electing church board executive officers, shall be conducted in accordance with the by-laws of Native American Church of Wisconsin – Wisconsin Dells Chapter. The governing body of this church shall be comprised of the executive officers, as defined under the bylaws. The executive officers shall constitute the Board of Trustees and shall have all powers over the temporalities of this church and as relevant state law may prescribe. The Native American Church of North America and its use of peyote as a church sacrament and other paraphernalia are governed by these laws:
1. American Indian Religious Freedom Act Amendments of 1994 – Sec. 3(b)(1) H.R. 4230 – September 27, 1994
2. International Convention on Psychotropic Substance (ex.0. pp2 1) Paragraph 4 Article 32 Vienna, February 21, 1971
3. Food & Drug Regulation of special exempt person C.F.R. 1307.31
4. Texas Drug Law Exemption – VCS 4476-15 Subchapter 3
5. Eagle Feather usage for Religious Prayers and Ceremonies Fish and Wildlife Regulation Title 50-CFR-22
The Native American Church of Wisconsin - Wisconsin Dells Chapter shall comply with the Comprehensive Drug Abuse and Prevention and Control Act of 1970 – Exemption Provision and the Texas Controlled Substances Act. The member transporting peyote agrees to comply with all federal and State of Texas rules and regulations. The member agrees to use said peyote as a sacrament for bona fide religious ceremonies only.
