Lay Membership

E.G.C. offers lay membership conferred through the sacraments of baptism and confirmation. Lay membership confers no special privileges. Baptism is open to any person at least 11 years old. Baptism by itself does not confer Lay Membership. Confirmation is open to any person who has been baptized and who has attained the age of puberty. Baptism and/or confirmation for any person less than 18 years of age requires the prior written consent of a parent or legal guardian. Baptism and confirmation are public ceremonies. Both rituals require sponsors.  Initiation within O.T.O. is not required to establish Lay membership in E.G.C. (and visa versa). Both rituals can be administered by a bishop, or an ordained priestess or priest.

Baptism

The rite of baptism is a short public ritual that is usually given before the celebration of a Gnostic Mass. Thelema rejects the concept of original sin—for us, baptism is a symbolic entrance into the Thelemic community of worshippers, as well as a commemoration of the individual’s “Baptism of Wisdom” or physical birth. The oaths taken are strictly between the participant and their god or gods, and no duties or obligations are promised in service of the church or any individual.

The baptized child or adult joins the community at what is essentially a probationary level. It is a time for exploration, study, asking questions, and a chance to participate in the Gnostic Mass. The recitation of the creed by the congregation during the baptismal ceremony represents the instruction of the child in the essential tenets of the church. The individual is not a full member of the community until he or she has learned these tenets and has made a conscious, informed decision to accept them. Baptism requires two sponsors who are confirmed members of E.G.C.

Confirmation

Confirmation is the rite that confers formal Lay membership in E.G.C., which is usually performed just after a Gnostic Mass. Within this rite, the individual confirms that it is their True Will to join the church. The recitation of the Creed from memory shows that they have learned the essential tenets of the church and that they are willing to be an active participant in our spiritual community. The Church accepts the new member as a Thelemite, one of its own, a rightful claimant to the heirship, communion, and benediction of the Saints. The cuff on the cheek represents an awakening to the reality of Thelema and all its implications, as well as to the life-consciousness of puberty.

As in the rite of baptism, no duty or obligation is laid on the new member regarding the Church or any individual. However, with confirmation, the individual is specifically charged with serving the Law of Thelema and Ra Hoor Khuit. The manifestation of this duty is strictly determined by the individual’s understanding of their true will and is not subject to any other authority. Although there is no other charge, it is hoped that the new Lay member will continue to study the Creed and the Gnostic Mass, as well as other Thelemic holy books—most especially The Book of the Law.

Confirmation requires one sponsor who is confirmed in E.G.C., a plain white robe, and the ability to recite the Creed from memory.

Becoming a candidate for baptism/confirmation involves filling out a short petition, which can be obtained from the Lodge Master or a member of the clergy.  After it is filled out, it should be given to the Bishop, Priestess, or Priest that you wish to perform the ceremony. If you do not know who you want to administer it or do not have a preference, then the petition can be returned to the Lodge Master. The time it takes to schedule your ceremony is variable, and can potentially take up to a few weeks. Once it is scheduled, you will be notified of the date.

Other Sacerdotal Rites

All rites of baptism, confirmation, and ordination within E.G.C. are subject to the approval of the Patriarch. Approved rites of baptism, confirmation, and ordination, as well as recommended rites and ceremonies for other E.G.C. functions such as weddings and last rites are available to all U.S. E.G.C. Clergy from the Grand Secretary General.

In some jurisdictions, civil registration may be required to perform certain religious functions. Generally, civil registration is required only for the performance of weddings, but in some jurisdictions the performance of other religious functions may require civil registration as well. The Supreme Grand Council of O.T.O. will assist those Bishops and Auxiliary Bishops who qualify for recognition of Ministerial Status within O.T.O. to obtain the appropriate civil registrations. Bishops and Auxiliary Bishops who possess the necessary civil registrations may assist Priests and Priestesses within their jurisdictions to obtain their own civil registrations, if necessary.