| men to Him, although Christ holds a pre eminent place. Many major religions foresee the coming of a messianic figure (known by many different names) to lead mankind into a new age or millennium ruled over by God and His laws. The Foundation Faith believes that these are the End Times, and within these times the Messiah, a representative of God, will appear to lead men back to God. Creed statements appear in the specific ritual of the Foundation Faith. The Bible is regarded as a major source of authority, and commentaries and/or articles regarding the beliefs of the Foundation Faith appear in pamphlet form and in the periodicals published by the Faith. PRACTICES AND BEHAVIORAL STANDARDS: The Foundation's ethical practices encompass the normal stipulations required for a "good life," following basic guidelines set down in the Bible and other holy literature. Special religious holidays are celebrated on June 13 (Foundation Day; which date represents this group's first initial gathering as a loosely organized body) and November 20th (Founder's Day). Founders take the day off work, and, if near a center, take part in religious services and festivals. Covenant Month (October 20 November 20), while not a holiday per se, commemorates the original religious experience of the group. Considerable activity takes place in all branches of the Foundation at that time. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE: The Foundation Faith is organized along strict hierarchical lines, with ministers gaining seniority according to their experience and ability. The ranks of the ministry are: (1) Ordained Ministers are known as Reverend, including Luminaries, Minor Luminaries, and Celebrants; (2) Regular Ministers, known as Brother or Sister, including Mentors and Covenanters; and (3) Ministers in Training, including Witnesses and Aspirants. The Council of Luminaries is the governing body, and consists of all Luminaries and Minor Luminaries. A minister promoted to Minor Luminary automatically becomes a member of the Council. Ranks also exist within the laity, the most common being Lay Founder. These may serve as lay minister after instruction by a minister. The Foundation Faith is administered internationally from its Nevada headquarters. Other branches consist of both ministerial teams and lay members who conduct activities in the absence of ministerial personnel. ROLE OF MINISTERS: All ministers may conduct all services held by the Foundation Faith. Women occupy and have the same opportunity to occupy all positions open to men. As the Faith expands, greater responsibility likely will be delegated to the laity for conducting local affairs in a number of cities. WORSHIP: Group worship occurs daily at all branches; it is not required. In cities or areas where no center exists, individual worship on a personal basis is encouraged. The main religious service is on Sunday, as Sunday is the Sabbath for the Foundation Faith. All ministers, and certain lay members after due instruction from a full time minister may conduct services. Other services occur daily, and members also hold morning and evening prayer, usually in the form of private prayer. A group meeting in communal worship requires: a table to serve as an altar, bowls to contain fire and water, candles in a specific arrangement, incense, a Foundation symbol (logo of the Faith), and chairs for the congregation. Also for group worship, a room is required where equipment can be set up on a permanent basis, and which members can visit for private prayer and meditation. DIETARY LAWS OR RESTRICTIONS: No specific restrictions. Members are encouraged to eat a healthy and balanced diet, utilizing health foods and vitamin supplements wherever possible. FUNERAL AND BURIAL REQUIREMENTS: A minister's presence is not required at the time of death, but is preferred if possible. There is a specified funeral service, to be conducted by a Foundation Faith minister. When this is impossible, the Faith recognizes the validity of services conducted by most denominations for this purpose. If an individual member requests it, his body is brought to a Foundation center for the service, or a memorial service is held after a burial in a foreign land. There are no restrictions with respect to autopsy or cremation. MEDICAL TREATMENT: Generally no restrictions. However, one of the principle activities of the Foundation Faith is in its healing ministry, both mental and physical healing. The former takes place through counseling, the latter through the laying on of hands. The Foundation Faith conducts a number of services devoted specifically to healing. OTHER: Service in defense of family and homeland is accepted as a necessity, but wars not directly fulfilling this function (Vietnam is cited as an example) are not condoned. The Faith fully supports ministers and members objecting to service in a theater such as Vietnam or, indeed, anywhere where there is no absolutely direct threat. The Persian Gulf war is another example. War is viewed as a consequence of man's alienation from God. Killing, including killing animals, is abhorred. The Foundation Faith recognizes the sanctity of all life as created by God and not to be taken by man. No conflict is seen when members belong to the Foundation Faith and yet continue to take part in their denomination of upbringing. The Faith has joined in a number of cooperative ventures with other denominations, particularly in the area of the media, including public broadcasting. Individual ministers have served on a number of cooperative ministerial boards and committees in several American cities. GENERAL SOURCE BOOKS: The Bible, specifically the New Testament, and most specifically the Gospels. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Rev. Raphael de Peyer Faith Center 3030 Palomino Lane Las Vegas, NV 89107-4510 (702)258-9012 |
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| Black Rose Spiritual Center, Inc : Belief Systems |
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| The Foundation Faith of God |
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| ADDRESS: Faith Center, 3030 Palomino Lane, Las Vegas, NV 89107 4510 LEADERSHIP: There is no single leader as such. From the Council of Luminaries (see "Organizational Structure"), four senior members are elected annually as an executive committee to oversee the administration and organization of the Foundation Faith. MEMBERSHIP: 5,000 HISTORICAL ORIGIN: In 1963, a group of professionals of several nationalities from the U.S., Canada, and Europe came together to initiate a movement which was to become the Foundation Faith of God. From 1963 to 1974, they worked extensively in the social service field, including individual and group counseling and establishment of centers in a number of American cities (providing a community coffeehouse, courses and lectures, and other services). The group's formative religious experience took place in 1966. In a type of religious retreat, the group (30 members) lived in a place called Xtul on the Yucatan peninsula. This period of intense examination was a time of religious and spiritual revelation for both the total group and for its individual members. A time of great asceticism, it functioned much as the Exodus did for the Jews. From this period came the strong and simple belief which forms the basis of the Foundation Faith. The group first started working in New Orleans in 1967. The Foundation Faith of the Millennium was incorporated in New York State in 1974. BASIC BELIEFS: The Foundation Faith believe that the world and mankind were created by God, named as Jehovah in certain versions of the Bible. God loves His people, and is manifest in history in the regard and punishment of His people. The world is beset with problems, both personal and social, and the only true answer is life devoted to God. It believes that God sent many prophets into the world to different races and cultures, to lead men to God, and to teach them to live according to God's laws, exemplified by the Ten Commandments. Much of the teaching is derived from the Bible, specifically the Gospels, but the validity of all religions which direct men to lead a good life devoted to the service of God and adherence to His laws is recognized. God and His teachings are seen as manifest in many different religions. Christ, Moses, Mohammed, Buddha, etc., were all sent by God to lead |
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