About The New Wiccan Church…

The New Wiccan Church (established 1973) is an international, professional association of individual members of various traditions of Wicca who are dedicated to preserving initiatory witchcraft in an ethical manner.

In Europe we are known as Wicca, but in the United States we usually refer to ourselves as British Traditional Wicca (or "BTW") in order to differentiate us from the popular pagan movement that continues to grow worldwide.

The NWC defines Wicca as an initiatory, pagan mystery path with roots originating in the British Isles.

Members of the various traditions of Wicca practice the ancient art of witchcraft and recognize a belief in and a connection to the Old Gods of Nature – in particular the Great Goddess and her Consort, the Horned God.

The current NWC member traditions are: Kingstone, Silver Crescent, Daoine Coire, Majestic (all derived from Central Valley Wicca or ‘CVW’), Gardnerian, Alexandrian, Mohsian and related traditions. The NWC limits itself to traditions that have similar structures and practices.

Full Membership is available to verifiable Elders of a member tradition who meet our membership standards and agree to observe and uphold the tenets and bylaws of the NWC.

Associate Membership is available to initiates of member Elders and also to initiates who have the permission of their non-member Elders to join.

International Membership is available to those who do not reside near an established Branch or who prefer to apply at the International level. All members are responsible for a common-sense application of Traditional Craft Law, the Wiccan Rede, and their oaths to the Craft.

THE OBJECTIVE OF THE NEW WICCAN CHURCH is to preserve and sustain the Craft by (but is not limited to) the following:

1. Providing a communications and mutual aid network among British Traditional Wicca;

2. Creating avenues through which members may share teachings and other material, in a licit and honorable manner in accordance with each member’s understanding of their oaths;

3. Allowing members to experience the different styles of practice that fall within British Traditional Wicca;

4. Encouraging the teaching of British Traditional Wicca and aiding Elders who teach;

5. Preserving and maintaining the heritage of our traditions, and promoting study and research in all related fields;

6. Promoting mirth and reverence and joy in the activities of the members of this association.

JOINING THE NEW WICCAN CHURCH

Those British Traditional Wicca who meet the basic requirements for membership must first request and complete an application form. Each applicant must have (or be assigned) a sponsor and must be vouched for in accordance with the procedures outlined in our bylaws.

All prospective members must agree to train and initiate in accordance with the accepted practices of the NWC and their own tradition, and must agree to the bylaws and tenets of the New Wiccan Church.

Once approved, each member must maintain their annual dues and contact with other NWC members. Each member must continue to uphold the bylaws and tenets of the New Wiccan Church.

MEMBER SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES

The NWC provides ministerial credentials for qualified members. We have a lending and research library available to all members.

For our members, meetings are held by the various branches of the Church to discuss business and religious matters concerning the NWC.

Other events include church-sponsored social gatherings, rituals, workshops, discussion groups, and field trips.

NETWORKING

The NWC provides placement services for those seeking British Traditional groups (see contact information below).

We are always interested in connecting with other Wicca and in expanding our network of contacts with Wiccan and Pagan groups or individuals. If you would like to receive referrals, please contact us and we will send you further information.

The NWC does not offer correspondence courses, prison outreach, or "church services" for the public. Some branches may offer occasional Pagan events, which can be open or by invitation only.

PUBLICATIONS

For over 25 years, the NWC published Red Garters, International. Red Garters is no longer being produced in a printed form. For a current listing of hard-copy back issues still available, please send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to us with your request.

Contact us at:
N. W. C.
PO Box 192
Citrus Heights, CA 95611

Please send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to ensure a reply.

Alternatively, you may also e-mail us at: NWCoutreach@yahoo.com

Rev 4/04