The Journey

The Free Order Fellowship is a voluntary association of individuals who seek intellectual and spiritual exploration free from coercion, dogma, and imposed authority. This Membership Agreement establishes a mutual understanding between members and the Fellowship, ensuring alignment with its core tenets and principles while preserving the autonomy of each individual.

Membership in the Fellowship is not compulsory, nor does it impose obligations beyond a shared commitment to voluntary engagement, ethical conduct, and intellectual openness.

Purpose

The first step in ministerial service, where individuals affirm their commitment to the Fellowship’s tenets and begin facilitating discussions, ceremonies, or study groups.

Requirements

• Understanding of the Tenets of Faith and ability to articulate them.

• Demonstrated engagement in discussions or philosophical inquiry.

• Submission of a Statement of Intent affirming commitment to the Fellowship’s principles.

• Completion of a ministerial mentorship period with an ordained minister.

• Affirmation of the Ministerial Oath.

Responsibilities

• Assisting in Fellowship ceremonies and gatherings.

• Leading introductory discussions on self-ownership, non-coercion, and voluntary association.

• Encouraging free inquiry without imposing personal beliefs.

Purpose

Recognizes those who have deepened their understanding of philosophy, critical thought, and the nature of voluntaryism, and who are prepared to serve as mentors to others.

Requirements

•  At least one year of active ministerial service as an Initiate of the Free Order.

• Leading at least three structured discussions or philosophical inquiries.

• Expanding knowledge beyond the Fellowship’s tenets, studying historical, ethical, and metaphysical frameworks.

• Demonstrating an ability to facilitate complex discussions on free will, individualism, and ethics.

Responsibilities

• Serving as mentors to Initiates of the Free Order.

• Leading advanced discussions, writings, or lectures.

• Officiating all recognized Fellowship ceremonies.

• Guiding individuals through ethical dilemmas without coercion.

Purpose

Reserved for those who have demonstrated exceptional ability to deconstruct dogma, explore the unknown, and guide others in philosophical and intellectual growth. Luminaries are stewards of free thought, questioning even the most fundamental assumptions.

Requirements

• At least two years as a Guide of the Open Path.

• Proven contributions to the expansion of knowledge within the Fellowship (e.g., writing, teaching, or facilitating critical inquiry).

• Ability to articulate and debate foundational and abstract philosophical concepts with clarity.

• Participation in the training and mentorship of Initiates and Guides.

• Peer recognition by at least three ordained ministers of any level.

Responsibilities

• Cultivating environments for radical intellectual openness.

• Challenging dogma while fostering respect for different perspectives.

• Leading in-depth studies on philosophy, consciousness, and human autonomy.

• Assisting in resolving ideological conflicts within the Fellowship.

• Expanding the reach of the Fellowship through written or spoken contributions.

Purpose

The highest recognition within the Fellowship, granted only to those who have dedicated their lives to the mastery of free thought, philosophical wisdom, and guiding others toward intellectual liberation. Sovereigns are not rulers but exemplars of independent thought and self-governance.

Requirements

• At least five years as a Luminary of the Boundless Mind.

• A lifetime of philosophical inquiry, mentorship, and voluntary service to the Fellowship.

• Profound contributions to the advancement of human understanding (e.g., publications, significant philosophical works, or widespread influence in expanding knowledge).

• Unquestionable ethical conduct and unwavering commitment to the tenets of the Fellowship.

• Unanimous recognition by the Board of Elders or at least five existing Sovereigns (if present).

Responsibilities

• Acting as living stewards of The Free Order Fellowship’s mission.

• Representing the highest ideals of voluntaryism, self-ownership, and ethical enlightenment.

• Engaging in lifelong learning and sharing insights with future generations.

• Serving as mentors to Luminaries and Guides, ensuring the preservation of philosophical rigor.

• Providing counsel in defining the ethical direction of the Fellowship when needed.

Purpose

Elders in the Free Order Fellowship do not hold positions of power—they hold responsibility. They are not rulers, legislators, or enforcers. Instead, they serve as guardians of wisdom, ethical stewards, and guides for those seeking refinement in self-governance, voluntaryism, and discipline.

The purpose of an Elder is to protect the integrity of Free Order’s philosophy, ensuring that its principles remain uncorrupted by external influence, ideological drift, or personal ambition. They preserve knowledge, engage in meaningful discourse, and help individuals refine their understanding of sovereignty.

An Elder does not command—they illuminate. Their influence is earned through wisdom, not imposed through authority. Their role is not to dictate what others must believe, but to ensure that the philosophy of Free Order remains a living, evolving pursuit of truth, discipline, and voluntary cooperation.

Reuirements

• Mastery of Free Order Principles (Understanding, living, and refining the philosophy.)

• Demonstrated Intellectual & Ethical Rigor (Wisdom must be tested through debate, life experience, and application.)

• Voluntary Contribution to the Fellowship (Knowledge must be shared, refined, and preserved.)

• A Proven Life of Self-Discipline & Responsibility (An Elder must be sovereign in all aspects—mind, body, and ethical conduct.)

• Commitment to the Preservation of Free Order’s Core Tenets (Ensuring the philosophy remains voluntary, uncorrupted, and free from authoritarian influence.)

Responsibilities

• Serving as Advisory to the 501( c ) 3 on the Board of Elders

• Preserving & Protecting Free Order’s Core Philosophy

• Guiding Those Who Seek Knowledge

• Engaging in Debate, Refinement, & Intellectual Stewardship

• Ensuring Justice & Ethical Dispute Resolution