Statement of Faith and Practice -

About

Statement of faith and Practice

Preamble

For centuries, the unregulated, uncoordinated, and non-institutionalized master-pupil system has been the mode of worship and the method of training for Òrìṣà spiritual systems. Yet, Òrìṣà Spirituality has been, and continues to be, the GPS for daily living for millions of people in the United States and around the world.

At the Òrìṣà Spiritual Assembly, we believe that it is time to revamp our congregation style and reinvent our training methods. Above all, it is time to decisively reemphasize the cultivation of ìwàpẹ̀lẹ́ (virtuous character) at all levels of Òrìṣà faith and practice—from training and education, through ministry and practice, to usage as the global positioning system for human and spiritual interaction.

Our objective is the advancement of Òrìṣà Spiritual practice through ìwàpẹ̀lẹ́ (ethical values) that are open, transparent, and beneficial to the spiritual and religious development of our members.

Statement of Faith

0.0. Preamble

The Òrìṣà Spiritual Assembly views the Odù Ifá Sacred Scriptures as the primary means to a successful life. Religious experience at the Òrìṣà Spiritual Assembly is designed to assist members of our congregation in their knowledge, understanding, and application of the Odù of Ifá to every aspect of living.

The Assembly is founded upon, and shall forever be dedicated to, the declaration and preservation of the Odù of Ifá, Òrìṣà Religion, and Ìwàpẹ̀lẹ́ (ethical) living.

0.1. The Prime Directive

The Òrìṣà Spiritual Assembly, it Chapters, its members, and all its leaders, are governed by the Ìwàpẹ̀lẹ́ Code of Ethics as outlined in https://orisa.net/iwapele/ Violation of any of these principles and values will lead to a Meeting of Assembly leaders (i.e., the Olórí, Olúwo, and Àwòrò Òrìṣà/Chapter Leaders) in which a 70 percent majority will decide explosion from our community.

0.2. Core Values

The Òrìṣà Spiritual Assembly is:

Committed to whole-person education—through a holistic approach to spiritual education that prepares students academically, spiritually, mentally, and socially.
Committed to declaration and preservation of Ifá and Òrìṣà Religion—through the direct study and application of the Odù Ifá and theological constructs and maintaining a Òrìṣà-centered community.
Committed to academic and institutional excellence through regular self-assessment to ensure quality programs and to maintain focus on the mission.
Committed to an Ifá/Òrìṣà foundation—through the teaching of sound doctrine, proper interpretation, and communication of the Sacred Odù Ifá Scriptures.
Committed to spiritual formation—by providing an environment which encourages spiritual practices, character development, and Òrìṣà living.
Committed to practical application—through the provision of opportunities to learn both traditional and non-traditional Òrìṣà constructs, and to apply them in and outside of the classroom.
Committed to developing students for ministry and servant-leadership—by providing a rich learning environment where Ifá/Òrìṣà reflection, theological discussion, and practical application result in local and global Òrìṣà influence.

0.3. Doctrinal Beliefs

Members of the Òrìṣà Spiritual Assembly must, wholeheartedly, acknowledge and live by the following core beliefs:

Odù Ifá: Òdù Ifá is the Sacred Scripture of Òrìṣà Religion—originally given by Ọ̀rùnmìla, divinely inspired, entirely trustworthy, and the only supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct.
The Eternal Four: Olódùmarè, Ọbàtálá, Èṣù, and Ifá eternally exist; they created all the other Òrìṣà, plants, humans, and all existing beings.
Ilé-Ifẹ̀: Ilé-Ifẹ̀ is the cradle of existence.
Ifá Dídá and Ẹbọ: Ifá Dídá and Ẹbọ are the sacred means of communication with the spirit world and ancestors.
Ancestors: Departed relatives who lived their lives based on Ìwapẹ̀lẹ́ (Good Character) are worthy of elevation and veneration as Egúngún.
The Òrìṣà: There are 400 primordial Òrìṣà.

0.4. Membership Model

Upon payment of appropriate monthly, annual, or lifetime dues, and acceptance of the Ìwàpẹ̀lẹ́ Code of Conduct (as described at https://orisa.net/iwapele/) AND the Òrìṣà Spiritual Assembly Statement of Faith (as defined at https://orisa.net/faith/), natural persons will be individual members.
Each member will have an active login at https://orisa.net.