THE CANADIAN DOUKHOBOR SOCIETY STATUTE
1. Foundations and Principles of the Canadian Doukhobor Society
Considering the history and ideology of Doukhobors, the Society confirms that the mental image of thought and action is clarified by the desire to acquire Supreme Blessings in brotherhood, equality and love according to the teachings of Jesus Christ and by the following principles:
1. Acknowledge and love God in spirit.
2. Thou shalt not kill.
3. Respect, love and aspire to care for all living things.
4. Respect the body and mind and do not abuse them. For guidance in this regard, one may consider vegetarianism and abstinence from alcohol and drugs, as well as other teachings of the psalm "Be Devout," which is an integral part of this statute and is herewith attached.
2. Activities of the Canadian Doukhobor Society
The Society shall initiate and foster activities of the membership which will promote brotherhood, universal peace and the spiritual growth of its members.
3. Membership in the Society
All people, including groups and organizations, who respect Doukhobor ideals and principles as stated in this statute, may join and become members, while retaining their present affiliations.
Expenses of the Society shall be paid from the treasury of the Society which is recognized as a Charitable Organization.
All problems to be resolved by a majority vote.
The officials of the Society shall be elected at the annual general meeting for a minimum period of two years, with half elected every year for continuity of direction.
Every member bears full responsibility for his or her personal conduct and observance of Doukhobor principles. The Society as a whole does not accept any responsibility for the personal conduct of the members.
4. Charity Within and Outside of Society
All charity work is the responsibility of members in each locality. It is desirable to increase charity to the utmost. Collected sums would be forwarded to destination by local representatives or responsible persons in the locality. Reports of such activities must be sent to the Central Committee for their record.
5. On Contact with Anti-Militaristic Organizations
Striving to fulfill the Commandment "THOU SHALT NOT KILL" and considering it our duty to do our utmost in preventing bloodshed -- the Society finds it necessary to maintain contact with other pacifistic and anti-militaristic groups and organizations and to increase our struggle for disarmament and peace, according to the Doukhobor principles.
6. Acknowledgement of Spiritual Leadership
Considering the history of Doukhobors, we affirm that we believe Jesus Christ, Son of God, is our only Spiritual Leader.
BE DEVOUT
Be Devout. Trust in God. Love Him with all your heart. Be fervent to His holy church. Honour and keep faithfully His Commandments. Follow the virtuous; avoid vice. Be reasonable. Look to the consequence, then consider your means. Do not bypass the opportunity for doing good deeds. Do not undertake anything without deliberating, and do not hurry your deliberation; do not be too hesitant, only if the occasion demands. Do not believe every rumour; do not desire all that you see; do not attempt doing all that you are able, but only that which is necessary. What you do not know, do not affirm nor deny, inquire into the matter and you will be wise.
Be moderate; do not eat
without hunger; without thirst do not drink, and then only
according to the need; avoid drunkenness as you would hell. From
intemperance is born sickness; from sickness -- death. The
abstemious live healthy, long, and well. Be humble, not arrogant;
tend to be more reticent than talkative. When spoken to be
silent; when being addressed -- listen carefully. When someone
asks you to do something, oblige him, and do not boast. Do not be
quarrelsome and proud. To all be friendly, to none be a
flatterer. Also
be honest, do not crave that which does not belong to you;
especially do not steal. That which you need, acquire through
labour. In poverty, ask for help; accept it if it is given and be
grateful. What you have borrowed -- return.; keep your promise.
Leave idleness to the lazy. If you wish to undertake something,
first assess your abilities, then proceed without hesitation. In
misfortune, do not lose courage, and in time of good fortune do
not be arrogant. Respect poverty. Be cautious in different
situations; sorrow is frequent. Where the patient endure, the
faint-hearted weep and wail.
Be kindhearted and benevolent. If you can, give to those who are in need, help the poor. Forgive those who offend you; if you have offended someone -- make peace with him. It is commendable not to hold a grudge. Forgive the sinner, yield to the pleading. Respect the elders, be sociable to your equal, courteous to the poor; greet those whom you meet, return the greeting to those who greet you. Reply to the inquirer; instruct the ignorant; comfort the sorrowing. Do not envy anyone. Wish well to all. Serve all to the best of your ability, and you will gratify all people of good will. Friends will love you, and your adversaries cannot hate you. Always tell the truth; do not lie. All this observe and you shall be fortunate.
Glory to our God.
WHERE THERE IS LOVE, THERE IS GOD
ALL PEOPLE ARE CHILDREN OF GOD
ALL PEOPLE ARE BROTHERS AND SISTERS