January 26, 2005

Requesting Your Prayers for a Difficult Responsibility of The Board of Directors

From the Board of Directors Sidney Bennett Gilberto De Los Santos Lois Drake David Drye Bonita Frazier Kathleen Gordon C. Scott McBride Tina Storti

Provisional Criteria for the Discipline
or Removal of a Keeper of the Flame

Dear Friends,

     From time to time it is the solemn responsibility of the Board of Directors of The Summit Lighthouse and Church Universal and Triumphant to dismiss individuals from the Keepers of the Flame Fraternity. This involves prayerful, sometimes painful, deliberation and deep consideration of the parameters of the fraternity. The latter is especially important since joining the Keepers of the Flame Fraternity is a different level of commitment to the ascended masters and to the organization than becoming a Communicant of Church Universal and Triumphant.

     Over the years, various editions of Keepers of the Flame brochures have set forth pledges and expectations for members of the fraternity. Currently the fraternity is the widest and most accessible doorway through which seekers can enter our organization. Yet, the behaviors of expected of members of the fraternity, and how they differ from expectations of Communicants, have become confusing. Thoroughly researching the mission, sponsorship, and standards of the fraternity, as given to us by the Messengers, is part of the organization's ongoing Blueprint work. Substantial progress is being made and we look forward to presenting more clarity on this subject at the July 2005 Freedom Conference.

     In the meantime, the Board of Directors, which oversees the Keepers of the Flame Fraternity membership and discipline, follows the resolution process and uses as a guideline its responsibility, published in the 1979 Keeper of the Flame brochure, "to remove any person for breach of the ethics of the fraternity or for conduct out of keeping with the principles of the Great White Brotherhood." A reading of the current Keeper of the Flame pledge leaves little doubt that we are held to a high standard of ethics and principles in striving for world and individual freedom. *The current Keeper of the Flame pledge is included at the end of this document.

If an individual's activity is divisive, counter, or damaging to the organization or to its mission, or the individual himself or herself, the individual should be dismissed from the fraternity, even if for a time.

     Examples of behavior that could fall under this category include, but are not limited to:

• Public involvement in psychic activities such as taking dictations or delivering messages from the ascended masters to others, or publicly supporting individuals who do so. (Note that the Messenger often asked individuals to leave the organization immediately for this infraction of the principles of the ascended masters. While chelas on the path do aspire to maintain close communion with the masters, the Messenger has explained that this never includes delivering messages to others which denies them the opportunity to draw closer to their own Holy Christ Self. The Messenger has also given detailed teaching on the perils of believing oneself to be a messenger. Nevertheless, the Articles and Bylaws to contain a rigorous procedure for recognizing a messenger, including a prolonged period of testing during which the individual refrains from making public pronouncements. More on the topic of psychic thralldom can be read in the Summit University Press books, Paths of Light and Darkness and The Enemy Within --- Encountering and Conquering the Dark Side, and in the paper sent electronically several times over the last six years entitled Teachings on the Psychic. This paper is available by contacting Destyne Erickson at 406-848-9609, communications@tsl.org
• Misusing or changing the teachings, including repeated and extensive violations of copyrights and trademarks.
• Blatant lack of respect for mantles including repeated and widespread incidents of public criticism, condemnation, and judgment of leadership of the organization or others, or spreading other peoples' malicious gossip, criticism, condemnation and judgment by e-mail or in any other way.
• Creating competitive organizations that have missions and goals different from The Summit Lighthouse and Church Universal and Triumphant, intentionally or unintentionally attempting to diminish the membership of the fraternity or church.
• Exhibiting rage.
• Violating the laws of the land.

     Each case must be considered fairly and with the individual's progress on the path and soul-testing in mind. There is no question that a new chela on the path is entitled to receive counseling. When discipline is appropriate, it should be meted out in a way that allows for growth of the individual without crushing the soul. A long-time chela, with many years of studying the teachings and the behavioral principles of the ascended masters would need different counseling and possible discipline. Nevertheless, all cases must be reviewed objectively, lovingly, and prayerfully.

     We ask for your prayers that the Board of Directors be guided and protected in carrying out this ruby ray aspect of charity within our organization. It is always our prayer to seek the highest good and God's will for the individual as well as the organization.

     We ask for your prayers for individuals who are disciplined or dismissed, and for the strengthening and guidance of our organization, now and always.

With deepest gratitude, Lois Drake, President On behalf of the Board of Directors

cc: All Lists

Attachment: Current Pledge of the Keepers of the Flame Fraternity

     Before my own Real Self and the Great Law of my being, before the hierarchies of heaven and all who have overcome the world, I pledge my life, my love and my devotion to the cause of world and individual freedom sponsored by Saint Germain and the ascended masters. Therefore, I apply to be a member of the Keepers of the Flame Fraternity.

     I vow to be a keeper of the Light of God in man and I affirm that I am my brother's keeper. I will strive to be a living example of the Law of Life, to espouse virtue and shun evil, and bear witness to the Truth. I will recognize all members of the fraternity as brothers and sisters. I merge the flame blazing on my heart's altar with the flame of the Knight Command to uphold and strengthen his thrust for a cosmic purpose in this age.

     I recognize my responsibility to support the expansion of Saint Germain's mission for this age, both spiritually and materially. Therefore, each day I will recite the "The Keepers Daily Prayer" and give my energies in invocation to the sacred fire on behalf of all life. And I will pay monthly dues to promote the publishing of the masters' teachings through The Summit Lighthouse.

     I will pursue diligently the application of the Law set forth in the Keepers of the Flame lessons. I will hold fast what is vouchsafed to me in this confidential lessons, sharing them with no one.

(Original PDF Version of this Letter)