By-Laws

Preamble to the By-Laws of the Odinsberg Ancestral Faith Alliance

 

The Odinsberg Ancestral Faith Alliance (OAFA) is committed to honoring and preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Northern tribes. Our mission is to cultivate a respectful appreciation of this heritage through the principles of our ancestral religion, reviving the ancient roots of Norse Dual-Faith, and to foster community worship, religious rites, and spiritual education as a religious organization under 508(c)(1)(a) of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

Norse Dual-Faith unites Forn Sidr (Old Ways) with Nyr Sidr (New Path), blending Old Norse religion and early Christian influences into a harmonious spiritual tradition. This synthesis draws from Old Norse philosophy and early Christian theological discussions to embody a harmonious balance that reflects the ancestral wisdom of our forebears.

 

While we may take stances on issues in alignment with our values, we do not engage in any political party activities and are organized exclusively for religious purposes. We stand firmly against all forms of hatred, bigotry, and racism, maintaining our mission as a space for unity and respect beyond partisan divides.

 

Our purpose is to honor and revive the ancient culture and faith of our Norse ancestors through the values and wisdom of Forn Sidr and Nyr Sidr. Guided by the legacy of our Shield-maiden ancestor of Birka, Sweden, we preserve Ancestral authority and Apostolic continuity while welcoming all who share reverence for this tradition.

 

By-Laws of The Odinsberg Ancestral Faith Alliance

 

Article I: Name

 

1. The official name of the organization shall be the Odinsberg Ancestral Faith Alliance (OAFA).

 

2. The organization may also be identified as the "Odinsberg Tribe" or the "Odinsberg Tribal Council," reflecting its identity and purpose within the community.

 

3. These recognized names serve to complement, rather than replace, the organization’s official designation.

 

Article II: Purpose

 

1. The Odinsberg Ancestral Faith Alliance is dedicated to the spiritual heritage of the Scandinavian peoples and the Norse tribes.

 

2. We are a coalition of Dual-Faith kindreds from the Berg clan, committed to preserving and promoting the ancient faith of our ancestors.

 

3. Our organizational structure is based on tribal democracy, ensuring the free expression of our religious beliefs and the sanctity of the Old Norse Religion.

 

4. We promote the growth of Nordic culture and its religious expressions, including Forn Sidr, Scandinavian Heathenism, Euhemeristic Polytheism, Pantheism and Animism in Dual-faith, informed by Arian Christological perspectives, through national and regional gatherings (Things and Moots).

 

5. Each kindred operates autonomously to address its own spiritual and communal needs. All affiliated kindreds are expected to uphold OAFA’s mission and actively participate in community worship, religious events, and rites.

Article III: Governance

 

1. The Thing Speaker, selected by the host kindred(s), will convene the Althing as required.

 

2. The Althing Delegates of Record will serve as a legislative body with full authority between Althings.

 

3. The Thing Speaker or any Delegate of Record may call for a caucus if necessary, such as to address urgent disputes, legislative changes, or critical decisions.

 

4. The Thing/Law Body holds ultimate authority in matters concerning the By-Laws and other issues of the Odinsberg Tribe. The Thing Speaker shall serve a term of two years and may be re-elected, while Althing Delegates shall represent their kindreds in adherence to the decisions of the Althing.

 

Article IV: Kindreds

 

1. The Odinsberg Tribe supports the formation and development of kindreds from the Berg clan and kin, as well as other kindreds that align with the Tribe’s values.

 

2. The Tribe will not intervene in the internal affairs of kindreds unless requested by a majority of the kindred's members.

 

3. Kindreds are free to join or leave the Tribe based on a majority vote of their members.

 

4. A kindred must consist of at least three adult members, including one member ordained by the Berg clan, who will provide spiritual leadership and maintain the Apostolic and Ancestral continuity essential to the Tribe's identity and authority.

 

5. If a kindred no longer has any ordained leaders among its members, it shall be represented by another kindred until a new leader is put foward for ordination by its members. OAFA will provide guidance and resources to support this process.

 

6. Each kindred is expected to send a delegate to the Althing annually.

 

7. A kindred may be expelled from the Tribe for just cause, including but not limited to consistent violation of OAFA’s values or actions that undermine the Tribe’s mission. This decision requires a majority vote of the Thing delegates after a fair hearing.

Article V: Membership

 

1. Any member of a Berg kindred is a member of the Odinsberg Tribe.

 

2. Any three or more people of faith (as defined in Article II, Section 5) can form a kindred and apply for Tribe membership. One person from the kindred must have the calling and be selected by its members to pursue ordination. This requirement ensures the continuity of the ancestral and spiritual authority within the Tribe.

 

3. The Tribal Council will evaluate new kindreds. Membership levels include Formational and Full Voting Kindreds. Formational kindreds must petition for Full Voting status at the Thing. Members shall have the right to attend worship services, participate in religious education programs, and engage in OAFA-sponsored activities. Members are expected to uphold OAFA’s beliefs and practices and actively participate in community events.

 

4. Members must adhere to a Code of Conduct, which prohibits acts of hatred, discrimination, and any behavior contrary to OAFA’s values of unity and respect.

Article VI: Approval and Amendments

 

1. These By-Laws will be reviewed and may be amended at each Althing.

 

2. Amendments require a majority vote from Thing delegates for approval.

 

3. In cases of urgent need, amendments may be proposed and enacted outside the Althing, subject to a special caucus and majority approval by Thing delegates.