By-Laws

By-Laws of The League of Bearded Catholics (Hereinafter known as "The League")

1) The League is not a ministry and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any ecclesiastical body, however, we are guided in all things by the creeds, teachings and laws of the Catholic Church.

2) Membership in The League is open to all adults who are not witches or devil-worshipers or some such, so long as they can abide by the dictates of Rule #1.

3) Membership in The League places no obligation on any one. Meetings are strictly for the purpose of enjoyment, both the enjoyment of the literary tradition of the Four Patrons (Tolkien, Lewis, Belloc and Chesterton) , and that of meeting together with others of like mind. Preferably over drinks and good food. Or drinks, anyway.

4) Anyone may become a member at any time, simply by expressing the desire and affirming the by-laws. New members should contact the Homely Office in Arkansas (through the TLBC blog) for an *Official Membership Kit* (coming soon). Local Chapters are to be registered with the Homely Office so that they may receive their official By-Laws, a Letter of Recognition and other highly important Doo-Dads.

5) *Though membership is open to all, individuals wishing to gain admittance to meetings must be bearded. For those without a beard, one will be provided, but it is the duty of the Sergeant at Arms to make certain that each who begs entry must wear a beard. Friendly non-members are welcome at meetings and some may even attain the exalted rank of Designated Driver.

6) Members attending meetings must also bring a passage (by one of the Four Patrons, or in the same tradition) which is to be read aloud - or even cooler, recited from memory. In addition, members are encouraged to make the fullest use of other media - movies, television programs, the internet, music, etc... . By the end of each meeting, a rough plan of the next meeting should be agreed on, with one or another member

7) As the number four holds a place of special honor in The League, the minimum number of attendees for any officially recognized meeting of The League shall be four (4), so that there will always be a Sergeant at Arms and a Recorder present, as well as an acting President (who will be in charge) and Vice President (who will be in charge of vice). We are not at all concerned with large numbers. The success of any local Chapter meeting should always be judged by the quality of fellowship, rather than by the number in attendance.

8) A meeting place should be provided that is conducive to conversation, and where food and adult beverages may be made available. A place to enjoy pipes and cigars is also encouraged. The meeting place may be in a home, or in a local restaurant or other establishment, but not in a church facility.

9) The League is not a charitable organization. There are no dues (though materials form the Homely Office will carry a nominal fee). All voluntary contributions to local chapters are to be used and dispersed at the discretion of the local chapter, subject to a democratic vote (simple majority).

10) The League does not promote any particular devotion, and the meetings are not prayer meetings. Members are free to pray together, and to pray for one another as much or as little as seems fitting, but meeting times should be given primarily to convivial enjoyment in the tradition of the Four Patrons.

11) The League highly encourages and wishes to promote the creative projects of members, whether they be writing, art, video, music, cooking, brewing or other ventures. The colorfully written exploits of local chapter meetings and activities are especially coveted by the Homely Office, and will be published on the TLBC blog, probably.