Appendix: The Iambist Creed

We believe that joy possesses sacred worth.

We believe laughter may restore the weary spirit.

We believe grief and mirth are not enemies.

We believe a feast can become an act of worship.

We believe hospitality is a sacred obligation.

We believe humor may puncture arrogance and expose hypocrisy.

We believe no person should be humiliated merely for another’s amusement.

We believe celebration requires consent, safety, fellowship, and stewardship.

We believe art, comedy, music, dance, poetry, games, and storytelling may become religious acts when offered in service of Sacred Mirth.

We believe generosity multiplies joy.

We believe abundance carries an obligation to the future.

We believe wealth entrusted to the Church belongs to the Church and must be stewarded for its religious and charitable mission.

We believe tomorrow’s congregation deserves a feast as surely as today’s.

We believe no sorrow should be mocked merely because it is sorrow.

We believe the sacred jest can open doors that solemnity sometimes leaves closed.

We honor Iambe, Lady of the Returning Smile, whose ancient witness and modern sacred tradition remind us that even in grief the human spirit may laugh again.