Clergy and the Receiving of the Lamp

Iambist clergy exist to teach doctrine, conduct worship, preserve records and traditions, provide pastoral care within competence, train future leaders, protect congregational safety, and administer religious rites.

The normal progression is Listener, Reader, Iambist Minister, Celebrant of Iambe, and Senior Celebrant. Titles may evolve as the Church develops, but ordination is never automatically conferred merely for payment, friendship, or completion of a trivial form.

A Celebrant should complete prescribed study, attend recurring Gatherings, assist in services, deliver original religious talks, demonstrate knowledge of the ethics of humor, learn basic governance and safeguarding expectations, and receive approval through an established ordination process.

Clergy are subject to the Five Warnings with particular force because status increases the potential harm of jokes, financial decisions, romantic or sexual boundary violations, and misuse of confidential information. A joke that would be harmless among peers may become coercive when delivered by someone controlling membership, employment, compensation, or religious standing.

Ordination creates responsibility, not immunity. The Church may discipline, suspend, or remove clergy according to adopted procedures. No theological doctrine requires concealment of criminal conduct or obstruction of lawful reporting obligations.