FAQ

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What does the Church of Body Modification believe?
To learn about our beliefs, take a look at our Statement of Faith and our Mission Statement.

Is the Church real?
Usually, when people talk about a church being real or “Federally recognized,” they are talking about two things - incorporation as a non-profit entity doing business within a particular state, and a tax-exempt status from the IRS as a non-profit entity. In our research we have found that paperwork for incorporation and tax-exempt status had been started but was never completed. At this point, May of 2008, the Church is attempting to straighten-out these legal issues. It is the goal of the current administration to obtain legitimate Corporation status, as well as tax-exempt status from the IRS. Watch for future updates to this end.

Where do the donations go?
Your donations go directly toward paying website costs, office supplies, and other costs that arise in running an organization such as this. Church administrators nor ministers profit from money received in membership donations or from any other moneys received. All the work done to keep the Church going is strictly voluntary.

What happened to money that was donated in past years?
Money that was donated and collected in past years is still accounted for. You may view the Church’s current holdings as well as all spending habits on the Finances page. For more information or to answer questions regarding donations and the Church’s expenditures, email the President.

Am I still a member if I joined years ago but haven’t been recently active?
You are still a CoBM member, though it’s most likely that we do not have any of your personal information. It would be helpful to us if you would submit a new membership application with updated contact information and simply let us know that you were a previous member. We’re happy to have you back!

I was a minister (board member, liaison, etc) before February of 2008. Do I still hold my previous position?
The short answer is no. Members who held positions prior to February of 2008 do not currently hold any position other than CoBM Member and hold no power. However, we encourage members that held prior positions to contact the current administration to re-establish contact and to potentially re-apply for their previous position.

Does the Church believe that body modification is essential to spiritual health?
It is our belief that body modification is one of the safest and most societal responsible ways to stay spiritually healthy and whole. We accept the possibility that there are other means to this end, but for us, this is our chosen method.

Will becoming a member in the Church of Body Modification save me from being fired from my job for visual modification?
This is a complicated question. In essence, no, simply being a member of the Church of Body Modification will not keep you from being fired due to your body modifications. The question is complicated because you may have a case for a Constitutional right violation if you were fired because of your religious affiliation. First Amendment violations are complicated. If you are in conflict with your employer over your modifications, advise your employer of your spirituality and your religious affiliation. In the course of your discussion, please make every effort to come to some sort of compromise WITHOUT compromising your personal beliefs and spirituality. If possible, give your human resources department written notice of your religious affiliations before an issue arises. The President, Board Members, and Ministers are more than happy to make contact with your employer and help explain the spiritual side of body modification, if needed. Additionally, if your employer requires written proof of your membership in the Church, a letter can be sent to your employer on your behalf.

What types of activities do you mean by body modification?
By body modification we mean anything that involves a significant modification to the body. In this we include piercing, tattoos, scarification, reconstructive and cosmetic surgery and the many other ways in which the physical biological development of the body can be controlled and subverted.

What types of activities do you mean by body manipulation ritual?
By body manipulation ritual we mean body suspension, hook pulling, play piercing, fasting, binding, corsetry, firewalking, and other rituals that test and push the limits of the flesh and spirit.

Who operates the Church?
As a professional organization, the CoBM is run by a Board of Directors which abides by the approved Bylaws.