Church of Body Modification

Being a new member, I am [obviously] curious about the CoBM. However aside from being able to ask existing members, who aren't always available, there is not a terrible lot on the site in regards to the history of the church.

I looked around online, and again, info was sparse. I think there should be -somehwere- that gives more information on the church, as I feel incredibly underinformed and a bit more of a forum member than a church member.

I think having this kind of information available AND easy to find is critical to new members feeling connected with the church and not just apart of another body mod site.

If there isn't info available already that I can't find, I'd very much like to offer my skills as a writer in creating such a document. On that note if any of the elder members/founders would want me to do this, just let me know, as I'm more than willing. It would only really require some talk/interview time in addition to any existing material on the subject.

Thanks :] It is much appreciated.

Thats good to hear. I'm a bit disappointed that I don't get to undertake the project myself, but I think it'd be more appropriate in the administrations hands, as I'm sure you are more knowledgable in it.

However I'd still like to make myself available for any future writing projects.

I can't wait to read it, as I have alot of unanswered questions. You might even consider running it by a few new members to intentionally raise questions that might not have been addressed by whatever is produced. Best of luck with that :]

Who, what, where, when, why, and how would probably be the most basic and obvious ones.

It's hard to bring any of them to the front of my mind, as it is more just a general thirst of knowledge due to a budding passion to and for the church. By being more knowledgable I can by extension be more involved.

One of my biggest questions is what initially seperated the church the first time around. “Politics” is to vague an answer, and it might even be a question more appropriately answered by the initial founders.

Who were the original founders? What motivated them to start the church? What was their intention? How much are we creating a like-minded church, and in what ways are we changing it, to be more effective?

I could go on and on and on, but honestly, I'm sure my questions will be answered as time wears on and as I become more involved. I'm just incredibly excited to be apart of something where my views, thoughts, philosophies and faith are accepted and shared.

The Church's history is complicated, but I am doing my BEST to put together a page dedicated specifically to this issue.  As a Board Member and Minister, my belief is that we have nothing to hide. I am very comfortable bringing past issues to light, so long as I believe the information is correct.  Unfortunately, I cannot verify the “he said, she said.”  I can, however, direct you to documents like the United States Court of Appeals documentation on Cloutier vs. Costco Wholesale.

I want you to know that a Church history is being authored. There is quite a bit of information out there on the internet, but much falls into the category of “he said, she said.” Take that into consideration as you pursue additional information.

hnmiZEN, regarding: “I do feel however it is critical to avoid any speculation that is ultimately people pointing fingers and placing blame,” what you may be failing to understand is that THIS is what the “he said/she said” stuff IS.

David/Midian2000

Allen, please keep in mind that the article you read represents one person's OPINION.  It is not a historical document.  That is the nature of Wikis.  Some of that may not be verifyable FACT, my friend.

Do not ASSUME that what is contained in that article is a fact-for-fact presentation of how things really happened.  It may or may NOT be the case.  Only the people directly involved truly know the answers.  As I have said…WAIT.  An officially sanctioned article IS coming.

David/Midian2000

hmniZEN said:

I see what you guys mean about the finger pointing. I read this article:

http://wiki.bmezine.com/index.php/Church_of_Body_Modification

I am curious as to what our status is with other body mod orginizations are, and if they currently recognize us as a different church than the one started by Haworth? I think there is a stigma we may have to fight and overcome given the circumstances of what we are attempting to create. I have high expectations though, and can't wait to see where this journey will go.

As I've said, we are working on an inclusive wiki entry which will contain information on the CoBM's past, present, and future. In the meantime let me set a few things straight:

This Church, the one that I am President of and that you are members of, is the same Church that was started by Steve Haworth (and others) years ago. How do I know? Because I've been in contact with Steve and we have his support. There has also been a direct Presidential lineage that has gone from Beki Buelow to Rick Frueh to myself.

As far as other body modification organizations and us having to get beyond past stigmas, of course. The CoBM has had ups and downs in the past- most fledgeling organizations such as ours go through these 'growing pains'. I have also talked with Shannon Larratt and he said himself told me (I'm slightly paraphrasing), “What happened in the past is ancient history. The recent changes are fantastic and you all have my full support.”

You know what's better than telling people that things are different, that things have changed? SHOWING them. And that's what we're doing today. I can see things getting better and moving forward with each passing day. We are all playing a positive roll in this and I am optimistic of our future.

Keep your eyes out for the wiki entry which we will be posting in the next few days. As always, I am available via PM, email (admin@uscobm.com), or on AIM as churchofbodmod.

Thank you!!!

The changes this Church has undergone since Rick left have been astounding!  Hopefully, it'll continue to change as such.

admin said:

Keep your eyes out for the wiki entry which we will be posting in the next few days.

Not that I am rushing anyone and I truly understand what an undertaking this article must be… but how is it coming along?