Forum Romanum


Subject:	Re: "Federally Recognized Religion"
From:
Date:	Tue, 6 Oct 1998 12:08:06 EDT

In a message dated 10/5/98 5:00:53 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
amethystcrystallight@-------- writes:

<<
Is Religio Romana a federally recognized religion? If not, are we
interested in becoming one (the Roman Pagans among us anyway)? Would
that perhaps help the 'legitimacy' of Nova Roma?
>>

"Federally Recognized Religion" is sort of a misleading term... it somehow
implies that the U.S. Government evaluates and endorses the validity of a
religion, which it doesn't.

Federal recognition has to do with federal tax status. It's fairly easy for a
church to get "state" church status by incorporating as a religious
institution... Nova Roma is in process of doing that right now. This "state"
recognition will mean that we won't have to pay taxes on our checking account,
or bank fees. It'll probably save us $14.00 a year or so all told.

Federal recognition, (501C3 status) is more difficult, since the government
needs to see a LOT of proof that an up-and-up church is being run, rather than
just some sort of scam to avoid paying federal income tax. That's why a lot of
Wiccan institutions have had problems, since they often tend to be loosely
organized and have trouble proving qualifications. Usually only the larger
groups make it, I know of four or five. This federal standing DOES give the
power for priesthood of the church to perform weddings. (That CAN be done on
the state level as well, but one must apply for a license each time.)

Eventually Nova Roma may go for federal standing. Quite frankly, it isn't like
we take any appreciable amount of money... (the treasury now has $132.00 I
believe, unless a few more Eagle subscriptions have come in!) so we basically
don't have to pay anything come tax time anyway. It will mostly depend on how
things grow in the future.

Marcus Cassius Julianus


Subject:	Re: "Federally Recognized Religion"
From:	missmoon@--------
Date:	Tue, 06 Oct 1998 12:31:06 -0400

C--------us622@-------- wrote:

> Eventually Nova Roma may go for federal standing. Quite frankly, it isn't like
> we take any appreciable amount of money... (the treasury now has $132.00 I
> believe, unless a few more Eagle subscriptions have come in!)

Yep. Make it $137.
How soon will we have the money to buy the remains of the Forum from
Italy? They're not using it.

-- Flavia Claudia


Subject:	Re: "Federally Recognized Religion"
From:	jmath669642reng@--------)
Date:	Tue, 6 Oct 1998 12:40:06 -0400 (EDT)

Salve, Honored Romani!

Another concern in being recognized as a non-tax paying institution is
the necessity to keep ones finances at about the same level at the
beginning of the year. Agod example is a Boy Scout Troop (BSA). If
they are incorporated (as BSA National Office strongly encourages) then
the monry earned for the year must be spent for the program / equipment
each year. At the beginning of each fiscal year, the institution should
begin with about the same amont of money, since the institution is not a
pofit making institution. If the value of the treasury continues to
rise, the non-profit incorporation will be taken away, and your funds
taxed. That has happened to some of the re-enactment units that I
"play" with, and should be a concern here.

Vale, Honored Romani!

Marcus Minucius Audens

Fair Winds and Following Seas!!!


Subject:	Question forwarded from Nova Roma site...
From:	Cassius622@--------
Date:	Tue, 6 Oct 1998 13:51:33 EDT

Salvete, Omnes,

Can any of the Reenactor folks help answer this person? I don't have time to
go sifting through links to find all the info they'd want.

Vale,

Marcus Cassius Julianus

Sirs:
I am searching for a company or individual who sells Roman
uniforms. Please include your phone number. Thank you.
e-mail address:
crossi@--------


Subject:	Roman Uniform Makers
From:	jmath669642reng@--------)
Date:	Tue, 6 Oct 1998 15:27:08 -0400 (EDT)

Salve;

Someone who makes Roman Uniforms all inclusive. I do not believe is in
existance yet. However, their are specialists who make shoes (boots),
Segmented Armor, Helmets, Daggers, and swords. Probably the best source
for that kind of information is with the XXth and IXth Legions. The
Commanders of these legions have a pretty good handle on who is really
authentic and who is not. They can also provide listings dealing with
cost, time to complete an order, etc

L-------- IXth Hispana-Command----------------Richards--l--------his@--------

Legio XXth Va-------- Victrix-Commander Mathew Amt--mamt@--------

Then are several other Legion Sites as well, which either of the above
gentleman can provide for the costof postage. Best of luck. Please do
not hesitate to contact me if you need further assistance.

Vale;

Marcus Minucius Audens

Fair Winds and Following Seas!!!


Subject:	Roman Uniform Makers
From:	jmath669642reng@--------)
Date:	Tue, 6 Oct 1998 15:37:55 -0400 (EDT)


Subject:	Re: chat servers
From:	Dexippus@--------
Date:	Tue, 6 Oct 1998 16:43:07 EDT

In a message dated 98-10-04 10:54:54 EDT, you write:

<< There is some sentiment toward changing our chat room. Cassius mentioned to
me that some Citizens had trouble using Talk City, our former chat room
provider. Who were you and what problems did you have? It looks like they
have upgraded their options to allow for access by Web browsers and IRC
clients. Any objections to our heading back in that direction? >>

I could not even get into Talk City. They wouldn't let me enter. I don't
think I want to head back to that direction.

--Dexippus
<<What's an IRC?>>


Subject:	Re: chat servers
From:	Dexippus@--------
Date:	Tue, 6 Oct 1998 16:44:48 EDT

In a message dated 98-10-04 12:34:08 EDT, you write:

<< Check if Talk
City will work with Dexippus's 286 (construct of bearskins and flint knives).
>>

Ho-hum! I've upgraded to deer bone thank you!

--Dexippus


Subject:	Re: Signature Line on,my letters, "Fair Winds and Following Se...
From:	Dexippus@--------
Date:	Tue, 6 Oct 1998 16:50:57 EDT

In a message dated 98-10-04 22:20:11 EDT, you write:

<< I hope this "fo-pah" will not be held against me. >>

That's it! You're outa here buddy! Pack your toga and head for Gaul!

LOL....I'm sure no one will hold anything against you. It's all this cyber-
chat...you really can't get the total feel of a person's emotion just be
reading type.

--Dexippus


Subject:	Re: Chat-Servers
From:	Dexippus@--------
Date:	Tue, 6 Oct 1998 16:51:50 EDT

In a message dated 98-10-05 06:37:17 EDT, you write:

<< Something else which I think we should bear in mind, if
considering swapping to a chat-room with 'booting' facilities, is just
who exactly has the power to boot. >>

Yeah...that's a good question. Who gets the boot? And who decides to give
the boot? And where exactly does one receive the boot?

--Dexippus


Subject:	Re: "Federally Recognized Religion"
From:	Dexippus@--------
Date:	Tue, 6 Oct 1998 16:57:23 EDT

In a message dated 98-10-05 17:00:44 EDT, you write:

<< Is Religio Romana a federally recognized religion? If not, are we
interested in becoming one (the Roman Pagans among us anyway)? Would
that perhaps help the 'legitimacy' of Nova Roma? >>

Absolutely! I believe we should apply for Federal Tax-Exempt Status as a
church under the organization of Nova Roma. This should be something the
College of Pontiffs should look into and act upon.

Pontiffs? Oh Pontiffs? Where for art thou, Pontiffs?

--Dexippus


Subject:	Re: Chat-Servers
From:	pythia kingan@--------
Date:	Tue, 06 Oct 1998 17:20:01 -0400

Dexippus@-------- wrote:

> From: Dexippus@--------

> And who decides to give
> the boot? And where exactly does one receive the boot?
>
> Oh Dex.... you are one sick puppy! ;-)

>
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
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--
_______________________________________________________________________
the Studio at the Sign Of The Harp:

Beautuful and Unique Jewelry inspired by the Ancient World.
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Subject:	Re: "Federally Recognized Religion"
From:	Dexippus@--------
Date:	Tue, 6 Oct 1998 17:03:10 EDT

Basically you are right, the government can not "recognize" or "officiate" a
religion. It can give tax-exempt status to a church or religious institution
which then allows the religion or institution to flourish. This is what I
thought we were talking about.

I believe it is a relatively simple process (but I can be wrong). We need to
show proof that we are an established organization with a following and state
the basis of our existence.

I don't know much more that is required but I'm sure there is a lot of paper
work involved. Perhaps a few of us can communicate and coordinate a plan on
moving ahead.

Again, I plea...Oh Pontiffs?

--Dexippus


Subject:	Re: "Federally Recognized Religion"
From:	Dexippus@--------
Date:	Tue, 6 Oct 1998 17:05:40 EDT

In a message dated 98-10-06 12:33:34 EDT, you write:

<< How soon will we have the money to buy the remains of the Forum from
Italy? They're not using it.
>>

We can have it taken apart piece by piece and rebuilt here in the States!
Didn't they do that with Oxford? Or is that just some bad B-rated movie I'm
hinged on remembering?

--Dexippus


Subject:	Dearbone Vs. Bearskin and Flint Knives
From:	jmath669642reng@--------)
Date:	Tue, 6 Oct 1998 17:17:03 -0400 (EDT)

Valete Honorable Roman!

I must comment for a dearbone upgrade, your manner is unusual. I would
head for Gaul as you suggest except for this white uniform shirt which
shows up in the dark forest only too well. I think I'll call for a file
of marines and look you up!

Vale Honored Roman!

Marcus Minucius Audens
Military Tribune

PS. At last I would if we had some marines and if the constitution did
not forbid taking others whatever with force! Oh well, which way North!
MMA

Fair Winds and Following Seas!!!


Subject:	Re: "Federally Recognized Religion"
From:	jmath669642reng@--------)
Date:	Tue, 6 Oct 1998 17:27:22 -0400 (EDT)

One of the problems Dex, is that the U.S. is beginning to crack down on
applications of this sort. We can get one from the State you are in, I
was the President of the Quoketaug Rangers (black powder group) when we
got ours but it had been significantly reduced from the Incorporation
given to the 42nd Regiment of Foot (Rev War Unit in which I am the
Adjutant). You are very correct that there is a lot of paper work, and
that a lawyer / accountant should really do it. The going rate is about
$1500 unless you have someone that is willing to do the work for little
or nothing. In our situation it took about 6 months to receive the
final Incorporation after initial appication. Since Nova Roma covers
the world, that will probably be just a tad more difficult.

Fair Winds and Following Seas!!!


Subject:	Roman Relics
From:	jmath669642reng@--------)
Date:	Tue, 6 Oct 1998 17:34:01 -0400 (EDT)

There is a great temple in the middle of the Lybian Desert! I'll bet we
could get that for next to nothing. By the time the Lybian Government
found out what was going on, you could have finished a nap in a hammock
hanging between two of the pillars!

There is also agreat Roman Fort with a road right up to it in the
Sahara. The only ones using it are a nest of desert cyotes or some
such. We could use Dex as bait, get the cyotes out and we've got the
beginnings of my file of marines!

How about it Dex? are you up for it?

Marcus Audens

Fair Winds and Following Seas!!!


Subject:	Re: "Federally Recognized Religion"
From:	dean6886@--------)
Date:	Tue, 6 Oct 1998 16:52:35 -0500 (CDT)

Isn't it necessary to have a physical location of a temple in order
to gain that status- just a congregation of people meeting somewhere
physically. Let's not jump the gun- why don't we try organizing
ourselves a bit better. After that we can try various fundraising
techniques and start organizing people for public religious services in
actual physical locations. Nothing so grand at first but a realistic
attempt at reviving the Religio Romana into the realm of public
recognition.
We're going to need a lot more money than a few hundred dollars
just to go through the legalities of becoming a non-profit org.
Obviously we're not here to make money but we should be looking into
different fundraising options or our options are limited. We would also
need an attorney and a good CPA. When we have a couple of thousand
dollars a month coming in from different sourses maybe then we should be
more interested in looking into the tax-exempt status.
Thinking about this- has anyone seen the One-click affiliate program-
about a thousand different affiliate advertisers out there- many of
which pay per click or on commission- my personal favorite was the
lobster service- overnight air mail on ice from Maine or Boston(?).
Granted they may not have anything to do with Roman civilization but as
long as an affiliate or a fundraiser or whatever is helping us in some
way and is 100% legal why not? Why not try to invite let's say the
pagan community business owners to advertise their wares on a special
link page for a small fee or invest ourselves in "golf shirt sales" or
selling candles or whatever through a different websight run by Nova
Roma one day.
The point is I'm sure there are several thousand ways to kickstart
the whole process of an organized Nova Roma with proper funding that
would allow expenditures necessary for the growth of the Religio Romana
beyond just donations. I do hate to bring the terms money and religion
together in any way but it is for a good cause.

Gaius Drusus Domitianus


Subject:	Incorporation
From:	pjane pjane@--------
Date:	Tue, 6 Oct 1998 19:41:20 -0400 (EDT)

>From: Dexippus@--------
>
>Absolutely! I believe we should apply for Federal Tax-Exempt Status as a
>church under the organization of Nova Roma. This should be something the
>College of Pontiffs should look into and act upon.

Actually, your humble Quaestor is working on this. First, we need to
incorporate under the laws of one of the states in which we operate. I've
chosen New Hampshire because its incorporation fee is the lowest. Papers
have been prepared but must be circulated by a slow-moving postal system
(and, occasionally, by slow-moving, fallible humans).

I will report to the group when this is done. After that, we can pursue
tax-exempt status. I believe we should do this, but the fee is $150, which
at the moment would put quite a strain on Nova Roma's finances. Those of
you who have the resources and who wish to see this happen may feel free to
contribute toward an Incorporation Fund!

Patricia Cassia


Subject:	Re: chat servers
From:	Ricci razenna@--------
Date:	Tue, 06 Oct 1998 16:58:23 -0700

Salve

> From: Dexippus@--------
>
> In a message dated 98-10-04 12:34:08 EDT, you write:
>
> << Check if Talk
> City will work with Dexippus's 286 (construct of bearskins and flint knives).
> >>
>
> Ho-hum! I've upgraded to deer bone thank you!
>
> --Dexippus

Outstanding! At this rate by 2025 c.e. you shluld be up to 1995. ;-)Seriously,
This is a factor. I had trouble (like Unable, Impossible) getting on to
Talk City with my old 486. Is there someway we could test talk City?
Like crash someelse's site?

Ericius


Subject:	Re: "Federally Recognized Religion"
From:	Ricci razenna@--------
Date:	Tue, 06 Oct 1998 17:03:57 -0700

> From: Dexippus@--------
>
> In a message dated 98-10-05 17:00:44 EDT, you write:
>
> This should be something the
> College of Pontiffs should look into and act upon.
>
> Pontiffs? Oh Pontiffs? Where for art thou, Pontiffs?
>

Oh, No you don't. This is a Legal matter. Let the Quaestors take care of it.
[Actually, I know you have already seen Cassius's reply, which caps it, I
believe.]

Ericius
Paterfamilias, Praetor, Pontiff and Changer of Litterboxes.

> --Dexippus
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Help support ONElist, while generating interest in your product or
> service. ONElist has a variety of advertising packages. Visit
> <a href="http://www.onelist.com/advert.html" target="_top" >http://www.onelist.com/advert.html</a> for more information.


Subject:	Re: Roman Relics
From:	Ricci razenna@--------
Date:	Tue, 06 Oct 1998 17:11:28 -0700

I think the IRA and Hamas are using those quaint desert sites. But when peace
finally breaks out we might be able to make them an offer. By then we should
have 20 or so full legions with auxiliaries. (Equiped for both ceremonialand
modern peace keeping functions.) =({|;-)

Ericius

James Mathews wrote:

> There is a great temple in the middle of the Lybian Desert! I'll bet we
> could get that for next to nothing. By the time the Lybian Government
> found out what was going on, you could have finished a nap in a hammock
> hanging between two of the pillars!
>
> There is also agreat Roman Fort with a road right up to it in the
> Sahara. The only ones using it are a nest of desert cyotes or some
> such. We could use Dex as bait, get the cyotes out and we've got the
> beginnings of my file of marines!
>
> How about it Dex? are you up for it?
>
> Marcus Audens
>
> Fair Winds and Following Seas!!!
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Subject: [novaroma] Re: "Federally Recognized Religion"
> Date: Tue, 6 Oct 1998 17:05:40 EDT
> From: Dexippus@--------
> Reply-To: <a href="mailto:novaroma@--------" >novaroma@--------</a>
> To: <a href="mailto:novaroma@--------" >novaroma@--------</a>
>
> From: Dexippus@--------
>
> In a message dated 98-10-06 12:33:34 EDT, you write:
>
> << How soon will we have the money to buy the remains of the Forum from
> Italy? They're not using it.
> >>
>
> We can have it taken apart piece by piece and rebuilt here in the States!
> Didn't they do that with Oxford? Or is that just some bad B-rated movie I'm
> hinged on remembering?
>
> --Dexippus
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
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