The WPM has always had as one of its goals a means to create
a network of people who can facilitate weddings and funerals in
a pantheistic way. We believe that non-theistic nature lovers
should have a nature-oriented alternative for the most
important passages in their lives, and should not be forced to
turn to theistic churches and rituals.
In September 2003 we officially adopted a code about WPM
celebrants. We tried to reach a balance between two
requirements. On the one hand we believe that the reverent
response to nature requires no priestly mediation, so any
member should be empowered to perform ceremonies for
personal friends. On the other we feel a responsibility to the
public to ensure that anyone using our name to advertise for
clients should be suitable, sensitive, and informed.
So we decided that we would have at least two tiers of
celebrants: the whole membership, where ceremonies for
friends and relatives are involved; and certified celebrants,
where more frequent services to the public are involved.
We are not yet geared up for stage two celebrants — those
who wish to advertise celebrant services to the public using the
WPM name or symbols, and to perform weddings or funerals
without specific authorization for each one. We want the
general public to have confidence in the ability of a WPM
celebrant to provide an adequate service sensitive to the needs
of clients. So certification will be subject to character
references. A curriculum and questionnaire regarding
knowledge of model ceremonies and prenuptial and
bereavement counseling has yet to be drawn up for use.
