WHAT’S UP NEWS

January 2010

An eNewsletter of interest to healers, students
and practitioners of the natural healing arts.

         

In this issue:

• Special Feature – Tax Exempt Clinic’s launched
• WONMP practitioner laboratory program launched
• Calling all Knights & Dames – Investiture Coming Up!
• 3^rd Most Powerful legal Seminar Coming Up March 21^st.
• Nevis West Indies 5 day training March 23-27^th

Feature Article

Tax Exempt Clinic Program Launched….
See Notice at bottom of this article

Your local Church “passes the plate” on Sunday, raking in thousands of tax exempt dollars annually. The Church then utilizes these funds to cover operating expenses, to purchase and improve property, to assist local charitable causes, for funding the pastors salary and housing, to purchase automobiles and for all other purposes that a “for profit” business would utilize such income, but according to attorneys there is one BIG difference; the Church is NOT required to file income tax returns or report these many thousands of dollars to anyone outside the Church administration, including the IRS……The only reporting burden required of the Church is to report employee salaries. In cases where there are no paid employees and all services are provided by volunteers, even this reporting requirement is removed……The Church operates “autonomously”, accountable to no taxing authority. The Church can even invest excess income in CD’s or other investments and the earned interest and dividends are also “exempt” from IRS reporting requirements!

And there are special benefits for Pastors as well. In cases where the pastor owns his own home, the Church can pay all his mortgage expenses including utilities and real estate taxes, and, not only is this not reported by the Church as income to the Pastor, and, even though he does not pay his real estate taxes out of his own pocket, he can still claim a deduction for those real estate taxes on his personal tax return – resulting in a “double” exemption.

While it might appear illegal for the Pastor to claim exemption on taxes he never personally paid, and while failure to file tax returns or investing and not reporting earnings on investments may invoke visions of tax evasion and a bread and water diet, actually these special provisions for church’s are quite legal, and the system under which the many thousands of U.S. Church’s operate - with the protection of the law and the blessings of the IRS.

The word “Church” brings to mind a congregation of like minded individuals meeting at the sanctuary on Sunday to worship; but, the special tax provisions for religious ministries are not limited to sanctuaries and Sunday crowds. With few exceptions, a “ministry” may be defined as any practice whereby like minded individuals come together to share their “sincerely held religious beliefs”. It does however seem rather important, not necessarily for legal purposes, but for our mortal souls, that the activity to be shared actually has a reasonable religious basis that honors the Word.

So why you ask, are we telling you all about the benefits enjoyed by “Church’s”?

It all began several years ago when WONMP set-out to answer the big question “who owns natural medicine”? While it is very clear that man and science are responsible for what is known as conventional medicine, the right to natural substances and practices may not be quite so clear, depending on what you believe.

This journey of several years and the commitment of many thousands of hours and dollars by a few dedicated individuals came back, full circle to what we suspected all along;

If you believe that a supernatural being “created” mankind, then you must also believe that he provided for his children by giving them earth’s natural substances. In this event, such believers should have full rights to these gifts, whether that is for personal use, or to embark upon advance study and to advise others on such use. Man, or man’s law should not interfere with such activity anymore than he should dictate the Worship habits of such believers.

If you believe that man crawled out of the sea (evolved), developed legs and walked his way to the present taking dominion over the land and its bounty, then you would naturally assume there is no “creator”, and that man and his law own and control everything, including full rights to natural substances.

And we acknowledge that there are both kinds of believers.

When it comes to natural medicinal substances, in about 13 States those that believe that man holds imminent domain over all that is, have successfully passed legislation to regulate Naturopathic (natural) Medicine, seizing control of the prescription of natural medicinal substances.

But the United States was populated by those that believe in a creator, and who were fleeing religious persecution. For these and their millions of descendants occupying all corners of modern society, God’s natural substances were given to attend the health of his children, and such believers should not be restrained from such rights by man or his law.

And we acknowledge that both kinds of believers
have a right to their belief, unrestrained by the other

Since the founding of the U.S. constitution man has acknowledged and respected the rights of believers in a supernatural Creator, through establishing a separation between Man’s law and God’s law. Many superior court rulings have continued to uphold this separation, or the rights of believers to Worship unimpeded by man’s law. While a “subtle” fact, it is clearly established that Man may create and control that which he creates (like conventional medical practice) or those things he considers a “privilege” and not a natural right, but he may not assume such control over that which he clearly did not create, such as access to God’s Word, the belief and practice of such Word, or in fact - the use and practice of all things freely given to believers by God.

And, the courts have also upheld that the law may not
“have an opinion” of what believers believe

While the State with its unlimited resources may seize and control that which believers in the Word clearly have rights to (such as regulating natural medicine), such seizure does not remove the rights of believers to also follow their belief. This results then in a situation whereby both the State and Religion have equal rights to regulate. An example of such equal right is mental health counseling. While there exist a secular system of counseling that is regulated by the States (considered a “privilege” and requiring State licensure), all States also acknowledge the rights of religious practitioners to offer such services, exempt from State control. We suggest that the practice of natural medicine is no different, having scriptural validation just the same as counseling. It is our “sincerely held belief” that natural substances, whether used for medicine or not, are given by God for the health of his followers, and such followers are entitled to such substances unimpeded by Man or his law. Superior courts have upheld that States may not “judge” or deny such belief, therefore it is the choice of believers to act upon the practice of natural medicine as a religious endeavor if such is their sincerely held belief, requiring no State permission even in the 13 or so States that consider the “secular” practice of natural medicine a privilege.

And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary:
and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine.

Ezekiel 47:12  (KJ)

                 The practice of natural medicine as a religious undertaking is clearly a choice

Since the law clearly makes provision for religious belief and cannot discriminate between beliefs, and since natural medicine is undisputedly under the Word, and since the practice of religion is not limited to a sanctuary filled with Sunday morning worshipers, then it is clearly within the law and the rights of natural medicine practitioners to operate a “Healing Ministry”, complete with the same rights, exemptions and protections enjoyed by all ministries, or “Church’s”.

With these facts in hand we approached one of the leading attorneys in the field of religious based practice, and “long story short”, the first WONMP Auxiliary Clinic is now in development. Our target for completion of this first clinic is March 2010, and the full details will be presented in our upcoming seminar on March 21st in Miami Florida.

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While religion is primarily “sovereign”, it remains subservient to man’s law in some regards, and it is critically important that a healing ministry be properly formed and operated. Our research tells us that individuals that attempt to create their own “Church” and “go it alone” are at very high risk from the State and the IRS, in fact during our research we found a few examples and the chance of enjoying a diet of bread and water in a federal hotel is higher than most would be willing to gamble. While the law is the law and rights are rights whether you operate as a solo exempt entity or part of a larger structure, unfortunately the law is not always fair and equitable to the individual and we find that tax exempt healing ministries are best developed through affiliation with a larger organizational effort. Part of the reason this is true is because so many individuals have attempted to “circumvent” the law through such exempt vehicles, creating an environment where most are assumed to be such an effort. As the saying goes “together we stand, divided we fall”!

WONMP Auxiliary Clinics will be “chartered” (licensed to operate) as an extension of the Sovereign Medical Order of the Knights Hospitallers (SMOKH). SMOKH is an internationally recognized independent ecclesiastical jurisdiction, congressionally approved in the country of Ecuador and recognized by several nations. WONMP, as the licensure division will facilitate the Chartering process and oversee Chartered Clinics within the U.S. Essentially, by receiving a Charter, a local clinic is receiving license to operate as an extension of this internationally recognized religious entity. This is the same structure that permits local Church’s to operate as an extension of a national Church; ie the Baptist, Methodist, Catholic etc.

From the many calls and emails on obtaining a Charter recently, we anticipate a large number of applications for Auxiliary Clinics to be forthcoming. We want to warn you in advance that clinic applications will be accepted on a “first come first served” basis, and to give you an opportunity to secure your position in line. Our attorneys are only able to process a few applications at a time and completion of a clinic structure could take a few weeks or a few months depending on several factors. Practitioners may secure a position in line by sending a check, or requesting a credit card authorization form and authorizing a $1000 down payment. In order to assist the initial applicants, the organization is guaranteeing financing for the first 10 applicants that request it (financing may be available after the first 10, but this is not guaranteed at this time). The finance package will require a $2000 down payment ($1000 before process and $1000 before Charter delivery). The following is not all-inclusive of what will be provided, but will give a basic idea of the WONMP Auxiliary Clinic structure:

The Charter package includes:

• Auxiliary Clinic Charter (License to operate) $10,000. (financing for the first 10 applicants if approved for Charter, with payments structured over 36 months).
• All legal work to establish the clinic as an exempt Corporation.
• All necessary operating manuals/procedures.
• Cost for attendance at a 1-2 day mandatory training conference on the operation of the Auxiliary Clinic.
• SMOKH licensure for one clinic director and up to one additional qualified practitioner.
• Attendance at required licensure completion and legal conference.
• Practitioner license fees and clinic apportionment fee for the balance of the first year.
• Other incidentals not yet completed.
• Reduced attendance at a 5 day training workshop.

We cannot possibly list all of the different situations and individual needs that may arise in creation of a particular Charter setup. The exact items included in any individual package may vary depending on need.

* Some practitioners have asked about a 501(c)(3) Corporation. This federal non-profit structure is not included in the Charter cost, nor needed to operate as a tax exempt healing ministry. Chartered Clinics are mandatorily exempt from taxation under IRS rules. Most Churches do not have this structure and there has never been a problem with members being able to deduct their “tithes” from their taxes. The only advantage to a 501(c)(3) may be in the ability to purchase tax free items, and to accept donations from larger organizations that require such structure. In this event, SMOKH will assist the Clinic in meeting this qualification as needed. A 501(c)(3) structure may also require tax reporting to the IRS annually and is part of the reason Church’s refuse this structure.

* Practitioners have also asked about direct contact with the attorneys to discuss their own structure. All Charter structuring must be handled through WONMP, first because WONMP is the entity overseeing award of the Charter and must assure proper formation, second because the attorneys cannot therefore structure your clinic without WONMP approvals, and lastly because the attorneys simply do not have time to deal one-on-one with individuals.

For more information on the many advantages to an Auxiliary Clinic, re-read the first part of this article concerning the exemptions and autonomy enjoyed by religious organizations. Such structure and the ability to retain and invest income could mean a significant difference in the future of your healing practice!

A WONMP Chartered Clinic is the best move you
could make for your practice and for those you serve!

Remember – Act today to secure your place in line, and
to take advantage of guaranteed financing for the first ten that apply

Not a practitioner - but want to help your community with a Healing ministry?
Give us a call and let us tell you how we can help you get started helping others!

WONMP’s Laboratory Program Now Available

After many months, the long awaited laboratory program that will allow practitioners to offer full lab services anywhere in the U.S. is finally ready. We have been notified that the programmers will launch the signup page on the WONMP site the week of January 11^th.

Whether practitioners want to offer lab services only to local patients, or to distant patients anywhere in the U.S., all that is necessary is to order the test for your patient, download the assigned requisition form and have the patient take it to the nearest lab. The great news is that there is a lab station within a short distance of most every U.S. city. Watch for the special announcement to sign-up next week, and be sure to “login” to the WONMP site as a practitioner for more information.

MIAMI INVESTITURE & LEGAL CONFERENCE MARCH 20, 2010

AGENDA: There are a number of matters, issues, and events that will be announced at this all important investiture. A number of members have been working diligently on a number of diplomatic fronts throughout 2009 and will be in attendance. Prominent figures are being invited to this investiture, and yes the theme of this meeting is the US, Cuba, Ghana, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Cyprus, and Egypt. 

SATURDAY March 20th, 8AM - 12 PM: Personal Health Screening for Members. Grand Master, Prof. Dr. Charles McWilliams, Dr. Carter, and staff, will be personally delivering his MODERN MONASTIC MEDICINE to candidates and members of the Order. Receive expert advice and second opinions from our most celebrated natural medicine physicians in the Caribbean, our GM, and Texas.

By appointment only.  Includes a personally autographed copy of MODERN MONASTIC MEDICINE.

1:30 - 3 PM: Updates on SMOKH activities. Diplomatic briefing for new members.

4 PM: busing to the Church. 

Planned location for seminar:

Embassy Suites Miami Airport

For investiture: SAN JUAN BOSCO CHURCH

Cocktail reception: 7 pm.

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SUNDAY MARCH 21 - Special Classified Conference

This will be the third presentation of our special legal conference, and a presentation you don’t want to miss if you practice any form of medicine. Not only will you get first-hand knowledge of research that has taken several years, many thousands of hours and dollars to accumulate, you will also be the first to see the culmination of all this work in action. We will “roll out” the first complete WONMP Auxiliary Clinic model for your review. You will hear from the attorney that developed this model and from the attorney and WONMP associate that operates this first tax exempt clinic, and who will assist practitioners in designing their own.

Here are just 6 important things you will learn about your livelihood!

Ø  How you can do this ethically, morally and legally – no more hiding in the shadows hoping the State doesn’t notice you!

Ø  Why certain individuals have a right to do this, and why others probably should change professions!

Ø  Why a large group that is now doing this is at personal risk and need this information more than anyone else!

Ø  How another group of licensed individuals can do this also, without violating State board rules!

Ø  Why the groups working on State and national levels for this are wrong, and why their efforts are a “bad idea”!

Ø  Why it is important that we keep this information “confidential”!

For the “rest of the story” you will just have to attend!

NEVIS NATURE CURE COURSE MARCH 23 - 27

The SMOKH team will depart Monday March 22 from Miami airport to St. Kitts, then onto Nevis by a tropical, scenic ferry for our first crash course of the year.

You will have your choice of staying on-campus or at a local hotel. For more
information on accommodations while in Nevis, contact Susan at jadeoest@sisterisles.kn

Bring your passport, meet us in Miami for the Investiture and legal conference, and we will lead you to Nevis for a week packed with a learning experience that you will not soon forget. You will not only learn from the “master” of herbal medicine, you will participate “hands on” as the staff at this “3^rd world” Nevis clinic provides medical services to the local population.

This 5 day training camp includes:

• Advanced natural medicine and laboratory training by Dr. Charles McWilliams, one of the most respected trainers in natural medicine.
• Hands-on training in applying and preparing herbal medicines in clinical practice.
• Hands on training in laboratory analysis.
• Natural Medicine Encyclopedia – over 5000 pages of reference material.
• Dr. McWilliams two latest books on the history and application of monastic medicine.
• Hands-on clinical training and patient observation in full service clinic.
• Graduation ceremony Saturday march 27.

Attendance is limited to 10 students per class and time is short register on-line today!

NOTE: You have received this eNewsletter because you have contacted one of our affiliated websites.

If you wish to add a friend of the healing arts to this eNewsletter of interest to students and practitioners of the natural healing arts, please forward the address of the email recipient, or simply register them as a FREE member at www.wonmp.us 

 If you wish to be removed, return this email with "remove" in the subject column.

LINKS:

http://www.wonmp.us/
http://www.schoolofnaturalmedicine.org/

http://smokh.org/

http://smokh.org/medschool.html

http://www.jadeacademy.org

WONMP, a five year old NGO, is now registered with the UN's Department of Public Information (DPI).