Naturis Sancta™
Declaration of Faith and Principles
The Sacred Way of Nature
1. Preamble
We, the adherents of Naturis Sancta™, affirm our commitment to living in conscious relationship with Nature and recognising it as the supreme and omnipresent principle through which life arises, exists, changes and returns.
We recognise humanity as part of Nature rather than separate from it, and the human body as an expression of that same natural reality.
Our faith is grounded in reverence for the living world, the interdependence of existence, respect for life and responsibility toward the natural systems upon which present and future generations depend.
Naturis Sancta™ exists as a spiritual path and way of life, guiding its adherents toward peace, reflection, human dignity, responsible stewardship and a deeper awareness of humanity's place within the natural world.
2. Core beliefs
We affirm the following principles as the spiritual foundation of Naturis Sancta™.
Nature as the Supreme Principle
Nature is understood as the supreme and omnipresent principle underlying life, transformation and existence. It is not merely a resource available for human use, but a reality worthy of reverence, humility and care.
Humanity's place within Nature
Human beings are participants in Nature, not beings existing outside or above it. Human wellbeing and survival remain dependent upon the natural systems that sustain life.
The inherent dignity of the human body
The human body in its natural state possesses inherent dignity and must not be regarded as inherently shameful, obscene or impure. Naturis Sancta™ recognises voluntary non-sexual nudity, where lawful, consensual and appropriate, as one possible spiritual expression of bodily acceptance and connection with Nature.
Peace and human connection
Human beings exist within interconnected biological, social and ecological systems. Naturis Sancta™ therefore encourages peace, cooperation, compassion and conduct that reduces unnecessary harm.
Respect for life
Living beings and ecosystems possess value beyond their immediate usefulness to an individual. Adherents are encouraged to protect biodiversity, reduce unnecessary environmental harm and respect the systems upon which life depends.
Technology in service of life
Technology is neither inherently opposed to Nature nor inherently beneficial. Naturis Sancta™ supports its responsible use when it serves human dignity, knowledge, ecological protection and the wellbeing of living systems.
3. Sacred practices
Naturis Sancta™ recognises practices through which adherents may consciously express reverence for Nature and reflect upon their place within it.
These practices are voluntary. Their form may vary between individuals, cultures, circumstances and environments.
Naturis Rites
Ceremonial or reflective observances conducted in natural settings to recognise the relationship between humanity and Nature. Where lawful, consensual and appropriate, an adult participant may choose non-sexual nudity as part of such an observance.
Direct contact with Nature
Practices may include safely removing footwear, touching soil, water, stone or vegetation, or otherwise consciously reducing physical barriers between the individual and the natural environment.
Seasonal observances
Solstices, equinoxes and other significant natural cycles may be observed as occasions for reflection, gratitude, renewal and awareness of change within the natural world.
Meditation and contemplation
Stillness, meditation, reflection or quiet observation in natural environments may be practised as ways of directing attention toward Nature and humanity's relationship with it.
4. Moral and ethical principles
Faith is reflected not only through belief or ritual, but through conduct.
Adherents of Naturis Sancta™ are therefore encouraged to pursue:
- peaceful conduct and rejection of unnecessary violence;
- truthfulness, integrity and good faith in dealings with others;
- respect for consent, autonomy and personal boundaries;
- respect for human dignity and equality;
- acceptance of the natural human body without compulsory shame;
- responsible treatment of animals, plants and ecosystems;
- reduction of avoidable environmental harm;
- responsible stewardship of natural resources;
- respect for lawful differences of belief, culture and conscience; and
- responsibility toward future generations.
5. Freedom of conscience
Naturis Sancta™ does not require uniformity of personal experience.
Adherents may understand the sacred character of Nature through different personal, philosophical and spiritual perspectives, provided those interpretations remain consistent with the foundational principles of Naturis Sancta™.
No individual is required to practise naturism, participate in non-sexual nudity or perform any particular physical observance as a condition of respecting the principles of Naturis Sancta™.
Spiritual practice remains voluntary and must respect consent, personal boundaries, the rights of others and applicable law.
6. Organisation and stewardship
The teachings and spiritual principles of Naturis Sancta™ are stewarded by the Elder.
The Elder's role is to preserve the integrity and continuity of the teachings, provide spiritual guidance and support the responsible development of Naturis Sancta™.
The position does not confer ownership over an individual's conscience, body or personal relationship with Nature.
Naturis Sancta™ is open to people who sincerely identify with its faith and principles, without distinction based upon race, ethnicity, sex, nationality, social origin or similar status.
7. Religious identity
Naturis Sancta™ identifies itself as a religion and spiritual tradition.
Its religious character is expressed through a body of beliefs concerning Nature as a supreme and omnipresent principle, teachings concerning humanity's place within existence, ethical canons arising from those beliefs, spiritual practices and observances, and a community of people who regard those beliefs and practices as religious in character.
Australian legal context
In Church of the New Faith v Commissioner of Pay-roll Tax (Vic) (1983) 154 CLR 120, the High Court of Australia considered the legal meaning of religion.
Mason ACJ and Brennan J identified two principal criteria: belief in a supernatural Being, Thing or Principle, together with acceptance of canons of conduct giving effect to that belief.
Wilson and Deane JJ considered a broader collection of indicia, including supernatural belief, ideas concerning humanity's nature and place in the universe, standards of conduct or practices having religious significance, an identifiable group of adherents and recognition by adherents of their beliefs and practices as religious.
Naturis Sancta™ consciously articulates its beliefs, practices, ethical principles and communal identity within this Australian legal context.
This declaration records the sincerely held religious identity and principles of Naturis Sancta™. It does not assert that any Australian court, government authority or regulator has separately determined or formally recognised Naturis Sancta™ as a religion.
Declaration
We recognise humanity as part of Nature, life as interconnected, the natural world as worthy of reverence, and our conduct toward one another and the Earth as carrying responsibility.
Naturis Sancta™ does not ask humanity to conquer Nature, escape Nature or place itself above Nature.
It calls upon us to recognise that we have always existed within it.
Declared: 2 February 2025
Founder and Elder: Vincent Marty
Naturis Sancta™
The Sacred Way of Nature