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The School of Universal Worship
89 Lindsey Hill Road • Worthington, MA 01098
(413) 238-5887 • Fax: (413) 238-7790
email: cheragtraining@hughes.net

Dear Friend,
It is a great privilege to serve as a Cherag in the Universal Worship.  One is called upon to help bring the Message of Unity to humanity in our time.  Becoming a Cherag is a sacred commitment to living the religious life and communicating that attunement to all one meets.  The School of the Universal Worship was organized to answer Pir Vilayat's call for a comprehensive
training program for; future Cherags. During the over fifteen years of its existence it has sought to meet that call and to create a consistent procedure for the selection, approval and training of Cherag candidates.

PROCEDURE FOR ORDINATION AS A CHERAG IN THE UNIVERSAL WORSHIP
 

1. APPLICATION:   Complete and submit the application form which is available from the Universal Worship Secretariat (26 First Street, Albany, NY  12210).
2. LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION: The Cherag applicant's guide in the  Sufi Order is asked to write a letter of recommendation.  The letter should describe the applicant's attunement, qualities, and experience as it would contribute to the Universal Worship; his or her history of involvement with the teachings of the Message and the training given in the Sufi Order; and potential ways in which he or she could serve as a Cherag.
3. PHOTOGRAPH:   The candidate is responsible for submitting a clear, passport or larger size recent photo of him/herself.  A natural, smiling pose is preferable to an expression of somber, lifeless "spirituality".  A Cherag should represent the Universal Worship in an appropriate manner, and this includes grooming and general appearance.
4. REVIEW AND NOTIFICATION:  Pir Vilayat has instituted a small committee to assist in evaluating prospective Cherag candidates.  This committee will review all applications after receiving the above information.  Recommendations are submitted to Pir Vilayat for his final review.  The nominees and guides are notified as quickly as possible, but due to Pir Vilayat's busy schedule it is often not possible to give an exact date for review.  Normally it will be within six months of application.  We will notify you upon our decision but feel free to contact the Secretariat if you have questions regarding your status.
5. CHERAG CANDIDACY:   Those approved become Cherag Candidates. They are then asked to complete The Religious Dimensions of the Message study course and submit answers to 30 questions contained in the course on various aspects of the course.  (This course, including cassette tapes, is available directly from Omega Publications, 246 Darrow Road, New Lebanon, N.Y.  12125, (518) 794-8183 for $ 80.00.  The list of questions is available from the Universal Worship Secretariat.)  The answers to the questions will be reviewed as completed by an experienced reviewer.  When all 30 have been completed they will be submitted to the review committee for a final review.
6. TRAINING:   Prior to ordination the Cherag candidate should receive training in how to conduct the service.  This can be done either at one of the annual training sessions held each summer, by attending a class for Cherags at a local center, or by working directly with an experienced Cherag/Mentor.  For questions regarding this portion of the training please contact the Secretariat.
7. ORDINATION:   Upon successful completion of the written work and training requirement the candidate will be recommended for ordination and will receive a letter confirming this status. An approved candidate may then be ordained by Pir Vilayat or a Siraj.  Ordinations by Pir Vilayat are usually done at a camp or seminar. Details on the exact procedure will be included in the letter of confirmation.
8. ON-GOING TRAINING:   It is important that new Cherags receive on-going training in the conduct of the service and the duties of the Cherag.  This can be done locally in Cherag classes if these are available, or at camps and seminars which are offered periodically.  Normally the new Cherag will be expected to apprentice him/herself with a more experienced Cherag for a period of time following ordination.