Safety & Responsible Practice

Sacred practice
begins with care.

At Divine Science Society, we believe sacred practice calls for intention, education, personal responsibility, and care.

DSS serves a geographically diverse community, and our members may participate in spiritual practices from locations throughout the United States and around the world. Our approach to safety is centered on informed participation, responsible decision-making, clear boundaries, and access to appropriate emergency resources.

Our Safety Framework

Education &
Preparation

Members receive information to help them understand the nature of sacramental practice, its responsibilities, potential risks, and DSS expectations before participating.

Screening &
Informed Consent

Participation may require additional eligibility and safety screening, informed consent, and acknowledgment of relevant risks. Membership does not automatically establish eligibility for every practice.

Responsible
Participation

Members are expected to follow DSS guidelines, honor the sacred purpose of the sacrament, avoid unauthorized sharing or diversion, and make responsible decisions concerning their environment and personal well-being.

Emergency
Awareness

DSS maintains safety guidance for potential medical emergencies, severe psychological distress, threats of self-harm or harm to others, and other situations requiring professional intervention. When a situation may constitute an emergency, obtain professional assistance.

Know Before You Participate

Sacramental practice can produce significant changes in perception, emotion, cognition, and physical experience. Members should carefully review DSS educational and safety materials, disclose relevant information during any required screening process, and consider their individual circumstances before participating.

DSS sacramental practices are religious and spiritual practices. They are not medical treatment, psychiatric treatment, psychotherapy, or a substitute for professional healthcare.

A Shared Responsibility

Safety is part of the sacred container. DSS provides education, policies, expectations, and resources intended to encourage responsible religious practice. Members share responsibility for following these guidelines, providing accurate information during required screening, respecting their personal circumstances and limitations, and seeking qualified professional assistance when appropriate.

As DSS develops future in-person ceremonies or gatherings, location-specific emergency procedures may be established, including emergency contacts, evacuation information, available safety equipment, and designated personnel.

When Safety Comes First

Some experiences
require professional help.

Intense emotions or unusual experiences do not necessarily constitute emergencies. However, potentially serious physical or psychological symptoms should not be automatically interpreted as part of a spiritual experience. Seek immediate professional assistance for a suspected medical or psychiatric emergency.

Emergency Resources

Life-Threatening
Emergency

911

Call 911 or your local
emergency service.

Suicide & Crisis
Lifeline

988

Call or text 988
(US and Canada).

Know your physical location, have access to a working telephone, and know how to reach appropriate emergency services in your area.

DSS is not an emergency medical service. In an emergency, do not wait for a response from DSS before contacting qualified emergency professionals.