Oath of the Sewing Circle Elders

The Oath of the Sewing Circle Elders is the formal pledge sworn by women elected to serve as elders within a local Sewing Circle. The oath affirms the elder’s duty to protect the welfare of women under the Circle’s care and to faithfully administer the responsibilities entrusted to the institution.

The oath is traditionally administered before the assembled members of the local Circle upon the elder’s assumption of office.

Text of the Oath

I accept the charge entrusted to me by the women of this Circle.

I swear to guard the welfare of those placed under our care, to protect the vulnerable, and to preserve the dignity of the households of our community.

I will administer the duties of this office faithfully and without favoritism, placing the welfare of women and children above my own comfort or convenience.

I will respect the authority of lawful guardians where it is rightly exercised, and I will not hesitate to act when neglect, danger, or injustice threatens those under our protection.

I will keep the records of this Circle honestly, judge disputes with fairness, and steward the responsibilities entrusted to us with wisdom and restraint.

If I fail in this charge, may this Circle remove me from it.

Role of the Oath

The oath serves as a public declaration of responsibility and accountability. Because elders exercise significant authority within the Sewing Circle, the oath reinforces the principle that such authority exists only for the protection and stewardship of the community.

The oath also binds the elder to the judgment of the Circle itself, affirming that her authority derives from the women of the community rather than from external institutions.