The word Wo’se (pronounced “Wō-say”) comes from Waset, the name of a capital city in Ancient Egypt (referred to herein as Kemet). The city was called Thebes by the Greeks. Our version of the name comes from the classic book, The Destruction of Black Civilization written by the great scholar, Dr. Chancellor Williams, who called it “the most important single city in the entire history of the Black people.” By choosing it, we have attempted to resurrect the name of this great city and many of its ancient traditions.

The Sacred African Way is a way of life that is based on a wholesome relationship with The Most High, nature and each other as viewed from an African communal perspective. It is rooted in our ancient and on- going desire to know and grow in a manner that provides the greatest good for the greatest number at every level of family, community and nation. We believe it is an antidote for the genocide and self-destruction that plagues our current existence. This is why we have adopted it as a framework for our theology. While The Sacred African Way was founded on, grounded in, and includes spirituality and traditions from across Africa and the Diaspora, the primary source of inspiration for it has developed into the spiritual tradition of Ancient Kemet. Our Remetch (Ancient Egyptian) ancestors have been acclaimed by scholars as the most spiritually profound and intellectually gifted people of the ancient world. They created in The Nile Valley a civilization that was based on the understanding that all life is sacred and all human endeavors must proceed from that first understanding.

Essential to our tradition is the concept and practice of Ma’at. We believe it is good and right to practice truth, righteousness, reciprocity, harmony, balance and right order in all we say and do. Our teachings inform us that Ma’at expresses that which was in the heart of The Creator from the beginning of time.

Our New Life Seminary classes offer weekly opportunities for studying the long history and traditions of our people, particularly, but not solely, those related to Kemet. Classes are facilitated by excellent instructors who encourage us to ask questions, engage in debate and share resources that help us learn and grow together.

Visit our website at http://www.wosecommunity.org, or visit us on any Sunday for service at 8924 Holly Street in Oakland, or visit our sister community in Sacramento.