The Church of Body Modification has always been committed to the principles of safety, professionalism, and community. For over a decade, a cornerstone of that commitment has been our support of the Association of Professional Piercers (APP).
We are incredibly proud to announce that this long-standing relationship has evolved. The CoBM is now officially an APP Sister Organization.
This new status deepens a partnership that began in March of 2011, when we first became an Associate Corporate Member. That significant affiliation was a way to underscore our commitment to safety and professionalism within the wider body modification world.
While this partnership is a testament to our shared values, it is also a living tribute to the legacy of one of our friends and former leaders, Rick Frueh.
Rick was a former President of the CoBM, but his dedication to the community extended far beyond our church. He worked tirelessly with the APP, lending his expertise to the Procedure Manual Update Committee, the Blood-borne Pathogens Committee, and serving on the APP Board of Directors as the Medical Liaison. Rick’s impact was so profound that the APP has honored him with a scholarship in his name.
It was Rick who was instrumental in building the original bridge between our two organizations. He understood that our spiritual pursuits must be grounded in a foundation of safety and education. His work embodied the belief that true bodily autonomy can be achieved when individuals have access to the best possible information.
As an APP Sister Organization, we proudly reaffirm our support for the APP’s vital mission. We stand with them in their dedication to providing crucial health and safety information about body piercing to piercers, healthcare professionals, and the general public.
This partnership is more than a title. It is a continuation of the work Rick Frueh championed. It is a promise to our community that we will always prioritize the well-being of the bodies we hold so sacred.
