Canon Preamble
We are People of God and members of the ecclesial body herein to be referred to as "The Apostles' Church" or "AC" or "Communion". We recall the words of the second century church father, St. Ignatius of Antioch, when referring to the Church: we are a
"communion of communities".
We are men and women, baptized in Christ. We are laity and ordained. We join together at the messianic call of the Spirit to form the household of faith; to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. His is a Gospel of liberation and justice for the poor, the outcast, the sick, the disabled, the old, the young, and the imprisoned; to offer a refuge in Christ for those who suffer prejudice because of race, color, culture, philosophy, gender, or educational deprivation; to conform our lives to the life and teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ through prayer and study, service, and the celebration of the liturgy and the sacraments of His Church.
We profess our faith in Christ Jesus in the living Catholic Tradition handed to us from the Apostles through many generations. And we stand open to a dialog with those of other Biblically Orthodox traditions.
We hereby affirm this constitution as an instrument of governance and guidance for our ecclesial body and its member communities.
Mission Statement:
We are People of God baptized in Christ and professing our faith in a living Catholic, Orthodox, Apostolic tradition. We are men and women, lay and ordained, joining together as a "communion of
communities" in response to the messianic call of the Spirit to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ; to work towards liberation and justice for all; to offer a refuge in Christ for those who suffer prejudice and abuse; to stand open to dialog with others so called and, to surrender to the transforming power of the Holy Spirit as He conforms our lives to the life and teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Table of Contents
I. Polity of Communion
II. Affirmations of Faith
III. Sacramental Guidelines
IV. Guidelines for Faith Communities
a. Parish
b. Religious Order
c. Specialized Ministry
V. Principle of Self-Determination
VI. By-Laws
VII. Clergy Code of Conduct
Section I: Polity of the Communion
Canon 1.
The Communion is a confederation of independently incorporated faith communities, free churches, missions, societies, religious Orders of both lay and ordained persons that are governed by a commitment and consensus of a "House of Clergy", the "Office of the Presiding Bishop", and "the Episcopal Council."
1.1
The Communion shall convene a synod of all the above mentioned
governing bodies every calendar year during the first week of the month of June. The place and time of the Synod to be fixed by the Presiding Bishop and announced one year in advance of the Synod.
1.2
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Canon 2.
2.1
Members of the Communion must be at least 18 years of age.
2.2
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Canon 3.
The House of Clergy, herein referred to as the "HOC", is comprised of all Ordained persons who are in good standing within the AC.
3.1
AC Clergy in good standing are those persons whose Ordination is valid and active as demonstrated by their participation in and work with a ministry of substance such as, but not limited to, chaplaincy positions in a hospital, prison, hospice or military. Or as a working member of an established parish or church plant in the position of pastor or assistant/associate pastor. Or is granted, by the Presiding Bishop, an administrative position or leave which shall be reviewed once, every calendar year, and renewed if appropriate.
3.2
The HOC shall convene during the Synod. They shall elect a member from among them who will be the Vicar of the House of Clergy. This position will begin immediately upon election and will continue until the next calendar year's Synod when a new Vicar will be elected. A Vicar may be reelected without any number of terms being fixed as maximum. The Vicar of the House of Clergy will have no Episcopal duties or authority, but will sit on the Episcopal Council representing the entire House with voice and vote privileges.
Canon 4.
The Office of the Presiding Bishop shall be the central executive office of the Communion. The Presiding Bishop shall be placed in office by a consensus of all (minus one) of the Synod members in session during the regularly called Synod held during the first week of June. Presiding Bishops shall continue in the Office until they are removed by retirement, death, cause or challenge. Cause for removal will be done by the Synod in the same manner as to which placement was achieved (consensus minus one). Cause may be for ineffectual leadership, heresy, immoral behavior, insanity, or any other issues prompted by the revelation of the Holy Spirit. Removal by Challenge may be done with the proposed election of another Bishop (or if the person is not yet a Bishop will be elevated to such upon election of the Challenge.) In such a case as a challenge the candidate elected will be done so by holding a 2/3rds silent and written vote of those present at Synod who are eligible to vote. If neither candidate receives a 2/3rds vote of the Synod in session on the first voting round, a second round of voting will take place. If a candidate does not receive a 2/3rds vote during the second round a third and final vote will be taken. If neither candidate receives a 2/3rds vote on the third and final round, the Challenge is voided and the sitting Presiding Bishop remains in Office.
4.1
The Presiding Bishop shall be responsible to establish an administrative body, which may include a Canon, Chancellor, Vicar General and/or other officers as deemed necessary in order to fulfill the duties of the Office of Presiding Bishop. Those positions shall be in force only as the Presiding Bishop who appointed them resides in the position of Presiding Bishop. The Presiding Bishop may also establish standing committees or ad hoc committees in order to further the mission of the Communion.
4.1.A
If the Presiding Bishop appoints a Canon that person will be an Ordained Clergy Person who will be in that position until they are removed by the Presiding Bishop or when the Presiding Bishop is out of the Office by removal, retirement, death or vote. The Canon of the Bishop will report directly to the Presiding Bishop and act as His/Her Administrative Assistant.
4.1.B.
If the Presiding Bishop appoints a Chancellor that person will be any Lay or Ordained person and will act as the business and financial administrator of the Communion, and will report directly to the Presiding Bishop.
4.1.C.
If the Presiding Bishop appoints a Vicar General of the Church that person will report directly to the Episcopal Council and will attend the Council meetings with voice granted but will have no vote. The Office of the Vicar General is an administrative office and will oversee the formation and business of new or soon to be Ordained persons and persons seeking Incardination.
4.2
The Presiding Bishop shall be responsible to sign or veto all legislation, Canon and liturgical changes or intercommunion agreements. A movement or veto may be overridden by a consensus (minus one) of the Synod.
4.3
The Presiding Bishop receives faith communities applying for
membership consideration into the Communion, as set forth in the Guidelines for Formation of New Faith Communities, with confirmation by the Episcopal Council. (The EC will use consensus (minus one) as its standard operating procedure.)
4.4
The Presiding Bishop accepts a faith community's request for withdrawal from the Communion.
Canon 5.
The Episcopal Council shall be comprised of the HOC's Vicar General, all bishops in good standing with the Communion and two elected Lay Persons who are from different parishes or ministry settings and are in good standing with the Communion. The Presiding Bishop will by the Chair of the EC with both voice and vote. (If the Communion only has one sitting Bishop, then the EC will consist of an elected Deacon, and elected Elder, two elected lay persons who are members in good standing with the Communion and the Presiding Bishop.) The EC closes and opens at each Synod (the EC is retained as it is at the close of the last Synod).
5.1
The Episcopal Council may initiate liturgical changes and intercommunion agreements, which must be reviewed and confirmed by the Synod (consensus (minus one)). It may also issue joint pastoral letters and policy statements as it sees fit according to their calling as Pastoral leaders of Christ's Church. Such articles (letters and policy statements) must be approved by the EC by consensus (minus one).
5.2
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5.3
The Episcopal Council is a Court of Review for cases of misconduct
and/or incompetence and may appoint an investigating committee if
deemed necessary.
5.4
The Episcopal Council may also establish standing committees or ad hoc committees to further the mission of the Church. This Council may establish and/or modify guidelines for ordination and guidelines for the formation of new parish communities. In addition this Council reviews and confirms all applications for vocations and the formation of new faith communities.
Canon 6.
All canons and bylaws regulating finances of the Communion must originate and be passed in Synod.
6.1
The Presiding Bishop or the Chancellor of the Communion shall submit an annual budget to the Synod, one month prior to the annual synod, for its consideration of approval. This budget shall be based upon the assessment of administrative needs for the Communion.
Canon 7.
All proposed uses of liturgy, that are outside the recognized norm of the historical faith tradition of the catholic church, shall be first approved by the Ordinary before they are put into use.
Canon 8.
Intercommunion agreements with other ecclesial bodies shall be negotiated and signed by the Presiding Bishop and become effective through a vote of confirmation by the Synod.
Canon 9.
Proposed changes to guidelines, canons, bylaws must be submitted in writing at least one month prior to the date of the Synod for distribution purposes to the entire Synod.
Section 2: Affirmations of Faith
Canon 10.
We affirm and hold as true the three historic, catholic, creeds of the undivided Church commonly called, The Apostle's Creed, the Nicene Creed (without the Filioque claus), and the Athanasian Creed.
Canon 11.
Church - We affirm that the Church of Jesus Christ embodies all who follow Jesus and are joined in an indissoluble union with Christ and one another through baptism becoming the People of God. This Body of Christ is one, catholic, and apostolic and is entrusted with continuing the saving work of Christ in the world
through the proclamation of the Gospel and the celebration of the Sacred Mysteries which are commonly called the Sacraments.
Canon 12.
Holy Scripture - We affirm the Sacred Scriptures of the Old and New Testament contained in the 66 books that have been handed down to us through the Apostolic Tradition and are held in common with the historic Catholic Church. These Sacred Writings are truly inspired by the human encounter with the Divine in history and are both reliable and authoritative in all matters of faith, doctrine and practice.
Canon 13.
Sacraments - We affirm that the Church in her very nature is Sacramental. Therefore, the work of the Church is essentially understood as a Sacramental Ministry. The Sacraments are grace-filled moments of encounter with the Divine. Through our participation in the celebration of these Divine Mysteries we are
renewed by the saving presence of the Resurrected Christ who imparts to us His grace as is prescribed by the sacrament in which we are celebrating and participating.
Canon 14.
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Canon 15.
The Declaration of Utrecht - We affirm that the Declaration of Utrecht (September 24, 1889) is consistent with the ancient tradition of the Catholic Church in its rejection of both universal papal jurisdiction and the infallibility of the papal office.
Section 3: Sacramental Guidelines
Canon 17.
Holy Baptism - is the sacrament of Christian initiation which imparts the grace of Christ our Lord upon the person and ushers them into the community of faith and the communion of saints. Holy Baptism may be administered by any Christian in extraordinary circumstances, but normally is administered by any Ordained person of the Church in the presence of the believing body.
Canon 18.
Confirmation - may come at the time of the Holy Baptism if a Bishop is present. The person is anointed with Holy Oil as a sign and seal of their reception of the Holy Spirit into their lives. If a Bishop is not present during the Rite of Holy Baptism, then a person may receive the Rite of Confirmation at a later date according to the custom of the people, but always by the hands of a Bishop.
Canon 19.
Eucharist - also known as Holy Communion is the central act of the Church in their corporate worship of God. The Eucharist is the very and actual presence of Christ Jesus and is to always be celebrated in a way and a manner that reflects the dignity and power of the presence of the King. The elements become the real presence of the Lord upon their consecration by a Bishop, or their extension, a priest.
Canon 20.
Reconciliation - also known as penance, is the Rite in which a person repents from their sin by external and internal confessional form, and receive absolution by a Bishop or Priest.
Canon 21.
Anointing of the sick - also known as unction, is done by the laying on of hands and the anointing with Holy Oil of any Christian who is suffering in any manner or likeness. Any Ordained Clergy person may administer this sacrament.
Canon 22.
Marriage - is affirmed for couples who seek recognition and blessing of their union with the following guidelines:
a. It must be freely affirmed by the two (2) parties.
b. Legally recognized marriages must conform to the laws of
the civil jurisdiction.
c. Clergy cannot be compelled against their conscience to
recognize and bless the union of any couple.
d. All couples must conform to the requirements and pastoral
direction of the local faith community.
All Ordained Clergy who hold valid state licensure in the jurisdiction to which they are conducting the ceremony may perform this sacrament.
Canon 23.
Holy Orders - also known as Ordination. This Sacrament is one in which a Bishop holding Apostolic Succession imparts God's grace and authority on another human being to receive the grace of the Holy Spirit to minister according to their particular calling that has been affirmed by the Church and accepted by the person. There are three orders of ministry which are:
A. The ministry of deacon is particularly one of service to those outside the church, marginalized by society, the sick, poor, elderly, etc.
B. The ministry of priest/presbyter is particularly one of care among members of the faith community, focused upon the celebration of the Sacraments and spiritual guidance.
C. The ministry of bishop is particularly one of guidance as first shepherd. The Episcopal ministry is one of evangelism, continuity and unity.
Section 4: Guidelines for Faith Communities
A. Parishes
Canon 24.
A parish is a recognized local and geographical faith community with full rights of polity as established by this constitution. Legal incorporation or the formation of a parish council with declaration and Constitution are required in order to be admitted with parish status into the Apostles Church.
Canon 25.
A parish must be financially self-sustaining to be admitted into the Communion, and it must form a finance committee prior to admission. The Communion holds no financial responsibility for a parish's property or operating expenses. The Communion holds no claim to the property and assets of the parish.
Canon 26.
The parish shall uphold its financial obligations to the Communion by regular and appropriate contributions as established by the Synod.
Canon 27.
Each parish shall select and send the appropriate number of voting Laity to the synod of this Communion. The pastor of each parish must also attend the annual synod.
Canon 28.
Parishes shall receive an annual Episcopal visit.
28.1
Parishes with bishops as pastors shall receive an annual Episcopal visit by the Presiding Bishop.
28.2
The parish shall cover all costs associated with the Episcopal visit.
Canon 29.
All Clergy and staff of any parish of the Apostles' Church are required to maintain standards in accordance with the Ethical Code of Conduct, as outlined by this Communion.
Canon 30.
The parish is the employer of record for its clergy and staff, with the responsibility to hire and terminate all clergy and staff, practice pre-employment inquiries of sexual misconduct and conduct criminal background checks.
Canon 31.
The Communion carries no legal responsibility or liability for the conduct of clergy or staff of each local parish. The parish is responsible for the investigation of allegations of misconduct by its clergy and staff.
Canon 32.
Allegations of misconduct shall be reported, according to established guidelines of the Communion, to the Presiding Bishop and the Episcopal Council for review.
B. Religious Orders
Canon 33.
A religious order is a community of individuals who have united for an evangelical mission of the pursuit of the spiritual life and/or social service.
33.1
Legal incorporation by the religious order or Free Church declaration by its officials and the selection of administrative leaders of the order are both necessary for both recognition by and admission to the polity of the Communion.
33.2
The process of recognition and admission of Religious Orders into the Communion is administered through the Office of the Presiding Bishop.
Canon 34.
A religious order shall adhere to the guidelines of the Communion for religious orders as administered by an appropriate representative of the Episcopal Council and/or the Office of the Presiding Bishop.
Canon 35.
A religious order must be financially self-sustaining to be admitted into the Communion. The Communion holds no financial responsibility for the property of the religious order or its operating expenses. The Communion holds no claim to the property and assets of the religious order.
Canon 36.
The religious order shall uphold its financial obligations to the Communion by regular and appropriate contributions as established by the synod.
Canon 37.
The religious order shall review its administration and ministries with an appropriate representative from the Episcopal Council no less than once every two (2) years. The order shall be responsible for all costs involved with this review.
Canon 39.
The religious order shall publish a code of ethical conduct to which all members of the order shall subscribe.
Canon 40.
The religious order, as a legal corporation, or as a declared Free Church entity, is the responsible authority for any members of the order. The religious order is the employer of record for any
members or additional staff employed by the order. The Communion holds no legal responsibility or liability for the conduct of the members or employees of the religious order.
Canon 41.
The religious order has the right and responsibility to govern and guide its members through its own regulations and administrative practices. The administrators of the order have the obligation to screen potential members through appropriate psychological examinations, criminal background checks, and inquiries concerning sexual misconduct. All those employed by the order shall also be screened though the processes of background checks and inquiries
concerning sexual misconduct.
Canon 42.
The religious order is responsible for the investigation of any allegation of misconduct by its members or staff. Allegations of misconduct and the findings of the investigation shall be reported, according to established guidelines, to the appropriate representative of the Episcopal Council and the Office of the Presiding Bishop, and appropriate actions taken by the representatives of the Communion.
C. Specialized Ministries
Canon 43.
A specialized ministry is a faith community independent of a parish or religious order devoted to the service of a particular need or population such as:
a. an educational institution such as a school, college, university or seminary;
b. an association of chaplains to a school, hospital, prison, military service or other institution;
c. a ministry organization created by members of the Communion, for the purpose of developing particular missions of spiritual development or social need.
Canon 44.
A specialized ministry shall adhere to the guidelines of the Communion for specialized ministries as administered by an appropriate representative of the Episcopal Council and/or the Office of the Presiding Bishop.
Canon 45.
A specialized ministry shall receive the endorsement of the Communion according to guidelines established by the Communion as administered by an appropriate representative of the Episcopal Council and/or the Office of the Presiding Bishop.
Canon 46.
The institution at which a chaplain endorsed by the Communion serves shall be the employer of record for that chaplain. No financial obligation is assumed by the Communion for a chaplain in such service.
Canon 47.
A specialized ministry, other than an institutional chaplaincy, shall be legally incorporated or declared as a Free Church entity and shall establish appropriate governing boards and finance
committees.
47.1
The corporation established for the specialized ministry shall be the employer of record for all employed by the incorporated specialized ministry, and no financial obligation is assumed by the communion for that specialized ministry.
Canon 48.
A specialized ministry shall be financially self-sustaining to be admitted to the Communion.
48.1
The Communion holds no financial responsibility the property or
operating expenses of the specialized ministry. The Communion holds no claim to the property and assets of the specialized ministry.
Canon 49.
The specialized ministry shall uphold its financial obligations to the Communion by regular and appropriate contributions as established by the synod.
Canon 50.
Each specialized ministry shall conduct a review with the appropriate and designated member of the Episcopal council no less than once every two (2) years. The specialized ministry shall assume all costs involved with this review.
Canon 51.
Any individual engaged in a specialized ministry shall abide by a code of ethics appropriate to that ministry and to the code of ethics established by the Communion for clergy, if the individual is an ordained member of the Communion.
Canon 52.
Each specialized ministry, as a legal corporation, is the responsible authority for the ministry and the employer of record for its staff. The Communion holds no legal responsibility or liability for the conduct of the members or employees of
the each specialized ministry.
Canon 53.
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Canon 54.
Each specialized ministries, (each educational institution, the associations of chaplains and each ministry organization), is responsible for the investigation of any allegation of misconduct by its own members or staff.
54.1
Allegations of misconduct and the findings of the investigation shall be reported, according to established guidelines, to the appropriate representative of the Episcopal Council and the Office of the Presiding Bishop, and appropriate actions shall be taken by the representatives of the Communion.
Section 5: Principle of Self-Determination
Canon 55.
When clergy choose to terminate faculties with the Communion, faculties may be withdrawn, without prejudice.
Canon 56.
The granting of faculties shall be followed according to Subcanon 2 of Canon 60: "The Bylaws of the Constitution."
Canon 57.
The termination of faculties by the Communion shall be administered by the local Ordinary. All granting and termination of faculties by the local Ordinary shall be reported to Office of the Presiding Bishop. Termination of faculties with cause
shall be reviewed by the Episcopal Council. An exit interview may be administered by the Office of the Presiding Bishop upon termination of faculties.
Canon 58.
Petitions for the restoration of clergy faculties are administered by the local Ordinary. When such faculties are restored they shall be affirmed by the majority vote of the Episcopal Council. If said affirmation is not received than the faculties are not restored.
Canon 59.
A faith community may choose to withdraw from the Communion. This shall be administered by the Office of the Presiding Bishop, and reviewed by the Episcopal Council. An exit interview shall be conducted with the leadership of the withdrawing faith community by a member of the Episcopal Council.
Canon 60.
All community property and assets are held in sole ownership by the local faith community, in accordance with its own constitution and the laws of the state in which it exists. The Communion claims no rights to the properties owned by its faith communities.
Section 6: Amendments to the Constitution
Canon 61.
Proposed amendments of this Constitution shall be submitted to the Presiding Bishop no later than May 1 of any given year so that proposed amendments may be sent to all clergy and lay delegates of the scheduled Synod where they will be discussed and acted upon.
Bylaws
Subcanon 1: Guidelines for the Formation of Faith Communities are administered and amended by the Episcopal Council.
The growth of the household of faith has always had 2 (two) dimensions:
1. Growth is understood in terms of numbers, as seen in the increase of local communities, and the increase of members in each community. The scriptural model for such growth is found in the second chapter of Acts, concluding with the sentence: "Day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved." 2. Growth is also understood in terms of the maturation of the members of the Church. This is exemplified in Saint Paul's concern that the Corinthian community (chapter 3) develop from the infancy of spiritual milk to the solid food of faith It is therefore our desire to aid the clergy and people of the Communion, as well as those who wish to join the Communion, with these guidelines for the formation of faith communities, and their incorporation into the Ecumenical Catholic Communion. The following points are not meant to be an exhaustive treatment of the process, but rather, an aid in discerning the readiness of any group to join the Communion.
The Discovery of a Faith Community: This article purposely acknowledges the place of grace in the idea that a community is "discovered." Men and women who find themselves in a continual communal experience of sharing and celebrating their spiritual journey in Christ come to discern their need formally create a faith community, commonly understood as a church, parish or mission. These communities are somewhere along the continuum of being established as a permanent association of faithful individual members. This corporate experience may be that of regular Eucharistic celebration; change in identity from connection with another ecclesial body; or the outgrowth from an established community of the Communion (such as second community arising from a specific geographical location that affords some members easier and more frequent access to communal functions). Such a discovery is generally confirmed by the members of the specific group meeting and agreeing upon the affinity they feel, and the lead of the Spirit in creating a sacramental community. Conversely, it is not usually the action of a single person - even a member of the clergy - who attempts to establish a community with no other members. We may be reminded of the words of Scripture that the presence of the Living Christ is felt where two or three are gathered in faith.
The Formation of Community Leadership: When a group of the faithful believers express their awareness of their identity as a community of faith, they must ask if that identity is a share in the ancient Catholic tradition of sacramental ministry and liturgical celebration. If so, then they are ready to approach the Communion through the appropriate means. In doing so, it shall be necessary that both lay leaders and the clergy of the Communion to begin the dialogue with the Communion. This means that there must be a sufficient number of lay leaders in the community to allow for a variety of voices in this dialogue. Such a process is not the sole realm of the pastor of the community. It must reflect the diversity of the members of the faith community.
Although it is normative that a community would have its own ordained pastoral leader, a community may find that it has no permanent clergy. This is not an obstacle to applying to become a part of the Communion. Indeed, it is sometimes the case that a community comes to the Communion, often through the bishop, precisely because it has no permanent member who is an ordained priest or deacon.
A leadership council should be elected by the members of the community before applying for acceptance into the Communion. While the structure of the council may differ from those of other faith communities, in general, it should include lay leaders as the president or chairperson, the financial officer and financial committee members, the recording secretary, and various committees to coordinate functions of the community.
Clergy of the Community: Faith communities have generally joined the Communion with established clergy as a part of their regular life. The clergy of such communities must make a separate application to the Communion for faculties. Their acceptance as clergy of the Communion may begin with an interim or probationary period. It is important for the lay leaders of a community to understand that their application to the Communion is separate from that of their clergy - though it is related to the clergy applications. Should the community find that it has no permanent clergy, it may apply to the Communion for temporary and voluntary coverage of sacramental ministries through the established clergy of the Communion. However, qualified priests and deacons should be sought by the community to serve in their various permanent ministries. And qualified men and women should be encouraged to consider ordination. The Communion seeks a return to the understanding that each community shall cultivate such vocations to ordained ministry; and that the ordained leadership of the Church arises from within the Eucharistic community itself.
Clergy who have resigned from other ecclesial jurisdictions have often been the primary individuals in the formation of new faith communities. In such cases, the Ordinary shall review the background of applicants who desire faculties with the Communion. Such members of the clergy may require appropriate actions to regularize their ministerial orders (and additional training in some cases). However, it is always the primary concern of the Ordinary that the call to ministry by the faith community is seen as a substantial affirmation of the call to orders for those who apply for ordination or for faculties with the Communion. The reception of clergy shall be administered by the Ordinary and confirmed by the Office of the Presiding Bishop.
Financial Considerations: \
Newly formed faith communities have the task of gathering assets from members and wisely distributing revenue for employee salaries and other expenses of the business side of community life. Congregations should form a committee to oversee this activity within one month of application for acceptance into the Communion. This committee should not be chaired by the pastor of the community, and should generally not include members of the pastor's immediate family. This allows the committee members a sense of freedom in dealing with financial considerations of pastoral salaries, etc. Committee members should include individuals who are accustomed to business practices, yet understand the spiritual and social mission of a faith
community.
Accounting of all funds should also reflect standard business practice in accordance with federal and state laws. All contributions and expenditures should be recorded in a timely fashion, and the finance committee should publish a summary of its activities on a regular basis - minimum once a year.
Within three months of incorporation, or Free Church Declaration, the governing board of the faith community should establish in writing any contractual relationships it has with clergy. This should include reimbursement of stipends or salaries, benefits and allowances for living expenses. Reimbursements and stipends to non-staff clergy should also be established as to amount and procedure, through a joint effort of the community's pastor and its finance committee or governing board.
Legal Considerations: At the time of application for acceptance into the Communion, the faith community should also have applied for not-for-profit status to the appropriate authorities of the state and federal governments. The formation of a non-profit board or council, as required by law, should take place in accordance with the legal requirements. This formation of such a board or council would also fulfill the requirement set forth in article II of this document. A chairperson or president and other appropriate officers should be elected in accordance with bylaws of incorporation. And all committees of the faith community should make regular reports to the board. Free Churches should also follow like procedures.
Before application for acceptance into the Communion, the board or council of the faith community should apply for insurance to cover liability for clergy and the community's council or board. This can be aided by contacting the Communion to for possible referrals to agents who provide such coverage, or by the recommendation of members of the community who are familiar with this process.
Episcopal Visitation Status: Before a faith community discerns that it shall seek application to the Communion, it may require the presence of the bishop to fulfill the needs of our Catholic heritage in terms of sacramental celebrations, such as the call to holy orders or the sacrament of confirmation. A community may find that it is not ready for application to the Communion, yet stands in need of the specific ministry of the bishop. In such cases, the community should at least be in the initial stages of discernment of the appropriateness of application to the Communion. If its pastor has received faculties from the Communion, it may consider this the first step in this process.
Any visit from the bishop or Episcopal representatives may include expenses incurred by the Communion. The community being visited should expect to reimburse the Communion for these expenses unless alternate arrangements are made with the Communion.
Conclusion: The journey of faith is one that is experienced by individuals and by the faith community. These are intertwined in such a way that they are "not 2 (two)." A community is impacted by the life of its members, and the converse is also true. It is our hope that these guidelines may be seen as a way to assist both the community and its members in establishing a path of justice and service, as well as a foundation for the continued spiritual life of all concerned. The liturgical, sacramental, and service ministries of each community depend upon wise and just decisions and practices by its leaders. So too, the social life of the community develops into friendships that are entries into the walk of faith - but only if there is a sense of consensus and justice in the dealings of the community with those who are a part of it and those whom it serves.
The people of the Apostles' Church pray that communities applying to the Communion shall flourish in faith, be well served by ministries of the Church, and grow in the awareness of the Living Christ, who makes us ever new. The bishop, governing boards and
clergy of the Communion extend hands of support to these new communities, in the name of Lord Jesus Christ. The reception of a newly formed faith community shall be administered by the Ordinary and confirmed by the Office of the Presiding Bishop. Probationary status may be granted until legal incorporation of the faith community is completed.
Subcanon 2: Guidelines for Ordination are administered and amended by the Episcopal Council.
The following shall constitute the minimal guidelines for persons seeking Ordination or Incardination as a Deacon or Priest or Bishop into the Communion of the Apostles' Church.
Once a candidate has completed a written inquiry or equivalent conversation to the local Ordinary, he/she should complete each requirement in the following order:
1. Submit a formal Letter of Intent including a curriculum vitae or resume highlighting all educational background, work experiences, and ministerial experience. (Please provide transcripts and certificates of completion for all work accomplished.)
2. Background Evaluation
Completion of a psychological evaluation and interview by a State licensed Psychologist, Licensed Professional Counselor or Psychiatrist. A written report from said Professional shall be submitted to the Ordinary and will become a part of the applicants permanent file which will be the sole possession of the Apostles' Church. This written report must state that the said applicant is free of emotional, and/or psychological impediments that would hinder or interfere with the applicants ability to function as a trusted member of the clergy and perform such duties of the office which would include keeping confidences, trust, loyalty, interpersonal skills and a wide range of relationships with persons of every age and stage of life and background. Said evaluation will be the obligation of the candidate and any and all expenses will be the responsibility of the candidate.
3. Completion of standard Criminal Background Check, administered by the Communion Office.
4. An autobiographic statement regarding the reasons he/she feels called to serve in the ministerial office of priest.
5. A minimum of five letters of recommendation from those that have had a ministerial relationship with the candidate seeking incardination. This would include individuals who may
have been involved in the ministerial formation of the candidate as well as individuals who have served as co-workers in ministerial work. Once the above requirements are completed satisfactorily, the candidate can expect the final stages of discernment as follows:
6. An Evaluative Team will be assigned to the candidate by the office of the Presiding Bishop. The Evaluative Team serves with the Ordinary Bishop as the decision making body in regard to application for reception into the Communion. This Team will review the candidate's file, including all the above-mentioned materials (academic transcripts, psychological tests, letters of recommendation, etc.)
The candidate will be personally interviewed by each of the members of the Evaluative Team. This may involve a travel expense to be incurred by the candidate. Or, some interviews can occur via a Conference call.
7. Additionally, if the candidate is being presented by an established faith community, members of the faith community are invited to submit letters of support and/or concern regarding the
incardination of the candidate. A statement and petition signed by a majority of the members of the faith community would suffice.
8. Persons seeking Incardination must show the lines of their Apostolic Succession and it must be reviewed by the Episcopal Council for validity and soundness.
9. A formal letter of Incardination or refusal will be written by the Presiding Bishop and delivered to the candidate within two weeks from the reception of all the above requirements. A formal letter of intentions to Ordain will be written and delivered to the candidate within two weeks of the reception of the above mentioned requirements. The Ordinary will then, with the candidate to be Ordained, begin to make the necessary arrangements for a service of Ordination.
Subcanon 3:
Guidelines for Selection of Bishops shall be developed by the Episcopal Council. The Office of Bishop is one of Pastoral Leadership, and of teaching and safeguarding the Faith once delivered to the Saints. Bishops therefore are to be persons who are well trained, highly educated and experienced. A Bishop gives council, oversight, guidance and direction to the people and the clergy of Christ's Church. When a local faith community is large enough and establishes two (2) or more missions, or parishes a pastor may be ordained bishop as spiritual leader for that faith community and its missions. Qualified clergy may be elected as Bishops by the Communion (and given Episcopal Ordination, if necessary) to serve particular geographic areas or particular populations.
Subcanon 4: Guidelines for the formation and governance of religious orders and societies shall be developed by the Episcopal Council and shall be administered and amended by the Episcopal Council.
A. A Society or Order must maintain a minimum of three (3) persons at all times to keep its Charter active and valid. If the Society or Order ever drops below three (3) active persons than the Charter is deemed suspended and must go through a formal petition to have it reactivated.
B. A Society may be composed of both lay and clergy persons and will be granted a Charter to be overseen by an Episcopal Representative in order to carry out some specified mission or work of mercy or justice. It will have a set of guidelines, bylaws or Canons (which can not be in contradiction to these Canons at any time.) Said guidelines, bylaws or Canons will be submitted for review prior to a Charter being granted. Charters are granted for and indefinite period of time and may be revoked by a consensus (minus one) of the Episcopal Council.
C. An Order is comprised of both lay and clergy and involves sacred promises or oaths taken and submission to a Rule. Orders are overseen by an Episcopal Representative. The Rule of the Order must first be drafted and given to the Presiding Bishop who will review it and then upon the Presiding Bishop's recommendations will be submitted to the Episcopal Council for ratification. At no time will the Rule of the Order ever be in contradiction to these Canons.
D. Societies and Orders will be governed by themselves, with Episcopal oversight given by the Presiding Bishop's representative. The Presiding Bishop's Representative will be a person to whom the Order and/or Society may receive council and guidance from and connect to the Communion at large through. The Representative will not be a member of the Society or Order and will have no authority over the Society or Order. Grievances, disputes, or questions of governance may always be brought to the Presiding Bishop by any member of the Society or Order. The Charter is granted by the Communion at large which is represented by the Presiding Bishop who may therefore suspend any motion, movement or act by the Society or Order until the Episcopal Council may formally meet and discern the action at hand.
Subcanon 5: An Ethical Code of Conduct shall be developed by an ad hoc committee comprised of both clergy and laity and administered and amended by the Episcopal Council. This Ethical Code of Conduct will be followed by all clergy and lay employees of the Apostles' Church. Infractions of the Code will be addressed by the Episcopal Council and the following actions may be taken:
A. A course of action implemented that might include council, suspension of duties, designated amends given, a course of retraining and counseling demanded, a period of probation given, or other appropriate actions to redress the infraction.
B. The removal of the person's faculties (if clergy) and/or suspension or termination of one's position, or reassignment.
C. In all cases a formal letter stating all the necessary information concerning said incident will be generated and given to the said person and a copy will be placed in the person's file that is always kept in the possession of the Presiding Bishop's Office.
Subcanon 6: Termination of Faculties of Clergy
When clergy faculties are terminated the faith community is to be notified by the local Ordinary within 72 hours by telephone or e-mail, and by formal letter within one week.
Faith Communities must remove clergy from staff positions immediately if their faculties are terminated with cause. Faith Communities who do not follow this shall be placed on probation status without voting rights for a period of one month, with termination of membership in the Communion at the end of that designated month.
Immediate administrative leave is required for those clergy accused of sexual misconduct, physical assault, homicidal or suicidal threats, homicidal or suicidal attempts, allegations of fraud or having a major psychotic episode which requires hospitalization. Paid leave status will be determined by the faith community in dialog with the Presiding Bishop and will conform to the laws of the State in which the Parish resides.
Termination of clergy faculties is immediate for conviction of a crime of sexual assault, sexual or physical abuse of a minor or
dependent elder, or a psychiatric episode in which there is a professional psychiatric determination of the inability to perform duties.
Petitions for the restoration of clergy faculties are administered in accordance with Canon 57.
Amendments or changes of these bylaws can only take place during a normally called Synod which will be always held during the first week of June each and every year. The place of the Synod will be designated by the Presiding Bishop during the Synod prior to the year of it taking place. Therefore, all will know the date and place of the next Synod with one year of advance notice.
CLERGY CODE OF CONDUCT: (Once Completed and ratified it will go here as Subcanon 7)
These Canons being received by those initial and founding members of the Apostles' Church are hereby ratified in their entirety and are immediately placed into effect to the Glory of God on this 11th day of June in the year of our Lord 2006. We the gathered members covenant together and declare by affixing our signatures to the bottom of this document that these Canons form the basis of our communion and govern its rule and life.
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