Church of the Ancient Christian Faith

 Canons

TITLE I

STRUCTURE OF THE CHURCH

CANON 1.

OF COMMUNITIES

1: Missionary and Diocesan Communities:

Church of the Ancient Christian Faith (C.A.C.F.) member communities are organized into either missionary or diocesan communities. The following are the definitions for both.

A. Missionary Community:

A missionary community, within the C.A.C.F., is one in which there is not yet one C.A.C.F. parish community [A Parish Community being a C.A.C.F. Community in which there are less than three Home Fellowships or Churches that are the Charge of but One Presbyter/Priest] that is located “beyond a reasonable distance” from any current diocesan community and whose direct Episcopal oversight is provided by the Archbishop of the Church. Such C.A.C.F. Communities may be the result of the recent transfer of a pre-existing faith community into the C.A.C.F. or, more likely, the new establishment of a C.A.C.F. community in a certain area.

B. Diocesan Community:

A diocesan community, within the C.A.C.F., is a community in which there are one or more Parish Communities (each with their own Presbyter/Priest) or a combination of a Parish Community and either a Service Ministry or active Chaplaincy [the Presbyter/Priest of which is not the same Presbyter/Priest of the single Parish Community] “within a reasonable distance” of each other and which are the Episcopal charge of a duly ordained bishop of the C.A.C.F. other than the Archbishop.

In regard to the “permanency” of either a parish or diocesan community, should an “outlying parish community” of a diocese be blessed with growth beyond the limits of the proscribed single parish structure and multiply and it is in the best interest of the growing parish such a parish community may be elevated to a diocesan community. In like fashion should a diocesan community lose a parish community due to the aforementioned example such a loss would not diminish the diocesan recognition of the diocese in question for an extended period of time, if at all, to be determined in counsel between the diocesan bishop and the Archbishop of the Church.

Furthermore while there is no limitation to the number of parishes permitted within a single diocese of the Church, such variables as effective ministerial capacity, operational capacity, area administered and the determination of availability of a prospective new bishop would come into play in any consideration of dividing a large Diocese within the Church.

2: Structure :

The structure of each local church is based on the customs and needs of that congregation, but the following should be generally observed in the absence of established tradition in the local congregation. Each C.A.C.F. member community, regardless of size, shall be independent and autonomous. In areas in which there is more than one C.A.C.F Community they will establish and maintain a diocesan structure to include the selection of at least two candidates for elevation to bishop; to be approved and confirmed by the House of Bishops.

A. Basic Unit

The local community is the basic unit of the church, and all other organizational levels exist to support and facilitate the work of the local C.A.C.F. community. This is where people live and where baptism and confirmations occur. The clergy of the C.A.C.F. recognize that diocesan, national, and international Church structures are in place to support the local parish communities.

B. Not Geographical but “Relational” Boundaries

The boundaries of a parish in this Church are not necessarily geographical; a parish consists of all persons enrolled as communicants of a local C.A.C.F. Community within the effective ministry capacity of the parish priest and all other persons associated in worship and service therein.

C. Communicants

A communicant member of this Church is a person who has been confirmed by any bishop or presbyter (where need be) thereof or accepted upon satisfactory evidence of previous communicant membership and present purpose to serve the Lord, provided that the person has partaken of Holy Communion.

i. Notice of Reception:

In order to better facilitate and foster a greater bond of unity among and between both individuals and communities within the C.A.C.F. we require a “Notice of Reception” be forwarded to the Archbishop when any new communicant affiliates with the local C.A.C.F. community.

D. No Consent of Neighboring Parish Required

The consent of the presbyter of an organized parish of this Church is not a prerequisite to the formation of another parish of this Church in the same vicinity. However local cooperation with any existing C.A.C.F. Parish will always be facilitated by the diocesan bishop or the Office of the Archbishop.

E. After Episcopal Consent

Persons belonging to this Church, having obtained the consent of the nearest diocesan bishop of the C.A.C.F. (or the Archbishop where necessary) may, on acceding to the canons, doctrine, discipline, and worship of the C.A.C.F., organize as a parish within the Church, but not otherwise.

Every parish so organized shall certify the fact, through its elders, to their nearest diocesan bishop; which being done, it shall be the duty of the diocesan bishop to admit the parish into Church within the C.A.C.F.

F. Reception into Communion

Any congregation of another jurisdiction that may desire to be received into union with the C.A.C.F. shall declare its desire thereof, duly certified by the authorities of the said congregation. Said certification, together with a declaration of agreement with the doctrine and worship of the C.A.C.F., shall be submitted to the C.A.C.F. Office of the Archbishop. If these be found satisfactory by the Office of the Archbishop, such congregation shall be received and become a constituent part of this Church on an interim basis until the next C.A.C.F. Synod at which their formal inception in to the Church will be endorsed by the Synod.

G. New Parish

In the organization of a new parish, the following article of association and conformity shall be signed by their clergy and elders:

We, the undersigned, hereby associate ourselves for the purpose of maintaining the worship of God and the preaching of the Gospel according to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of the Church of the Ancient Christian Faith., under the name of, __________________ of the city (or town) of ______________________ in the State of _________________, and we do faithfully commit ourselves to conformity to the Canons of the Church of the Ancient Christian Faith.

We do hereby authorize the chairman and secretary of this meeting to certify this action, in writing, to the Archbishop of the Church of the Ancient Christian Faith, or a bishop authorized to receive these articles.’

CANON 2.

OF PARISH GOVERNMENT

Each Parish shall have a governmental structure.

1. Established Parish

In situations where there is an established government in a parish that, after review by the diocesan bishop, is found not to be in conflict with the canons of the Church, said structure may be maintained and/or revised according to the consultation and agreement between that parish and its bishop. In the instance that the established government in an established parish is in conflict with the canons of the Church, said structure will be revised so that it is NOT in conflict with said canons, according to the consultation and agreement between that parish and its diocesan bishop.

2. New Parish:

In the case of a new parish, the parish government will be established in consultation and agreement between the parish and the diocesan bishop, and so that it is NOT in conflict with the Canons of the Church.

CANON 3.

OF DIOCESAN GOVERNMENT

Dioceses

The Dioceses are the instruments of the ministry in the Church. Each bishop is responsible for the implementation of the program and ministry of the church by guiding and facilitating the parishes of their respective diocese.

Diocesan Government --Since the organizational structure of all parts of the church are consistent, diocesan government operates according to the same principles and contains similar structure to that of parish government.

1. The Diocesan Council

The diocesan council consists of every presbyter and deacon/ess within the diocese. In each diocese, the council will gather regularly for the purpose of prayer, mutual support, sharing of ideas, the identification of major issues in the life of the diocese, and determining the direction of the diocese under the leadership of the bishop. This council is also involved in budget review, input, and recommendations presented to the bishop’s council for final authorization. It is the role of the diocesan bishop to convene and preside at such meetings of this council.

2. The Bishop

The bishop is the chief pastor in the diocese. All clergy, parishes, ministries, and people of the diocese are accountable to the bishop. Each bishop may also choose to have his own church, serving as the primary pastor, or he may choose to visit the church communities in his diocese instead of a combination or both, at his discretion. It is the intention of the C.A.C.F. to keep all bishops in touch with the people and the primary place of ministry, the local Church communities. A primary function of each bishop is ministry to the clergy under his care. The bishop convenes and presides at the diocesan council. All authority within the diocese is conferred by or derived from the bishop and, in all diocesan matters, the bishop holds final authority. The order of deacons within the Diocese are attached directly to the Bishop and deployed by him in various ministries around the diocese. The roles, duties, responsibilities and accountability of the bishop are defined and governed by the canons of the Church. Each bishop is accountable to the Synod, and to the Archbishop of this Communion.

3. The Bishop’s Council

The bishop’s council consists of the officers of the corporate entity of the diocese and shall act as chief advisors to the diocesan bishop over all practical, financial, and business matters for the diocese. The members of the bishop’s council may be also be communicants and clergy and are appointed by the bishop to serve one year terms.

4. Diocesan Staff

The bishop may establish for his office such staff as necessary for the functioning of the diocesan office and the fulfillment of its ministry to guide and enable the ministry of the parishes. The diocesan staff is the administrative nexus supporting diocesan life and ministry.

5. Area

The dioceses are not necessarily geographical in nature. The area comprising a diocese is directly determined by the effective ministry capacity of the diocesan bishop. Usually this is determined by the area covered in one days driving distance from the headquarters of the diocese to better facilitate the mutual needs of both the diocese and the parish. However in areas with large populations this may differ. In the event of a disputation regarding diocesan boundaries the question will be settled by the ARCHBISHOP and will be final.

CANON 4.

OF CHURCH GOVERNMENT

1. Church Government,

The Church of the Ancient Christian Faith is comprised of dioceses which come under the jurisdiction of its Archbishop (see Canon 4.4 & 4.4A). The purpose of the Church government is to provide support, coordination, cooperation, prayer, fellowship, and direction for the bishops and dioceses within the Church.

2. The Synod:

A. The Synod of the Church is the collective body of all C.A.C.F. Clergy (Deacon/ess’ Presbyters &

Bishops) and serves as the final deliberative body for all policies of the C.A.C.F.

B. The Synod shall meet no less than annually for deliberations, fellowship, collective worship and prayer.

C. The Synod Session shall be opened to any Communicant of the C.A.C.F.; However being that the C.A.C.F. is an ecclesiastical body, the right to vote within the Synod is extended only to the Clergy thereof.

3. The Church’s House of Bishops (HOB)

The HOB is comprised of all bishops within the Church. Its primary purpose is to coordinate ministry functions and to facilitate coordination among the dioceses within the Church. It is also the organizational context in which the bishops of the Church gather to seek God for direction and unity. It is also a framework within which bishops receive support and encouragement from one another. This house also reviews, and gives input, recommendations, and affirmation to the Church budget, submitting it to the Archbishop for final authorization.

A. Meetings: The HOB shall meet, at least once annually in conjunction with the annual meeting of the Synod.

B. Presiding: The meetings shall be chaired by the Archbishop of the Church. In the instance that the Archbishop is unable to attend any portion or all of a meeting, he shall appoint a senior bishop to chair that portion (or all) of the meeting.

C. Bishops in Attendance: All bishops in the Church of the Ancient Christian Faith are invited to participate in the HOB meetings. All bishops in attendance are invited to comment and exercise voice on any matter before the House, and to introduce new matters before the House. In the instance a bishop is unable to attend, he may forward his comments on a particular subject in writing.

D. Guests: Guests, invited by the House, are allowed at meetings at specified times. However, no guest shall be present during any deliberation and/or voting, or during any executive session as outlined below, without the consent of the members of the House.

E. Closed Meetings: The HOB meetings are closed to all except the members of the House, the designated secretary and those visitors invited by the House. Record of the minutes of the meetings of the HOB shall be made public to any member of the Church within 30 days of any HOB meeting.

F. Vote:

Voting during the House meetings shall follow accordingly:

i. A Bishop must be present at the time of the vote in order to cast his vote.

ii. Votes may be taken by anonymous ballot or by show of hands -- at the discretion of the members of the house. In the instance of an anonymous ballot, the votes shall be counted by the Bishop chairing the meeting and confirmed by the Secretary to the House.

iii. Any Bishop is invited to vote on matters before the house with the following exceptions:

- Retired Bishops may not vote. Retired Bishops are defined as Bishops who no longer oversee an active Diocese or who no longer are an active suffragan or missionary Bishop.

- Newly appointed Bishops must be seated for a full year before voting.

iv. Executive Session: An executive session may be called for the purposes of extensive and confidential discussion. During this time, no vote, action, or official decision can be made by or on behalf of the House of Bishops. During an executive session, no notes or minutes are taken. The HOB secretary is usually not present, but may remain at the discretion of the House. An executive session may be called, during any Synod meeting of the House, at the discretion of the bishop chairing the meeting, or upon the request of any voting member of the House and with the concurrence of the bishop chairing the meeting.

4. The Archbishop

The Archbishop is the chief Bishop who has the responsibility of his own diocese, in addition to that of the Church. He also has the responsibility of ministering to the bishops within the Church, convening and presiding over the House of Bishops. One of the primary roles of the Archbishop is to approve and act as the primary consecrator for candidates for bishops within the Church.

The Archbishop serves as a pastor to the bishops within the Church. All bishops within the Church are responsible to the Archbishop and accountable to the Archbishop and the House of Bishops. The Archbishop is, likewise, accountable to the House of Bishops. Besides pastoral support for the bishops and inter-diocesan coordination, a primary role of the Archbishop is to guide and facilitate growth and mission strategies within the Church.

A. Interim Authority:

The Archbishop of the Church is provided the necessary authority to act, in consultation with the members of the House of Bishops, on behalf of the welfare of the Church by ecclesiastical decree; However, all ecclesiastical decrees are binding upon the Church only until the next synod.

5. Suffragan Bishop for Chaplaincies: The Archbishop of the Church can appoint a Suffragan Bishop, with the approval of the HOB, who, under the direction of the Archbishop, shall have oversight of those chaplains in police, fire and EMS facilities, correctional institutions, healthcare & medical institutions, and other institutions who are ordained ministers of this Church. The appointed suffragan bishop shall hold said office under the conditions and limitations provided in the policies and procedures set forth by the House of Bishops, at the discretion of the Archbishop, and shall not be eligible to concurrently serve as bishop or Bishop Coadjutor of a diocese. The appointed suffragan bishop shall be the liaison of this Church, under the direction of the Archbishop, with any and all missions, police or fire depts., correctional institutions, healthcare & medical institutions, and other institutions where chaplains of this Church minister. He shall also be responsible for the review of candidates for endorsement to ministries as a chaplain for these institutions, and endorse clergy as chaplains who meet the qualifications of the various chaplain ministries.

6. Other Suffragan/Auxiliary Bishops: The Archbishop may appoint one or more other suffragan/auxiliary bishops or other individuals as necessary to facilitate his office. Those individuals serve under appointments and terms at the discretion of the Archbishop.

7. In addition, the following may be appointed or may serve in various capacities:

- Church Staff

The Church staff exists to administratively support the office of the Archbishop and its ministry.

-Executive Committees

Any Executive Committees as are required, (e.g., the finance committee), shall be created by the Archbishop as necessary to service the governing needs and mission of the Church.

- Archbishop’s Council

The Archbishop’s Council consists of the officers of the corporate entity of the Church and shall act as chief advisors to the Archbishop, and shall have final authority, together with the Archbishop, over all practical, financial, and business matters for the Church. The members of the Archbishop’s Council may be communicants and clergy and are appointed by the Archbishop to serve one year terms.

CANON 5.

OF RELIGIOUS ORDERS AND COMMUNITIES

The Church of the Ancient Christian Faith recognizes the uniqueness of those called to Religious Orders, and Communities. The contributions of religious orders, and Communities to the Church down through history has been invaluable. The Church offers these unique expressions of faith a place of ministry.

1. Existing Orders and Communities:

A. Intercommunion and Networking Relationship: Existing Orders and Communities may enter into Intercommunion and a Networking relationship with the C.A.C.F. as outlined in the C.A.C.F. preamble to these canons. Said relationship shall be formalized in writing by the leadership of the order or community and appropriate leadership of the C.A.C.F.

B. Full Communion: existing orders and communities who choose to enter into full communion with the C.A.C.F. may choose to do so by being received into the Church in fashion similar to an existing congregation as outlined in Canon 1 herein, with the following exceptions:

i. The diocesan bishop designated by the order as Bishop-protector will work with that order to ensure that the rules of the order or community are not in conflict with these canons,

ii. In the instance that the membership of the order reaches beyond the boundaries of the diocese of the designated bishop-protector, then the formation of the order (including the rules of the order and the designation of its abbot/abbess and bishop-protector) must be approved by the Archbishop.

2. Development of Religious Orders and Communities

The C.A.C.F. also allows for the development of religious orders and religious communities to be formed within the C.A.C.F. Thus, each Church diocesan bishop may develop and give oversight to religious orders and communities. Development of these orders or communities shall be similar to the development of a new parish as outlined in Canon 1 herein, with the following exceptions:

A. A diocesan bishop designated by the order as bishop-protector will work with that order to ensure that the rules of that order or community are not in conflict with these canons.

B. In the instance that the membership of the order reaches beyond the boundaries of the diocese, then the formation of the order (including the rules of the order and the designation of its abbot/abbess and bishop-protector) must be approved by the Archbishop.

3. Understanding Duality of Roles

A. It is understood that frequently within the C.A.C.F. there are clergy and communicants that fulfill many roles. In the understanding of religious orders an communities, it is certainly conceivable that an ordained clergy, for example, may be responsible and accountable to a specific diocesan bishop (the bishop by whom s/he was ordained or under whom s/he serves), and at the same time is (or may wish to become) a member of an order or community.

B. In any instance that an existing ordained clergy wishes to become a member of an order not under the auspices of his or her diocesan bishop, he or she must seek the counsel and advice of his or her diocesan bishop. In reviewing the options it is important for all parties to seek God’s will in understanding the spiritual and temporal considerations paramount in these decisions. It may be entirely possible for an individual to maintain his or her role as a clergy person in a diocese and be a member of an order or community otherwise. However, there must be clear lines of authority and responsibility delineated in writing through a letter of understanding and or transfer.