|
ORIGINAL CONSTITUTION AND CANONS OF THE ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF THE SOUTHWEST THE CONSTITUTION AND CANONS OF
THE
ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF THE SOUTHWEST OF THE ANGLICAN CHURCH, A Traditional Episcopal Body PREAMBLE The Anglican Diocese of the Southwest of the Anglican
Church, is a Traditional Episcopal Body, chartered under the Texas Non-Profit
Corporation Act, and is the legal successor to that certain Anglican Diocese of
the Southwest which was originally chartered in 1978 and has been in continuous
existence since that time. The
Constitution and Canons of this Diocese are subject to no other ecclesiastical
body or organization. This Diocese consists of the clergy and congregations duly
admitted to membership. ARTICLE I DIOCESAN BISHOP Section 1. Ecclesiastical Authority 1.1
The Ecclesiastical Authority of the
Diocese is the Diocesan Bishop. 1.2
The Diocesan Bishop shall be chosen in
accordance with the rules established by Canons to be promulgated by the
Diocesan Council, provided that no one shall be elected without the assent of a
majority of the clerical and lay electors voting according to such rules. Section 2. Vacancy 2.1
During any vacancy in the episcopate, the
Ecclesiastical Authority is the Standing Committee, except that an Episcopal
Visitor who is a Bishop then in communion with the Anglican Diocese of the
Southwest, and who has been selected by the Standing Committee will provide the
pastoral and liturgical duties f a Bishop. 2.2
Said Episcopal Visitor shall not, by
virtue of his invitation to act as Visitor, succeed to any non-pastoral or
non-liturgical duty, power or authority normally exercised by the Diocesan
Bishop. ARTICLE
II DIOCESAN
COUNCIL Section 1. Composition of the Diocesan Council 1.1 The
Diocesan Council consists of: 1.1.1. All
Active Bishops of the Diocese 1.1.2. All
active clergy in good standing 1.1.3. Lay
delegates elected according to the Diocesan Canons Section 2. Authority of the Diocesan Council 2.1 To amend this Constitution and its
embodied Canons that are not in conflict with the Constitution. 2.2 To provide a method for electing Bishops
in accordance with the Canons. 2.3 To elect a Standing Committee and an
Ecclesiastical Court in accordance with the Canons. 2.4 To adopt budgets that provide for the
work of the Church. 2.5 To levy assessments on Congregations. 2.6 To
approve terms of affiliation of this Diocese with other Anglican groups,
national churches or dioceses. Such
terms must contain the specific right of this Diocese to sever the relationship
by action of the Diocesan Council. Section 3. Time
and Place of Meeting 3.1 The
Diocese will met in annual Diocesan Council at a time and place specified by
the Diocesan Bishop. 3.2 Thirty
(30) days notice, in writing by certified mail with return receipt requested,
will be given to all clergy and Senior Wardens who are to participate in the
annual Diocesan Council, as provided in the Canons. 3.3 Special
meetings of Diocesan Council may be called by the Diocesan Bishop. 3.3.1 Those
clergy and lay delegates who made up the preceding regular Diocesan Council
will serve at such a special meeting of Diocesan Council, except that any clergy
who have resigned or otherwise moved canonical residence away from the Diocese
shall not so serve, and any clergy who have been admitted to the Diocese since
the preceding regular Diocesan Council shall be part of the Diocesan Council at
special meetings. 3.3.2 Any
Congregation or other jurisdiction entitled to send lay delegates to the
Diocesan Council shall have the authority to elect a substitute lay delegate
for each lay delegate who has, since the last meeting of the Diocesan Council,
died or otherwise become unable to attend a special meeting of the Diocesan
Council. ARTIC III OFFICERS OF THE
DIOCESE Section 1. Appointed Officers 1.1 The
Diocesan Bishop, during the meeting and with concurrence of the annual Diocesan
Council will appoint the following officers, or thereafter when a vacancy
occurs in an office: 1.1.1 Chancellor
of the Diocese, who must be learned in
civil and canon law, to be the Bishop’s advisor in legal matters. 1.1.2 Secretary of the Diocese. 1.1.3 Treasurer of the Diocese. 1.1.4 Auditor
of the Diocese, whose duty it is to audit the diocesan accounts and reports his
findings to the Diocesan Council. ARTICLE IV. THE DIOCESAN
CORPORATION Section 1. Incorporation and Tax Exemption 1.1 This
Diocese is incorporated under the laws of the State of Texas. 1.2 This
Diocese shall meet the requirements of the Internal Revenue service of the
United States government for: 1.2.1 Tax Exemption. 1.2.2 Tax deduction for contributors. Section 2. By-Laws of the Corporation 2.1 This
Constitution with the Canons it contains constitute the By-Laws of the
Corporation. ARTICLE
V.
AMENDMENTS
Section 1. This
Constitution may be amended by a three-fourths vote of the whole Diocesan
Council voting by Houses. Section 2. Proposal
of Amendments 2.1 Proposed
amendments to this Constitution and Canons may be submitted to the Chancellor
of the Diocese, who shall assist the offeror in wording the proposed amendment
to conform with the structure of this Constitution, but the Chancellor shall
have no authority to prevent the submission of any proposed amendment, whether
or not the offeror follows the Chancellor’s suggestions as to form. In the event that a proposed amendment shall
be, in the opinion of the Chancellor, in violation of the Canons of the Diocese,
then the Chancellor shall inform the offeror of his opinion and assist the
offeror, if the offeror desires, in bring the proposed amendment into
conformity with the Canons. Nothing in
this Constitution shall prevent the offeror of a proposed amendment from
submitting said proposed amendment directly to the Diocesan Bishop, whether ror
not the Chancellor shall have seen the same. 2.2 Proposed
amendments shall be transmitted by the offeror to the Diocesan Bishop who
shall, within thirty (30) days after is receipt thereof, transmit the same to
each member of the Diocesan Council without alteration of the words or form of
the proposed amendment. 2.2.1 If
the proposed amendment shall have been transmitted by the Diocesan Bishop lss
than thirty (30) days prior to the opening of the next meeting of the Diocesan
Council then that Council may consider and vote upon the same only if by a vote
of at least three-fourths (3/4) of both Houses of the Diocesan Council, the
Council shall have agreed to suspend the requirements for thirty (30) days
prior notice. Absent this vote of
suspension, the proposed amendment shall be carried over to the next Diocesan
Council meeting. 2.2.2 The
proposed amendment shall have been transmitted by the Diocesan Bishop on the
day on which the same is postmarked by the U.S. Mail or handed in person to the
members of the Diocesan Council. ARTICLE VI THE AFFIRMATION OF
ST. LOUIS 1.1 The
Affirmation of St. Louis, as contained in Appendix A of this Constitution,
shall be guide to faith and practice in
the Diocese and is not subject to amendment. 1.2 A
Summary of The Affirmation of St. Louis STATED PRINCIPLES:
1.
For the
continuation of Anglicanism threatened by change of structure, the need for
continued order in the Church, misuse of authority, need for principles and
constitution to guard doctrine, continuation of communion with Canterbury. PRINCIPLES OF DOCTRINE 1.
The
Nature of the Church: Created by God and beyond the ultimate control of man;
the Bride of Christ; not to be influenced by the World. 2.
The
Essentials of Truth and Order:
Repudiation of all departures from the Faith, Evangelical Truth and
Apostolic Order. Holy Scripture is an
authentic record of God’s revelation, containing all things necessary to
salvation. The Creeds are an authentic
summary of the chief articles of the Christian Faith. The faith has an authentic tradition of
interpretation in the Ecumenical Councils of the undivided Church. The Sacraments are outward signs of the
inward grace of Christ, given in His continuing work of salvation. Holy Orders of Bishops, Priests, and Deacons
are a continuation of Apostolic ministry and are exclusively male. Deaconesses are a lay vocation of ancient origin
for females. The principles are
inalterable and non-amendable. We seek unity
and intercommunion with all Christians who hold these Catholic and Apostolic
principles. PRINCIPLES OF MORALITY 1.
Conscience
cannot stand alone; we are under Divine Law and the Mind of Christ. All men are individually and collectively
responsible to God. We hold all human
life, from conception, to be sacred: the unjustifiable and inexcusable taking
of life is sin. Man has a duty to God as
defined in the natural law and the revealed will of God. Sexual activity is to be within the bond of
marriage between men and women. Man’s
nature is sinful in his rebellion against God’s authority in his life. We are saved through faith, by grace,
repentance and forgiveness. The Church
must witness to her members and the world for moral truth and reject the standards
of the world. ARTICLE VII THE CANONS The Canons of the Anglican Diocese of the Southwest will
be amended where necessary to conform to the rules and regulations governing
Not-for-Profit Corporations in the State of Texas. CANON I THE BISHOPS Section 1. The Diocesan Bishop 1.1
Episcopal
authority. 1.1.1 The
authority of the Diocesan Bishop is that granted by the Constitution and Canons
of this diocese. 1.2 Requirements 1.2.1 To
be nominated or elected to the office of Diocesan Bishop, the nominee must be a
priest in good standing, , at least thirty (30) years of age. 1.2.2 Individuals
nominated for the office of Diocesan Bishop must have five (5) years in the
Priesthood with a minimum of three (3) years experience as a rector of a
congregation in the Anglican Diocese of the Southwest and/or The Anglican
Church. 1.2.3 All
Bishops, before consecration, shall undergo a complete physical examination by
a licensed practitioner approved by the Standing Committee; and shall undergo
at least every three years any other
medical examinations deem appropriate, or necessary by the Standing
Committee. 1.3 Process for Election of Diocesan Bishop
and Bishop Coadjutor 1.3.1 Responsibilities
of the Standing Committee. The Standing
Committee will appoint a Nominating Committee to receive nominations of
eligible candidates. Membership of the
Nominating Committee will consist of:
1.3.1.1 One (1) clergy member of the Standing
Committee
1.3.1.2 One (1) lay member of the Standing Committee 1.3.1.3 Three
(3) members at large (representative of congregations of the Diocese, but not
more than one member from each congregation.) 1.3.1.4 If
a member of the Nominating Committee is nominated for the position of Bishop,
he will be replaced. 1.3.2 Responsibilities
of the Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee solicits names and
develops the profile of candidates.
Documents required for the package are: 1.3.2.1 Curriculum vitae/resume 1.3.2.2 Educational history 1.3.2.3 Medical history 1.3.2.4 Three personal references 1.3.2.5 The committee will solicit recommendations
outside those listed by the candidate 1.3.3 The
Nominating Committee will interview the proposed candidates and forward
recommendations to the Standing Committee. 1.3.4 The
Standing Committee will review the recommendations of the Nominating Committee
and interview the candidates for Bishop. 1.3.4.1 The Standing Committee
will make recommendations to the Diocesan Council. 1.3.5 Responsibilities of the
Diocesan Council. 1.3.5.1 Individuals
recommended by the Standing Committee are presented at the Diocesan Council. 1.3.5.2 Nominations
may be made from the floor and will be accepted if the individual meets ALL requirements of an individual who has gone before the Nominating
Committee. 1.3.5.3 A
vote of the Diocesan Council is to be three-fourths (3/4) in favor of a
candidate with the Council voting by each of the three houses, Bishops, Clergy
and Laity.
1.3.5.3.1 If no candidate receives the required
votes, the candidate with the least votes will be removed from the ballot. This process will continue until a successor
has been determined. 1.3.6 Responsibilities of the House of Bishops
1.3.6.1 The name of individual who has been selected
will be forwarded to the House of Bishops of the Anglican Church for review.
1.3.6.2 The Bishops will then vote on acceptance of
the individual into the House of Bishops of the Anglican Church. Section 2. The Bishop Coadjutor 2.1 A
Coadjutor Bishop may, subject to the consent of the Diocesan Bishop, be
nominated and elected in the same manner as prescribed for the Bishop Ordinary
in Section 1 above. A Coadjutor Bishop
shall have such duties and jurisdiction as prescribed by the Diocesan Bishop
and the Diocesan Council. 2.2 A
Coadjutor Bishop shall automatically be nominated for election to the office of
Diocesan Bishop when the office of Diocesan Bishop next becomes vacant. Section 3. The Suffragan Bishop 3.1 The
Suffragan Bishop is named by the Diocesan Bishop and serves at the discretion
and pleasure of the Diocesan Bishop and approval of the Standing Committee. 3.2 The
Diocesan Bishop will provide the Standing Committee with a list of duties to be
performed by the Suffragan Bishop. 3.3 The
role of the Suffragan Bishop is to assist in the duties and responsibilities assigned
by the Diocesan Bishop. 3.4 The
Suffragan Bishop does not hold the right of succession to Diocesan Bishop, but
may be elected following the rules set forth above. Section 4. The
Liturgy 4.1 The
Diocesan Bishop is the chief liturgical officer of the Diocese. 4.2 The
liturgical practices of the Anglican Diocese of the Southwest are guided by the
1928 Book of Common Prayer. 4.3 Other
traditional Anglican liturgies and supplements can be approved at the request
of and for the specific use of a congregation with the approval of that
congregation’s vestry and only as allowed by the Diocesan Bishop. 4.4 Changes
to the official liturgical practices should be approved by the Diocesan Council
by a three-fourth vote, voting by Houses. Section 5. As
Rector 5.1 The
Diocesan Bishop may exercise the office of Rector of the Cathedral Parish of
this Diocese and all mission churches of the Diocese. Section 6. Appointments 6.1 The
Diocesan Bishop will appoint a Board of Examining chaplains, to be comprised of
three (3) Canonically Resident, Learned Presbyters (Priests), nominated by the
Bishop and confirmed by the Diocesan Council.
These presbyters shall have a three (3) year term of office with one new
chaplain chosen each year to replace one whose term will expire. This board of Examiing Chaplains will serve
at the Diocesan Bishop’s pleasure. 6.2 The
Diocesan Bishop, with the concurrence of the annual Diocesan Council, will
appoint such officers as the Constitution and Canons of the Diocese shall
provide for him to appoint, along with such other officers as the Diocesan
Council may authorize him to appoint and thereafter when a vacancy occurs in an
appointed office. 6.3 Appointment
to a Diocesan Committee does not preclude a member being elected to a Diocesan
Committee. Section 7. Ordination 7.1 The
Diocesan Bishop may ordain deacons and Priests in conformity with the 1928 Book
of Common prayer and the Constitution and Canons of this Diocese. Section 8. Retirement of Bishops 8.1 The
mandatory age of retirement of the Diocesan Bishop is seventy (70 years). 8.2 Except
in an emergency, a Bishop must give no less than one hundred eighty (180) days
notice in writing to the Standing Committee before retirement is to become
effective. 8.3 A
retired Bishop may serve as a Suffragen Bishop at the discretion of and
pleasure of the then Diocesan Bishop. CANON II THE DIOCESAN COUNCIL Section 1. The Diocesan Council 1.1 The Diocesan Council consists of three
houses: 1.1.1 The House of Bishops 1.1.2 The House of Clergy 1.1.3 The House of Laity Section 2. Election of Lay Delegates 2.1 Lay
delegates to the Diocesan Council shall be elected by each congregation of the
Diocese on the basis of two (2) delegates for the first twenty-five (25)
Communicants in Good Standing of said congregation, or fraction thereof, and
one (1) delegate for each additional twenty-five (25) Communicants in Good
Standing or fraction thereof, subject to the provision of these Canons for
suspension of the right of representation in the Diocesan Council of a Parish
which fails to support the Diocese with its tithe or assessment. 2.1.1 Communicants
in Good Standing of said congregation is one who is at least eighteen (18)
years old, who has been confirmed, made his or her communion at least two times
in the preceding yar, is a contributor of record and a regular attendee, and
shall be those persons meeting the definition of this term as supported by
documents of the congregation relative to active participation by the donation
of time, talent, and treasure to the working of the church and the furtherance
of its mission. 2.1.2 The
Rector or Priest in Charge of each congregation shall submit to the Diocesan
Bishop and the Secretary of the Diocesan Council by the first Sunday in Lent of
each year, a list of members, determined in accordance with this definition,
along with the notification of the names of the delegate(s) and alternate(s)
elected to the Diocesan Council no less than sixty (60) days prior to the
opening of said council. 2.1.3 Congregation
Membership Assessment: An annual fee
will be assessed each parish according to the number of members of the
parish. This assessment fee will be
determined by the Diocesan Council. The
assessment can be revised without amendment, as recommended by the Standing
Committee and as designated by the Diocesan Council. 2.1.4 Any
dispute as to the membership qualification of any person so listed shall be
resolved by the Diocesan Bishop, whose decision shall be appealable to a
majority vote of the Standing Committee. Section 3. Quorum 3.1 A
quorum of Diocesan Council consists of no less than one (2) clergy and one
(1)lay delegate from two-thirds of congregations within the Diocese, and the
Diocesan Bishop of the Diocese or in his absence the Coadjutor Bishop of the
Diocese or in his absence the President of the Standing Committee. Section 4. Deliberation
and Voting 4.1 The
Diocesan Council meets as one body for the presentation, consideration,
deliberation of all measures to be voted on, and consideration and deliberation
of all candidates for office. 4.1.1 Each House may convene separately to
nominate candidates for office. 4.1.2 Each House may convene separately to concur
in the election of officers. 4.1.3 Vote
by the Diocesan Council will be by House, hat is, by separate ballots in the
House of bishops, the House of Clergy and the House of Laity, respectively. 4.1.4 Measures
to be considered at Diocesan Council may be presented by any of the three
houses. 4.1.5 All
measures to be considered at the Diocesan Council will be presented to the
Council meeting as one body and will be deliberated on as one body before being
voted on by the three houses. 4.1.6 All
measures, after being deliberated by the entire body, will be deliberated on
and voted on by each house meeting separately, and privately. 4.2 When
voting by houses, each house has one vote.
Approval of a measure requires two votes or a two-thirds (2/3) majority. Section 5. Presiding
Officer 5.1 The
Diocesan Bishop presides over and has a vote at all meetings of the Diocesan Council
in which it meets as one body, but does not preside over nor have a vote in the
separate meetings of the House of Clergy or the House of Laity. 5.1.1 The President of the Standing Committee is
the presiding officer of the House of Clergy. 5.1.2 The
Presiding Officer of the House of Laity is elected at each council by the lay
delegates present. 5.2 In
the absence of the Diocesan Bishop, with the permission and leave of the
Diocesan Bishop, the Bishop Coadjutor or the President of the Standing Committee
presides. 5.3 In
the absence of the Diocesan Bishop, the Bishop Coadjutor or the President of
the Standing Committee or the Chancellor of the Diocese shall preside solely
for the purposes of setting the time for reassembly and of adjourning. Section 6. Powers
and Duties of the Diocesan Council 6.1 The
Diocesan Council shall exercise those powers granted to it by the Constitution
and Canons of the Diocese, specifically including, but not limited to the
following: 6.1.1 The
duty to adopt a budget for the Diocese, which budget must be in balance, i.e.,
the projected expenses may not exceed the projected income. 6.1.2 The
power to levy assessments on congregations for the support of the Diocese and
its work. 6.1.3 The
power to acquire, hold, and dispose of property of the Diocese, but not
property of a congregation. 6.1.4 The
power and duty to elect such officials of the Diocese as are prescribed by the
Constitution and Canons. Section 7. Elections
by the Diocesan Council 7.1 The
House of Laity elects the following officers by majority vote by secret ballot: 7.1.1 Lay members of the Standing Committee 7.1.2 Lay member of the Ecclesiastical Court 7.2 The
House of Clergy elects the following officers by majority vote in secret ballot 7.2.1 Clerical members of the Standing Committee 7.2.2 Clerical members of the Ecclesistical
Court. 7.3 The
vote in either House to concur with the election of officers is by secret
ballot. However, upon a majority vote by
either House, that House may vote in concurrence by voice vote or show of
hands. CANON III SUPPORT OF THE
DIOCESE Section 1. Support
for the Diocese 1.1 The
Diocese will be supported directly and financially by its congregations,
missions and non-parochial clergy. 1.2 Financial
support will be of two kinds: 1.2.1 A tithe from the congregations or missions
income. 1.2.2 An
assessment, levied by the Diocesan Council, paid by all congregations or
missions based on their membership. 1.3 Standard
of Support by tithe for the Diocese 1.3.1 The
Standard of Support by all congregations, missions and non-parochial clergy for
the Diocese shall be the Biblical tithe, which is 10% of the total income of
the Congregation or Mission, and of a non-parochial clergy it is 10% of the
actual total income. 1.3.2 Payment
will be made on the first day of each month, based on the previous month’s
income. 1.3.3 “Total
income of the Congregation” is defined as plate, pledge, and special gifts to
the Congregation, excluding any special gift which is designated by the donor
for a specific purpose (exemplified by, but not limited to Building Fund, Organ
Fund, purchase of Stained Glass, and the like.) 1.4 An
annual assessment of a congregation or mission based upon the congregation’s or
mission’s membership is separate from the tithe and is set by the Standing
Committee and approved by the Diocesan Council. Section 2. Non-Support
by Congregations, Missions or Clergy 2.1 Non-parochial
clergy not meeting their financial obligation (Biblical tithe to the Diocese)
may not vote in Diocesan Council. 2.2 Congregations
or Missions not meeting their obligation to give financial support to the
Diocese shall not be given a vote in Diocesan Council. Neither clergy nor laity from that
congregation will be given a vote. 2.3 Mitigating
circumstances may be presented to the Standing Committee for consideration and
action. CANON IV THE CLERGY Section 1. The
clergy of this Diocese shall be of three orders, Bishops, Priests and Deacons. 1.1 Of
Postulants 1.1.1 Every
person desiring to be admitted a Candidate for Holy Orders is, in the first
instance, to consult his immediate Pastor, or, if he have none, some Presbyter
to whom he is personally known, setting before him the grounds of his desire
for admission to the Ministry, together with such circumstances as may bear on
is qualifications, or tend to affect his course of preparation. 1.1.2 If,
as the result of a thorough inquiry into the physical, mental, moral and
spiritual qualifications of the applicant, he is counseled by the aforesaid
Presbyter to persevere in his intentions, he shall make his desire known
personally, if possible, or in writing, to the Bishop in whose jurisdiction he
has been canonically resident for the three months preceding. Report in writing, his qualifications, as
stated above, for the work of ministry. 1.1.2.1 After
the admission of a Postulant, the Bishop shall require the applicant to submit
to a thorough examination by a physician approved by the Bishop. This examination shall cover the man’s
mental, emotional and physical condition; and a record of the report thereon
shall be kept on file by the Bishop. 1.1.3 He
shall state to the Bishop in writing the following: 1.1.3.1 His full name and age. 1.1.3.2 The length of time he has been resident in
the Diocese. 1.1.3.3 When, and by whom, he was baptized. 1.1.3.4 When, and by whom, he was confirmed. 1.1.3.5 When, and where, he was admitted to the Holy
Communion. 1.1.3.6 Whether
he has ever before applied for admission as a Postulant or as a Candidate for
Holy Orders. 1.1.3.7 On what grounds he is moved to seek the
Sacred Ministry. 1.1.3.8 His qualifications for the work of ministry. 1.1.4 The
Bishop, in a record to be kept for that purpose, shall enter the name of each
applicant, with the fact of his approval or disapproval of the applicant, and
the date of such entry. If he approve of
the application, he shall inform the applicant of the fact, and of the date of
his admission as Postulant. 1.1.5 Similar
records shall be made and information given of the removal of a name from the
list of Postulants. Without further
reason, the Bishop may remove the name of a Postulant who fails to be admitted
as a Candidate for Holy Orders within four years from the date of his reception
as a Postulant. 1.1.6 No
Bishop shall accept as a Postulant any person who has been refused for
admission as a Postulant or as a Candidate for Holy Orders in any other
Diocese, or who, having been admitted, has afterwards ceased to be a Postulant
or a Candidate, until he shall have produced a certificate from the Ecclesiastical
Authority of the Diocese in which he has been refused admission, or in which he
has been a Postulant or a Candidate, declaring the cause of refusal or of
cessation. 1.1.7 Should
the Bishop accept such applicant as a Postulant, he shall send the said
certificate, or a copy thereof, to the Standing Committee of the Diocese, to be
considered by them if the said Postulant should apply to be recommended for
admission as a Candidate. 1.1.8 A
Standing Committee, acting as the Ecclesiastical Authority of a Diocese, shall
be competent to receive and act upon applications under this Canon from persons
desiring to be received as Postulants. 1.2 Of
Candidates for Holy Orders 1.2.1 A
Postulant, having been duly received, may apply to the Standing Committee for
recommendation to the Bishop to be admitted a Candidate for Holy Orders two (2)
years prior to the estimated time of the completion of Theological Studies, and
shall submit the following papers, viz::
1.2.1.1 An application signed by himself
1.2.1.2 The Bishop’s certificate of his admission as
a Postulant 1.2.1.3 A
certificate signed by the Minister of the Congregation to which the Postulant
belongs and by a majority of the whole Vestry, and must be attested by the
Minister, or by the Clerk or secretary of the Vestry in the following words: To the Standing Committee of the Anglican
Diocese of the Southwest, (Date) We, whose names are hereunder written, testify to our belief (based on
persona knowledge or on evidence satisfactory to us) that (Postulant’s name)
is sober, honest, and godly, and that he is a communicant of this Church in
good standing. We do furthermore declare
that, in our opinion, he possesses such qualifications as fit him to be
admitted a Candidate for Holy Orders.
(Signed) Attestation: I hereby certify that
the foregoing certification was signed at a meeting of the Vestry of (Church’s
name), duly convened at (place) on the (date) day of (year), and that the names
attached are those of all (or a majority of) the members of the Vestry. (Signed) the Minister of (Church’s name) or the Clerk
or Secretary of Vestry. 1.2.1.4 Should
the Congregation be without a Minister, it shall suffice that in his lace the
certificate be signed by some presbyter in good standing to whom the Postulant
is personally known, the reason for the substitution being stating in the
attesting clause. 1.2.1.5 Should
there be no organized congregation at the lace of residence of the Postulant,
or should it be impracticable, through circumstances not affecting his moral or
religious character, to obtain the signatures of the Minister, or of the
Vestry, it may suffice if the certificate be signed by at less: 1.2.1.5.1 Two
Presbyters of the diocese in good standing to whom the Postulant is personally
known; 1.2.1.5.2 Four
Laymen, communicants of this Church in good standing to whom the Postulant is
personally known. 1.2.1.5.3 In such
case, the reasons for departing from the regular form must be given in the
attesting clause, which shall be signed by the same, aforementioned Presbyters
and laymen, and shall be in the following words, viz:
I hereby certify that the Laymen whose
names are attached to the foregoing certificate are communicants of this Church
in good standing, and that this form of certificate was used for no reasons
affecting the moral or religious character of the candidate, but because (here
give the reasons for departing from the regular form.) of , and Laymen of the
Anglican Diocese of the Southwest.
1.2.1.6 Should the Postulant have been a Minister or
licentiate in some other body of Christians, instead of the certificate
required above, he shall submit a certificate in the following words:
To the
Standing Committee of the Anglican Diocese of the Southwest (Date)
We whose
names are hereunder written, testify to our belief (based on personal knowledge
or on evidence satisfactory to us) that (Postulant’s name) is sober, honest,
and godly, and that he is a communicant of this Church in good standing. We do furthermore declare that, in our
opinion, he possesses such qualification as fit him to be admitted a Candidate
for Holy Orders.
(Signed)
1.2.1.7 The Postulant, before his admission as a
Candidate for Holy Orders, must lay before the Bishop and the Board of
Examining Chaplains satisfactory evidence that he is a graduate of some
properly accredited college or university, together with a full statement of
the work done by him in such college or university. If this work includes sufficient instruction
in the subjects specified in Canon IV, Section 2, he shall go before the Board
of Examining Chaplains and follow the procedures for ordination.
1.2.1.8 If the Postulant be fluent in a language
other than English, and is to exercise his Ministry among people of his
language in the United States, the Bishop, on recommendation of the Board of
Examining Chaplains, may, at his discretion, substitute equivalent examinations
in the language of the postulant. He
shall satisfy the Bishop and the Board of Examining Chaplains that he possesses
good mental ability and sufficient education to enable him to pursue a course
of study preparation to the work of the ministry.
1.2.1.9 If the Postulant has served with good repute
and success in the regular Ministry of some other body of Christians for at
least five (5) years, and shall lay before the Board of examining Chaplains
satisfactory evidence of a thorough theological training in his previous
communion, the Bishop, on recommendation of the Board, may, at his discretion,
dispense him from the above examinations.
But in all other cases such Minister shall conform to the requirements
of other Postulants.
1.2.1.10 The Board of Examining Chaplains may, at their
discretion, accept, in lieu of examination, satisfactory evidence that the
Postulant has fulfilled the requirements in any one or more of the subjects
specified in this Canon.
1.2.1.11 The Standing Committee, on receipt of the
report and the certificate or certificates as are above prescribed, and having
no reason to suppose the existence of any sufficient objection on grounds
either physical, mental, moral, or spiritual, to the admission of the
applicant, may, at a meeting duly convened (a majority of all the members
consenting), recommend the Postulant for admission to Candidateship, by a
testimonial bearing the signatures of a majority of all the members of the
Committee, and addressed to the Bishop.
1.2.1.12 When the aforesaid requirements have been
complied with, the Bishop may admit the Postulant as a Candidate for Holy
Orders. He shall thereupon record his
name, with the date of his admission, in a book to be kept for that purpose,
and shall inform the Candidate and the Secretary of the Standing Committee of
the fact and date of such admission. 1.2.2 Of General Provisions Concerning Candidates for Holy Orders
1.2.2.1 The superintendence of all Candidates for
Holy Orders, both as to their daily life and as to the direction of their
theological studies, devolves on the Bishop of the Diocese to which they
belong. The Bishop may, at his
discretion, ask one or more of the Board of Examining Chaplains to assist him
in this superintendence.
1.2.2.2 Every Candidate shall pursue his studies
diligently under proper direction; he shall not indulge in vain or trifling
conduct or in amusements unfavorable to godly and studious habits and to that
good report which becomes a person preparing for the Holy Ministry.
1.2.2.3 When the Standing Committee is the
Ecclesiastical Authority thereof; the Clerical members of the Committee shall,
through the President, discharge the dates assigned in this Section to the
Bishop.
1.2.2.4 A Candidate must remain in canonical
connection with the Diocese.
1.2.2.5 Every candidate for Holy Orders shall report
himself to the Ecclesiastical Authority, personally, or by letter, four times a
year, in the Ember Weeks, giving account of his manner of life and progress in
his studies; and if he fail to make such report to the satisfaction of the
Ecclesiastical Authority, his name may be stricken from the list of Candidates.
1.2.2.5.1 If a Candidate for Holy Orders shall fail to
present himself for examination within three (3) years from the date of his
admission as a Candidate, his name may, after due notice, be stricken from the
list of Candidates at the discretion of the Bishop.
1.2.2.6 A Candidate for Holy Orders, in this Diocese,
or of any Church in communion with this Church, whose name shall have been
stricken from the list of Candidates, or whose application or ordination shall
have been rejected, shall not be ordained without readmission to candidateship,
said candidateship to continue for not less than one year; provided, that in no
such case shall the whole term of candidateship be less than three years. Section 2. Requirements for Ordination 2.1 Before
being ordained in this Diocese, a candidate must be male and must have the
recommendation of his Parish vestry and clergyman. 2.2 The
candidate must be approved by the Standing Committee and recommended by the
Standing Committee to the Diocesan Bishop. 2.3 The
candidate must be no less than twenty-one (21) years of age, if a candidate to
be ordained a Deacon, no less than twenty-four (24) years of age if a candidate
to be ordained a Priest, and have an approved college degree and have
successfully passed a psychological examination approved by the Diocesan
Bishop. 2.4 The
candidate shall have successfully completed a course of theological and
pastoral studies equivalent to that required by St. George’s School of
Theology. 2.4.1 St. George’s School of Theology requires the “Wolsey Hall,
Oxford course of studies for church ministry.” 2.4.2 The successful completion of the “Wolsey Hall Oxford course of
studies for church ministry” prepares a graduate to successfully pass the
“General Ordination Examination of the Church of England” as it was
administered in 1990. 2.4.3 The candidate must have completed a course of studies which
prepared him to successfully pass the “General Ordination Examination of the
Church of England, 1990.” 2.5 Before
ordination to the diaconate and priesthood, the candidate must pass
examinations before the Board of Examining Chaplains in the following required
subjects (as taught in St. George’s School of Theology): 2.5.1 Holy Scripture: the Old and New Testaments,
their contents and historical background. 2.5.2 Church History: From the
beginning to the present time. 2.5.3 Theology: Historical, Philosophical, and Systematic Doctrine;
reflecting the teaching of the church as set forth in the Creeds, the
“Thirty-Nine Articles,” and “Offices of Instruction.” 2.5.4 Christian Ethics and Moral Theology 2.5.5 Liturgics: The Principles and History of Christian Worship; the
contents of the “Book of Common Prayer, 1928.” 2.5.6 Practical Theology
2.5.6.1 The use of The 1928 Edition of the Book of
Common Prayer and the Administration of Sacraments and other Rites &
Ceremonies of the Church.
2.5.6.2 The conduct of Public Worship
2.5.6.3 The office and work of a Deacon. 2.5.7 Homiletics: The
Principles of Sermon Composition and delivery. (In conjunction with the
examination in this subject, the Candidate shall present three written sermons,
composed by himself, on texts of Holy Scripture appointed by the Bishop or the
Examining Chaplains.) 2.5.8 Pastoral Care 2.5.9 Parish Organization and Administration,
including the keeping of records. 2.5.10 Principles and Methods of Christian
Education in the Parish 2.5.11 The Mission work of the Church: “Church Planting” 2.5.12 Canon Law, including the Constitution and
Canons of the Diocese 2.5.13 The use of the voice in reading and speaking 2.6 Upon
compliance with all the requirements described above, the candidate must
undergo a comprehensive examination by the Examining Chaplains who have been
appointed by the Diocesan Bishop. When
the Examining Chaplains are satisfied that the candidate possesses the
requisite standing and knowledge, they will so certify their findings to the
Diocesan Bishop. 2.7 The
Candidate for Holy Orders must then be interviewed by a Quorum of the Standing
Committee and be approved. The President
of the Standing Committee will so certify their findings to the Diocesan
Bishop. 2.8 The
Diocesan Bishop may then ordain the candidate to the appropriate order,
provided he judges the candidate to be a worthy candidate. Section 3. Canons,
Archdeacons and Regional Deans. 3.1 The
Diocesan Bishop, with the consent of the Standing Committee, may appoint
Priests of this Diocese to act as Canons, Archdeacons or Regional Deans in
geographical portions of the Diocese to assist the Diocesan Bishop in the
administration of the Diocese. Section 4. Transfer
of Clergy 4.1 Clergy
wishing to be admitted to this Diocese must apply directly to the Diocesan
Bishop and present evidence of good standing as a clergyman in his former
jurisdiction, as well as any other materials or credentials the Diocesan Bishop
may require. 4.2 The
Diocesan Bishop will refer the matter to the Board of Examining Chaplains for
recommendation. 4.3 The
Diocesan Bishop, when he is satisfied that the clergyman is a proper candidate
for admission to the Diocese, will recommend his admission to the Standing
Committee. 4.4 Clergy
wishing to transfer out of this Diocese are required to secure a Letter
Demissory from the Diocesan Bishop to the Bishop of the gaining jurisdiction. Section 5. Definitions
of “Rector” and Other Titles of Parish Clergy 5.1 A
“Rector” is a Priest who has been elected Rector by the Congregation he is to
serve and approved and installed by the Diocesan Bishop, and for whom that
Parish is thereafter: 5.1.1 That Priest’s fulltime responsibility and 5.1.2 A source of income. 5.2 The
consent of the Diocesan Bishop must be obtained before a congregation may call
a Priest, and the Priest is not entitled to the benefits of the office of
Rector until he has been officially installed by the Diocesan Bishop according
to the ritual and form in the 1928 Book of Common Prayer. 5.3 Clergy
other than Rector(s) may be titled: 5.3.1 Vicar 5.3.2 Priest-in-Charge 5.3.3 Supply Priest 5.3.4 Deacon-in-Charge 5.3.5 Such other appropriate terms as the
Diocesan Bishop may determine. CANON V STANDING COMMITTEE Section 1. Membership 1.1 The
Standing Committee consists of: 1.1.1 Six (6) clergy in good standing, and 1.1.2 Six (6) confirmed lay persons, communicants
in good standing. 1.1.3 The Officers of the Diocese, the Regional
Deans are exofrficio members of the Committee.
The Chancellor, Secretary, Treasurer and Director of Religious Education
have voice but no vote on the Committee, unless holding an elected position. Section 2. Term
of Office 2.1 Each
elected member of the standing Committee serves for three (3) years, and until
a successor is elected and installed. 2.2 No
elected member may serve more than two (2) consecutive terms by election, and
at least one (1) year must intervene before re-election, following the said
second term. 2.3 No
more than one (1) lay and one (1) clergy person per parish shall be elected to
any one committee of the Diocese. Section 3. Duties 3.1 The
duties of the Standing Committee are those customarily exercised from time to
time in the absence of the Diocesan Council, as traditionally practiced in the
Anglican Communion, and as herein additionally provided. Section 4. Vacancy 4.1 The
Standing Committee has authority to fill a vacancy in any non-Episcopal office
of the Diocese that occurs between sessions of the Diocesan Council by
appointing a qualified person to that position, with the following limitations: 4.1.1 The person appointed will hold that office only until his or her
successor has been elected by the Diocesan Council at its next meeting and has
taken office. 4.1.2 A vacancy in the office of Chancellor will be filled by the
Diocesan Bishop, by and with the consent of the Standing Committee. This appointee is to serve only until the
next regular session of the Diocesan Council. CANON VI THE DIOCESAN CORPORATION Section 1. Board
of Directors 1.1 The
Board of Directors of the Diocesan Corporation consists of:: 1.1.1 The Diocesan Bishop 1.1.2 The Chancellor 1.1.3 Two (2) Priests elected by the House of Clergy in the Diocesan
Council, or in the absence of such election, then appointed by the Diocesan
Bishop upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee. 1.1.4 Two (2) lay persons elected by the House of Laity in the
Diocesan Council, or in the absence of such election, then by the Standing
Committee. 1.2 Of Amenability and Citations 1.2.1 A Minister shall be amenable for offences committed by him, to
the Bishop, and, if there be no Bishop, to the Standing Committee of the Diocese
in which he is canonically resident at the time the charge is made. 1.2.2 Unless a Diocesan Council shall otherwise provide, a notice or
citation required by any law of this Church to any Minister to appear, at a
certain time and place, for the trial of an offence, shall be deemed to be duly
served upon him if a copy be given him personally, or be left at his last usual
place of abode with the United States, via Registered Mail, Return Receipt
requested, sixty (60) days before the day of appearance named therein. 1.2.3 It is hereby declared to be the duty of all members of this
Church to attend and give evidence, when duly cited in any Ecclesiastical trial
or investigation under the authority of this Church. 1.2.4 In the case of a Minister, convicted in a Court of Record of any
crime or misdemeanor involving immorality, or against whom a judgment has been
entered in a Court of Record, in a case involving immorality, it shall be the
duty of the Standing Committee of the Diocese to institute an inquiry into the
matter. If, in their judgment, there is
sufficient reason for further proceedings, it shall be their duty to present
him, or to cause that he be presented, for trail. 1.3 Of offences for which Bishops, Priests
or Deacons may be tried. 1.3.1 A Bishop, Priest, or Deacon of this Church shall be liable to
presentment and trial for the following offences, viz.”
1.3.1.1 Crime of immorality
1.3.1.2 Holding and teaching publicly or privately,
and advisedly, any doctrine contrary to that held by this Church 1.3.1.3 Violation of the Constitution or Canons of
the Diocese
1.3.1.4 Any act which involves a violation of his
Ordination Vows
1.3.1.5 Habitual neglect of the exercise of his
Ministerial Office, without cause; or habitual neglect of Public Worship, and
of the Holy Communion, according to the order and use of this Church.
1.3.1.6 Conduct unbecoming a Clergyman, provided,
that, in case of a charge of conduct unbecoming a Clergyman, before proceeding
to a presentment, the consent of three-fourths (3/4) of all the members of the
Standing Committee.
1.3.1.7 And Provided, further, that in every such
case the Standing Committee shall first give to the accused Clergyman
reasonable opportunity to appear and to be heard, with or without counsel 1.3.1.8 On being found guilty, he shall be
admonished, or shall be suspended or deposed from the Ministry, as shall be
adjudged by the Trial Court. 1.3.2 No presentment shall be made or conviction had for any offense,
unless the offense shall have been committed within five (5) years immediately
preceding the time of the presentment. 1.3.3 But if the accused shall have been convicted of the alleged
offense in any Court of Record exercising criminal jurisdiction,
notwithstanding five (5) years may have elapsed since its commission, a
presentment may be made at any time within one (1) year after such
conviction. Charges may be brought to
the Standing Committee by any person. Section 2. Procedures 2.1 The
Ecclesiastical Court has the power to determine its own procedures in
conformity with the following rules: 2.1.1 The Diocesan Bishop, or in his absence, the Chancellor shall
preside at sessions of the Ecclesiastical Court but the Diocesan Bishop or
Presiding Officer shall have no vote.
2.1.1.1 In any case wherein the Diocesan Bishop shall
be an accuser and/or a witness for either side, he shall recuse himself, and
the Chancellor shall preside. 2.1.2 A quorum of the Court shall consist of the Diocesan Bishop or
the Chancellor, as presiding n three (3) other members. 2.1.3 The decision of at least three (3) of the five (5) members of
the Court shall constitute a finding of the Court. 2.1.4 The accused shall have the right to demand that the Court
present and make available to him all of his accusers for the purpose of
examination by himself or his counsel. Section 3. Referral of findings to the Diocesan
Bishop 3.1 In
the event the matter before the Court involves charges against a Priest, or
Deacon, the finding of the Court shall be communicated to the Diocesan Bishop,
who in the event of a finding of acquittal shall pronounce the accused
convicted but pardoned and discharge the accused, or who, in the event of a
finding in favor of conviction, may declare the accused acquitted
notwithstanding such finding, or shall declare the accused to be convicted and
shall pronounce the sentence upon the accused. 3.2 This
Canon does not abridge the right and responsibility of the Diocesan Bishop, in
accordance with canon, to suspend a clergyman for cause, that in the godly
judgment of the Diocesan Bishop is in violation of his ordination vows
contained in the ordinal of The Book of Common Prayer; provided that in the
event of any such suspension, the clergyman so suspended shall retain all
rights to trial and approval under this chapter; and provided further, that, in
the event this chapter within thirty (30) days of such suspension, such
clergyman shall thereupon be discharged from suspension. Section 4. Appeal
from the findings of Court and Diocesan Bishop 4.1 If
such clergyman shall, after trial and pronouncement of sentence by the Diocesan
Bishop, elect to appeal from the verdict and/or the sentence, he shall so
notify the Diocesan Bishop of his desire to appeal, within thirty (30) days of
his notification of the entry of the sentence by the Diocesan Bishop. Such thirty-day period shall commence on the
date when the notification of entry of sentence is postmarked by the U.S. Mail
or the bishop hands the same to the appellant and shall expire on the thirtieth
calendar day thereafter, and the appellants notice shall be deemed valid after
said dat of expiration. 4.2 Upon
receipt of notification of appeal, the Diocesan Bishop shall arrange for the
Bishops of the Anglican Church, a Confederation of Autonomous Jurisdictions, to
hear and decide said appeal, which decision shall be final and binding on all
parties. CANON VIII PARISHES AND CONGREGATIONS Section 1. Definition 1.1 A
Parish is a congregation in a specific area which is self supporting with a
regular public meeting place and time, and who has a clergyman in residence,
and which has been duly admitted to parish status in the Diocese as hereinafter
provided. 1.2 A
Mission Church is a non-self supporting congregation established by the bishop. Section 2. Government 2.1 Each
Parish Congregation determines the details of its own governmental structure,
subject to the Constitution and Canons of this Diocese. 2.2 Each
Parish shall, immediately upon admission to the Diocese, file application for
corporation charter and articles of incorporation as a non-profit religious
organization under the laws of the State wherein it is domiciled, provided that
the status of being a non-profit corporation does not interfere with the
religious principles and practices of the parish. 2.3 Each
Parish shall, immediately upon being chartered as a nonprofit religious
organization, take necessary steps to meet the requirements of the Internal
Revenus Service of the United States government for: 2.3.1 Tax exemption 2.3.2 Tax Deduction for contributors 2.4 Each
Parish shall keep on file with the Diocese a current copy of the Articles of
Incorporation and By-Laws of the Parish and all State and Federal Taxpayer (Tax
Exemption) and/or Employer Identification Numbers. 2.5 Each
Parish shall adhere to “good business practices” and to the rules and
regulations of the State in which the Parish resides relative to the
appointment of officers and the administration of duties within the corporate
structure. 2.5.1 The Officers of the Parish shall
include 2.5.1.1 Senior Warden
2.5.1.2 Junior Warden
2.5.1.3 Secretary
2.5.1.4 Treasurer
2.5.1.5 At least one member at large 2.5.2 The Elected Officers of the Parish are
2.5.2.1 Senior Warden
2.5.2.2 Secretary
2.5.2.3 Treasurer 2.5.3 The Junior Warden may be either elected or appointed as directed
by a decision of the congregation. 2.5.4 Each individual may hold only one office by
title at a time. 2.5.5 The Rector or Priest in Charge serves as the President of the
Vestry and in his absence the Senior Warden presides at meetings of the Vestry. 2.6 In
a mission church the Senior Warden is appointed from the members of the
congregation by the Bishop with a recommendation of the congregation. 2.6.1 The Senior Warden serves s the President of
the Committee that governs the mission. 2.6.2 The Priest assigned to the Mission Church
can be elected to serve as a member of the Committee that governs the mission. Section 3. Admission
of Parishes 3.1 A
Parish may be admitted to the Diocese by Diocesan Council on recommendation of
the Diocesan Bishop and the Standing Committee, provided that: 3.1.1 It subscribes to the Constitution and
Canons of this Diocese 3.1.2 It has no conflicting ties to any other
religious body 3.2 A
Parish may be conditionally admitted to the Diocese by the Diocesan Bishop,
with the advice and consent of the Standing Committee, subject to ratification
by the Diocesan Council at its next session. Section 4. Property 4.1 All
of the property of individual Parishes remains the property of the Parish under
the sole control of the Parish, and o Vestry may act to buy and/or sell
property without an affirmative vote ofa legal meeting of the majority of the
voting members of the Parish. Section 5. Withdrawal
of Parishes 5.1 A
Parish may withdraw from the Diocese, in a meeting of the Communicants in Good
Standing of the Parish, a quorum of at least two thirds (2/3) of said
Communicants in Good Standing of the Parish being in attendance and no less
than a majority of those Communicants in Good Standing of the Parish present
voting for said withdrawal. 5.2 If
a parish withdraws from the diocese, the property of the parish which it held
before the withdrawal shall remain the property of the parish after the
withdrawal. Section 6. Dissolution
of a Parish 6.1 A
Parish may dissolve itself by filing Articles of Dissolution under the laws of
the state wherein it is domiciled, ,making provision to carry out the
provisions of Section 6.2. 6.2 Upon
dissolution of a Parish, the assets of the Parish shall be held in trust by the
Diocese for the reestablishment of the parish in that locale. All assets, interest or income accrued during
such period of trusteeship shall be the property of the successor parish, less
any reasonable cost and expense incurred for maintenance or administration. 6.3 Upon
the third anniversary of the passage of the assets of a dissolved Parish to the
Diocese in trust as hereinbefore provided, if no successor Parish shall have
been established, said assets shall pass to the Diocese in fee simple. CANON IX MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS Section 1. Lay
Readers 1.1 Confirmed
communicants in good standing, 18 years of age or older may be licensed as Lay
Readers. 1.2 There
shall be two kinds of Lay Readers, Parish and Diocesan. 1.1.1 Parish Lay Readers will be trained by the parish clergy and
recommended to the Diocesan Bishop for licensing. 1.1.2 Lay Readers may read Morning and Evening Prayer (omitting the
Absolution), The penitential Office, the litany, the Epistle at Holy Communion
and the Burial Office. 1.1.3 Diocesan Lay Readers are licensed in the Parish as above and are
also allowed to read the Prayer Book Offices in other congregations when
invited by the clergyman in charge or on the request of the Diocesan Bishop. 1.1.4 A person appointed by the Diocesan Bishop shall examine Diocesan
Lay Readers. 1.3 All
Lay Reader licenses shall be renewed at the discretion of the Diocesan Bishop,
by application, on the first of each calendar year. All Parish Lay Reader licenses will expire at
the tenure of the clergyman in charge. Section 2. Proxy
Voting 2.1 Voting
by proxy is prohibited in all Diocesan bodies.
Proxy voting in parish meetings may be permitted by specific by-law in a
Parish or Mission. Section 3. Confidentiality
of Communications 3.1 The Sacramental
privilege against disclosure of communications and absolute seal of secrecy
extends not only to the Confessor/Priest, but also to any interpreter or other
person to whom knowledge acquired from confession may come. 3.2 Confidentiality
of Non-Sacramental, Private Communications 3.2.1 Non-sacramental, private communications
received by a clergyman or employee of this Diocese in a pastoral or
professional capacity shall not be divulged except with the express prior
permission of the person making the communication, or in order to prevent the
commission of a serious crime. 3.2.2 Clergy of the Diocese are required to
familiarize themselves with the Statutes of the State in which they are
located, as the Statutes pertain to legal privilege of communications to clergy
and laws requiring the reporting of stated intent to do harm to oneself or to
others (including, but not limited to suicide, child abuse and abuse of elderly
persons) and to preserve the maximum degree consonant with such Statutes the confidentiality
of private communications. 3.2.3 Communications among clergy or pastoral
teams for the purposes of consultation are fully subject to all of the above
Canons. Where these Canons permit such information to be shared, it must be
unmistakably identified as such, and all who come into possession of it are
bound by the strictures of these Canons. Section 4. Affiliating Organizations 4.1 Committees,
organizations, task forces and like groups desiring to organize or, being
organized, to affiliate under the auspices of the Diocese shall make
application to the Standing Committee, which shall investigate and make its
recommendation to the Diocesan Bishop. The decision of the Bishop, whether to
permit the applied for affiliation or to deny the same, shall be final. 4.2 The
application shall be in such form as prescribed by the Standing Committee. 4.3 Such
committees, organizations, task forces or like groups as may be operating at
the time of the adoption of this Section shall make application and be investigated
and acted upon in accordance with the requirements of this section. Section 5.
Commissions of this Diocese 5.1 The Diocesan
Bishop shall establish such commissions or ad hoc committees deemed necessary
for the continuation and expansion of the diocese. 5.2 The
Commission on the Ministry. 5.2.1 The Commission on the Ministry will make
recommendations to the Bishop on the preparation of men for the Ministry. 5.2.2 The Commission will interview all men who
aspire to Orders and at established times during their preparation. 5.2.3 The Commission will interview and refer to
the examining Chaplains all men who have prepared for ordination to either the
Diaconate or the Priesthood. 5.2.4 The Commission will be charged to provide
the Bishop with a recommendation on men requesting transfers into the Anglican
Diocese of the Southwest from other jurisdictions. 5.2.5 The Chair of the Commission will be the
Senior Suffragan Bishop or Senior Regional dean. 5.2.6 Membership on the Commission will consist
of two (2) Lay and two (2) Clergy serving two (2) year terms. One member of each house will be elected at
the annual Diocesan Council. 5.3 The
Commission on Missions 5.3.1 The Commission on Missions will make
recommendations to the Bishop on the established Missions and Ministries and
potential Ministries that the Diocese will undertake. 5.3.2 An appointed regional dean will chair the
Commission. 5.3.3 Membership on the Commission will consist
of two (2) Lay and two (2) Clergy serving two (2) year terms. One member of each house will be elected at
the annual Diocesan Council. CANON X AMENDMENTS OF THIS CONSTITUTION AND ITS
CANONS Section 1.
Proposed amendment of this Constitution and its Canons 1.1 Proposed
amendments to this Constitution and its Canons may be submitted to the
Chancellor of the Diocese, who shall assist the offeror in wording the proposed
amendment to conform with the structure of this Constitution and its Canons,
but the Chancellor shall have no authority to prevent the submission of any
proposed amendment, whether or not the offeror follows the Chancellor's
suggestions as to form. In the event that a proposed amendment shall be, in the
opinion of the Chancellor, in violation of this Constitution or its Canons of
the Diocese, then the Chancellor shall inform the offeror of his opinion and
assist the offeror, if the offeror desires, in bringing the proposed amendment
into conformity with this Constitution and its Canons. Nothing in this
Constitution or its Canons shall prevent the offeror of a proposed amendment
from submitting said proposed amendment directly to the Diocesan Bishop,
whether or not the Chancellor shall have seen the same. 1.2 Proposed
amendments shall be transmitted by the offeror to the Diocesan Bishop who
shall, within thirty (30) days after his receipt thereof: 1.2.1 Transmit the same to each member of the
Diocesan Council, without alteration of the words or form of the proposed
amendment, for consideration 1.2.2 Transmit the same to each Congregation of
the Diocesan, without alteration of the words or form of the proposed
amendment, for consideration. 1.2.3 Congregations shall meet and reviewed the
proposed amendments to the Constitution and its Canons at least thirty (30)
days prior to the Diocesan Council. 1.3 If the proposed
amendment shall have been transmitted by the Diocesan Bishop less than thirty
(30) days prior to the opening of the next meeting of the Diocesan Council then
that Council may consider and vote upon the same only if a vote, voting by
Houses, with a three-fourths (3/4) majority vote of each House, and a two
thirds (2/3) majority of the houses, the Council shall have agreed to suspend
the requirements for thirty (30) days prior notice. Absent this vote of suspension, the proposed
amendment shall be carried over to the next Diocesan Council meeting. 1.3.1 The proposed amendment "shall have
been transmitted by the Diocesan Bishop" on the day on which the same is
postmarked by the U.S. Mail or handed in person to the members of the Diocesan
Council Section 2 Approval
of proposed amendments. 2.1 This Constitution
and its Canons may be amended by a proposed amendment by a vote upon the same
of the Diocesan Council, voting by Houses, with a three-fourths (3/4) majority
vote of each House, and a two thirds (2/3) majority of the houses, provided
that: 2.1.1 Congregations have received notice of
proposed amendment with the complete text thereof and have meet and reviewed
the propose amendments prior to the vote to approve the amendments. 2.1.2 notice of proposed amendment with the
complete text thereof shall have been given to all members of the Council prior
to the vote to approve the amendments. Section 3 Implementation
of approved amendments. 3.1 The
approved amendments to this Constitution and its Canons shall be in effect upon
the vote thereof of the diocesan Council. Appendix A THE AFFIRMATION OF ST. LOUIS IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER AND OF THE SON
AND OF THE HOLY GHOST. AMEN. The Continuation of Anglicanism We
affirm that the Church of our fathers, sustained by the most Holy Trinity,
lives yet, and that we, being moved by the Holy Spirit to walk only in that
way, are determined to continue in the Catholic Faith, Apostolic Order,
Orthodox Worship and Evangelical Witness of the traditional Anglican Church,
doing all things necessary for the continuation of the same. We are upheld and strengthened in this
determination by the knowledge that many provinces and dioceses of the Anglican
Communion have continued steadfast in the same Faith, Order, Worship and
Witness, and that they continue to confine ordination to the priesthood and the
episcopate to males. We rejoice in these
facts and we affirm our solidarity with these provinces and dioceses. The Dissolution of Anglican and Episcopal
Church Structure. We affirm that the Anglican Church of Canada
and the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America, by their
unlawful attempts to alter Faith, Order and Morality (especially in their
General Diocesan Council of 1975 and General Convention of 1976), have departed
from Christ's One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. The Need to Continue Order in the Church We
affirm that all former ecclesiastical governments, being fundamentally impaired
by the schismatic acts of lawless Councils, are of no effect among us, and that
we must now reorder such godly discipline as we strengthen us in the
continuation of our common life and witness. The Invalidity of Schismatic Authority We
affirm that the claim of any such schismatic person or body to act against any
Church member, clerical or lay, for his witness to the whole Faith is with no
authority of Christ's true Church, and any such inhibition, deposition or
discipline is without effect and is absolutely null and void. The Need for Principles and a Constitution We
affirm that fundamental principles (doctrinal, moral, and constitutional) are
necessary for the present and that a Constitution (redressing the defects and
abuses of our former governments) should be adopted, whereby the Church may be
soundly continued. The Continuation of Communion with
Canterbury We
affirm our continued relations of communion with the See of Canterbury and all
faithful parts of the Anglican Communion. WHEREFORE With
a firm trust in Divine Providence, and before Almighty God and all the company
of heaven, we solemnly affirm, covenant and declare that we, lawful and
faithful members of the Anglican and Episcopal Churches, shall now and
hereafter continue and be the unified continuing Anglican Church in North America,
in true and valid succession thereto. FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES In
order to carry out these declarations, we set forth these fundamental
Principles for our continued life and witness. PREFACE: In
the firm conviction that "we shall be saved through the grace of the Lord
Jesus Christ," and that "there is no other name under heaven given
among men by which we must be saved," and acknowledging our duty to
proclaim Christ's saving Truth to all peoples, nations and tongues, we declare
our intention to hold fast the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Faith of God. We
acknowledge that rule of faith laid down by St. Vincent of Lerins: "Let us
hold that which has been believed everywhere, always and by all, for that is
truly and properly Catholic." I. PRINCIPLES OF DOCTRINE 1. The Nature of the Church We
gather as people called by God to be faithful and obedient to Him. As the Royal
Priestly People of God, the Church is called to be, in fact, the manifestation
of Christ in and to the world. True religion is revealed to man by God. We
cannot decide what is truth, but rather (in obedience) ought to receive,
accept, cherish, defend and teach what God has given us. The Church is created
by God, and is beyond the ultimate control of man. The
Church is the Body of Christ at work in the world. She is the society of the
baptized called out from the world: In it, but not of it, As Christ's faithful
Bride, she is different from the world and must not be influenced by it. 2. The Essential of Truth and Order We
repudiate all deviation of departure from the Faith, in whole or in part, and
bear witness to these essential principles of evangelical Truth and apostolic
Order: Holy Scriptures The
Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments and the authentic record of God's
revelation of Himself, His saving activity, and moral demands a revelation
valid for all men and all time. The Creeds The
Nicene Creed as the authoritative summary of the chief articles of the
Christian Faith, together with the Apostles' Creed, and that known as the Creed
of St. Athanasius to be "thoroughly received and believed" in the
sense they have had always in the Catholic Church. Tradition The
received Tradition of the Church and its preachings as set forth by "the
ancient catholic bishops and doctors," and especially as defined by the
Seven Ecumenical Councils of the undivided Church, to the exclusion of all
errors, ancient and modem. Sacraments The
Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, the Holy Eucharist, Holy Matrimony, Holy
Orders, Penance and Unction of the Sick, as objective and effective signs of
the continued presence and saving activity of Christ our Lord among His people
and as His covenanted means for conveying His grace. In particular, we affirm
the necessity of Baptism and the Holy Eucharist (where they may be had) --
Baptism as incorporating us into Christ (with its completion in Confirmation as
the "seal of the Holy Spirit"), and the Eucharist as the sacrifice
which unites us to the all-sufficient Sacrifice of Christ on the Cross and the
Sacrament in which He feeds us with His Body and Blood. Holy Orders The
Holy Orders of bishops, priests and deacons as the perpetuation of Christ's
gift of apostolic ministry to His Church, asserting the necessity of a bishop
of apostolic succession (or priest ordained by such) as the celebrant of the
Eucharist -- these Orders consisting exclusively of men in accordance with
Christ's Will and institution (as evidenced by the Scriptures), and the
universal practice of the Catholic Church. Deaconesses The
ancient office and ministry of Deaconesses as a lay vocation for women,
affirming the need for proper encouragement of that office Duty of Bishops Bishops
as Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Shepherds and Teachers, as well as their
duty (together with other clergy and the laity) to guard and defend the purity
and integrity of the Church's Faith and Moral Teaching. The Use of Other Formulae In
affirming these principles, we recognize that all Anglican statements of faith
and liturgical formulae must be interpreted in accordance with them. Incompetence of Church Bodies to Alter
Truth We
disclaim any right or competence to suppress, alter or amend any of the ancient
Ecumenical Creeds and definitions of Faith, to set aside or depart from Holy
Scripture, or to alter or deviate from the essential prerequisites of any
Sacrament. Unity with Other Believers We
declare our firm intention to seek and achieve full sacramental communion and
visible unity with other Christians who "worship the Trinity in Unity, and
Unity in Trinity," and who hold the Catholic and Apostolic Faith in
accordance with the foregoing principles. II.
PRINCIPLES OF MORALITY The
conscience, as the inherent knowledge of right and wrong, cannot stand alone as
a sovereign arbiter of morals. Every Christian is obligated to form his
conscience by the Divine Moral Law and the Mind of Christ as revealed in Holy
Scriptures, and by the teaching and Tradition of the Church. We hold that when
the Christian conscience is thus properly informed and ruled, it must affirm
the following moral principles: Individual Responsibility All
people, individually and collectively, are responsible to their Creator for
their acts, motives, thoughts and words, since "we must all appear before
the judgment seat of Christ..." Sanctity of Human Life Every
human being, from the time of his conception, is a creature and child of God,
made in His image and likeness, an infinitely precious soul; and that the
unjustifiable or inexcusable taking of life is always sinful. Man's Duty to God All
people are bound by the dictates of the Natural Law and by the revealed Will of
God, insofar as they can discern them. Family Life The
God-given sacramental bond in marriage between one man and one woman is God's
loving provision for procreation and family life, and sexual activity is to be
practiced only within the bonds of Holy Matrimony. Man as Sinner We
recognize that man, as inheritor of original sin, is "very far gone from
original righteousness," and as a rebel against God's authority is liable
to His righteous judgment. Man and God's Grace We
recognize, too, that God loves His children and particularly has shown it forth
has show it forth in the redemptive work of our Lord Jesus Christ, and that man
cannot be saved by any effort of forgiveness. .Christians Duty to be Moral We
believe, therefore, it is the duty of the Church and her members to bear
witness to Christian Morality, to follow it in their lives, and to reject the
false standards of the world. III. CONSTITUTIONAL PRINCIPLES In
the constitutional revision which must be undertaken, we recommend, for the
consideration of continuing Anglicans, the following:Retain the Best of Both
Provinces That the traditional and tested features of the Canadian and American
ecclesiastical systems be retained and used in the administration of the
Continuing Church. Selection of Bishops That
a non-political means for selection of bishops be devised. Tripartite Diocesan Council That
the Church be generally governed by a Holy Diocesan Council of three branches
(episcopal, clerical and lay), under the presidency of the Primate of the
Church. Scriptural Standards for the Ministry That
the apostolic and scriptural standards for the sacred Ministry be used for all
orders of Ministers. Concurrence of all Orders for Decisions That
the Constitution acknowledge the necessity of the concurrence of all branches
of the Diocesan Council for decisions in all matters, and that extraordinary
majorities be required for the favorable consideration of all matters of
importance. Reestablishment of Discipline That
the Church reestablish an effective permanent system of ecclesiastical courts
for the defense of the Faith and the maintenance of discipline over all her
members. Constitutional Assembly to be Called That
our bishops shall call a Constitutional Assembly of lay and clerical
representatives of dioceses and parishes to convene at the earliest appropriate
time to draft a Constitution and Canons by which we may be unified and governed,
with special reference to this Affirmation, and with due consideration to
ancient Custom and the General Canon Law, and to the former law of our
provinces. Interim Action In
the meantime, trusting in the everlasting strength of God to carry us through
all our trials, we commend all questions for decision to the proper authorities
in each case: Episcopal, diocesan, and parochial, encouraging all the faithful
to support our witness as subscribers to this Affirmation, and inviting all so
doing to share our fellowship and the work of the Church. IV. PRINCIPLES OF WORSHIP Prayer Book-- The Standard of Worship In
the continuing Anglican Church, the Book of Common Prayer is (and remains) one
work in two editions: The Canadian Book of 1962 and the American Book of 1928.
Each is fully and equally authoritative. No other standard for worship exists. Certain Variances Permitted For
liturgical use, only the Book of Common Prayer and service books conforming to
and incorporating it shall be used V. PRINCIPLES OF ACTION Inter communion with other Apostolic
Churches The
continuing Anglicans remain in full communion with the See of Canterbury and
with all other faithful parts of the Anglican Communion, and should actively
seek similar relations with all other Apostolic and Catholic Churches, provided
that agreement in the essentials of Faith and Order first be reached. Non-Involvement with Non-Apostolic Groups We
recognize that the World Council of Churches, and many national and other
Councils adhering to the World Council, are non-Apostolic, humanist and secular
in purpose and practice, and that under such circumstances, we cannot be
members of any of them. We also recognize that the Consultation of Church Union
(COCU) and all other such schemes, being non-Apostolic and non-Catholic in
their present concept and form, are unacceptable to us, and that we cannot be
associated with any of them. Need for Sound Theological Training Reestablishment
of spiritual, orthodox and scholarly theological education under episcopal
supervision is imperative, and should be encouraged and promoted by all in
authority; and learned and godly bishops, other clergy and lay people should
undertake and carry on that work without delay Financial Affairs The
right of congregations to control of their temporalities should be firmly and
constitutionally recognized and protected. Administrative Matters Administration
should, we believe, be limited to the most simple and necessary acts, so that
emphasis may be centered on worship, pastoral care, spiritual and moral
soundness, personal good works, and missionary outreach, in response to Gods
love for us. The Church as Witness to Truth We
recognize also that, as keepers of God's will and truth for man, we can and
ought to witness to that will and truth against all manifest evils, remembering
that we are as servants in the world, but God's servants first. Pensions and Insurance We
recognize our immediate responsibility to provide for the establishment of
sound pension and insurance programs for the protection of the stipendiary
clergy and other Church Workers. Legal Defense We
recognize the immediate need to coordinate legal resources, financial and
professional, for the defense of congregations imperiled by their stand for the
Faith, and commend this need most earnestly to the diocesan and parochial
authorities. Continuation, Not Innovation In
this gathering witness of Anglicans and Episcopalians, we continue to be what
we are. We do nothing new. We form no new body, but continue as Anglicans and
Episcopalians. NOW, THEREFORE Deeply
aware of our duty to all who love and believe the Faith of our Fathers, of our
duty to God, who alone shall judge what we do, we make this Affirmation. Before
God, we claim our Anglican Episcopal inheritance, and proclaim the same to the
whole Church, through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with the Father and the
Holy Ghost, be all honor and glory, world without end. Amen. Appendix B GLOSSARY The following is a list of words/terms
which will be used throughout the document and are given here with their
definition as found in the "Oxford English Dictionary", and as
relates to these Canons. Assessment:
1, Fixed amount of money or labor required or each congregant for the
maintenance of a parish church, formerly called pew rents. 2, A fixed sum of money usually set by the
diocese, often based on membership, required of each parish for the support of
its diocese. Bishop Ordinary : Bishop or arch-deacon, elected by
diocese and given jurisdiction by permanent appointment, but he may not
delegate it against the will of the diocesan bishop. Chapel: 1, A private place for
Christian worship. 2, A subordinate Anglican church maintained for the
convenience of remote parishioners. 3, A place for Christian worship located
within a school, hospital prison or other institution or business. Chaplin: 1, Clergyman
officiating in a private chapel. 2, A clergyman ministering as a pastor in a
hospital, a school, a prison, a military unit or other like institution or
business Church:
1,The body of
Christ; all the saints, past present and
future; all the world's Christians. 2,
Building for public Christian worship.
3, An organized Christian Society of any time or place. (eg. The Church
of England) Clergy: Ordained ministers of the
church Coadjutor Bishop :
Bishop elected and given jurisdiction by a diocese to assist and later
to succeed the diocesan bishop Communicant in Good Standing: A
Communicant in Good Standing is one who is at least eighteen (18) years old,
who has been confirmed, made his or her communion at least three times in the
preceding year, is a contributor of record and a regular attendee. Congregation: A
body of Christians assembled for religious worship. Dean: 1, The chief clergyman on
the staff of a cathedral. 2, The
clerical head of a seminary. 3, A parish
rector appointed by the bishop to be his representative in a specific rural
geographical area of the diocese called a deanery Diocese: 1, The territorial unit of
administration in the church. It is
governed by a bishop and is divided into parishes which are grouped into
deaneries. 2, The see or jurisdiction of
a bishop. Diocesan Bishop :
Bishop elected by a diocese for whom he is the chief administrator and
where he exercises jurisdiction by permanent appointment Diocesan Constitution:
The body of fundamental principles according to which the diocese is
governed. Diocesan Canons: Ecclesiastic laws of a diocese for
governing the clergy and laymen therein. Diocesan Council:
1, Ecclesiastical assembly attended by the bishops, clergy and laymen of
a diocese meeting together for advisory or deliberation. 2, The administrative body of a diocese. Diocesan Synod:
Ecclesiastical council attended by a bishop and his clergy. Diocesan tithe:
One tenth part of the tithe collected by a parish, payable in local
currency, for the support of the diocese. Lay reader: A
lay person especially licensed by the bishop to hold certain, specifically
designated Prayer Book services for a specific diocesan congregation. He may also receive a license to preach. Lector: A lay person who receives
permission from the parish rector to read from the Holy Scriptures at a parish
Prayer Book service Mission: A non self supporting
congregation established by the bishop. Missionary:
A person sent out by a bishop or parish for the purpose of converting
non believers. Parish: 1, A geographic
subdivision of a diocese having its own church and clergyman. 2, A
congregation in a specific area which is self supporting with a regular public
meeting place and time, and who has clergyman in residence. Priest in charge:
Title given to a priest assigned by the bishop to a mission congregation
or a parish or some other ecclesiastical duty, and who is neither elected by
nor receives tithe or stipend from them. He will usually receives a stipend
from the bishop. A priest may be the
priest in charge of more than one congregation at a time. Rector: Title given to the
incumbent priest of a parish for whom the parish is his sole responsibility and
he is entitled by his bishop and elected by the parish to receive the parish
tithe. A priest may not be rector of
more than one parish at a time. Rectors tithe:
One tenth part of the tithe collected by a parish, payable in kind, for
the support of the rector of a parish. Suffragan Bishop :
Bishop elected to assist the diocesan bishop, but without jurisdiction
or right of succession. Vicar: (Vice-rector): title given to the incumbent priest of a
parish, mission or chapel, for whom the parish, mission or chapel is his sole
responsibility. He serves under the
rector, (if there is one). He is not
entitled to the parish tithe but receives a stipend at the election of the
parish, mission or chapel. A priest may
not be the vicar of more than one parish at a time. Tithe: A Tax of one-tenth part of
the annual proceeds of land and labor, payable in kind. Taken for the support of the church building,
clergy, widows, orphans and invalids of a parish. |
|
|
|
