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Canon Law

of the

Charismatic Episcopal Church

Preamble: With a founding vision to "make visible the Kingdom of God to the nations of the world; to bring the rich sacramental and liturgical life of the early church to searching evangelicals and charismatics; to carry the power of Pentecost to our brothers and sisters in the historic churches; and finally, to provide a home for all Christians who seek a liturgical/sacramenal, evangelical, charismatic church and a foundation for their lives and gifts of ministry", we the Bishops and Priests of the International Communion of the Charismatic Episcopal Church do hereby present these Canons as a guide for our church. These Canons speak to the particular needs of our present ecclesiastical life and are to be observed under the loving care of our Bishops.

Canon One:

On the International Communion of the Charismatic Episcopal Church

Summary: The International Communion of the Charismatic Episcopal Church, encompassing all of the National Churches and International Territories throughout the world, shall have as its Patriarchal See the See of San Clemente, California, USA, the resident See of the Primate of the United States. The Patriarch shall chair the Patriarch’s Council and the International College of Archbishops, working with all Bishops to establish and prosper the Church of God.

I. The International Communion of the Charismatic Episcopal Church

A.     The International Communion of the Charismatic Episcopal Church (hereafter also referred to as the ICCEC, the Charismatic Episcopal Church and the Church) encompasses all National Churches, International Territories, Provinces, Dioceses, Parishes and Congregations in communion with its Patriarch.

B.     The Patriarchal See is the See of San Clemente, California, United States of America.

II. The Patriarchate

A.     The Patriarch

1. The spiritual head of the Charismatic Episcopal Church is the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The chief pastor is the Archbishop of San Clemente, who serves as the Patriarch or “First Father” of the Church.

2. The Patriarch of the ICCEC shall also serve as the Primate of the Charismatic Episcopal Church in the United States of America, as the Archbishop of the Province of San Clemente, California, as the Diocesan Bishop of the Diocese of San Clemente, California, and as the Rector of St. Michael’s Cathedral, San Clemente, California.

3. The Patriarch is the ordinary authority on all matters of doctrine, worship, pastoral care, church order and discipline within the Church. The duties of the Patriarch include

a.     Speaking God’s Word to the Church and to the world;

b.     Leading the Charismatic Episcopal Church in the initiation, development and implementation of vision and strategy;

c.     Serving as the chief guardian of the faith and liturgies of the Church;

d.     Visiting the International Territories, National Churches, Provinces and Dioceses of the Church for the purpose of

i.  Holding pastoral consultations with the Bishops and Archbishops, and, with their advice, with the Clergy and people of their jurisdictions;

ii. Preaching the Word of God; and

iii. Celebrating the Sacraments.

4. The Patriarch is an ex officio member of all the Councils of the Church.

5. The Patriarch shall have patriarchal authority to administer guidance and discipline over all Archbishops, in conformance with Holy Scriptures, apostolic tradition, and the Canon Law of the Charismatic Episcopal Church. In like manner he may administer guidance and discipline at any level of the Church, when necessary.

B.     The Office of the Patriarch

1. The Office of the Patriarch is the ecclesiastical and administrative headquarters of the ICCEC. The Office of the Patriarch serves the Patriarch by facilitating the implementation of the decisions of the Patriarch’s Council and the International College of Archbishops, supporting the ministry of the Patriarch and promoting the unity of the whole Church.

2. The Patriarch shall appoint a General Secretary who shall serve as special advisor and administrative assistant to the Patriarch. He shall oversee, under the Patriarch’s direction, the Office of the Patriarch.

3. All staff of the Office of the Patriarch serve at the Patriarch’s pleasure. He is the official employer of the Office of the Patriarch.

4. The Patriarch has the responsibility and authority in the disbursement of all  funds of the Patriarchal See. The Patriarch may confer with the Patriarch’s Council for advice and counsel in this regard. The Office of the Patriarch administrates the collection and disbursement of the funds of the Patriarchal See.

C.     Councils

1. The Patriarch’s Council

e.     The Patriarch’s Council, comprised of the Patriarch , the General Secretary of the ICCEC, and other Archbishops chosen by the Patriarch in consensus with his Council, is the authoritative Council for the ICCEC.

f.      The Patriarch’s Council is the corporate and governing body of the ICCEC, the guardian of the vision of the whole church, and the final decisional authority under the headship of the Patriarch who sits as the first among equals.

g.     The Patriarch’s Council shall

i.  Establish canons, policies and standards for the ICCEC;

ii. Review regular financial reports from all National Churches and International Territories;

iii. Present to the International College of Archbishops a regular budget for the Patriarchal See, proposed and modified Canons, and other items for review, input, and affirmation; and

iv. Oversee all budgets, activities and ministries of the Agencies, Offices, International Societies, and Committees of the Patriarchate.

h.     The Patriarch’s Council shall operate by the rules of government by consensus.

i.       Between meetings of the Patriarch’s Council the Patriarch has authority to make executive decisions and to act on behalf of the ICCEC.

2. The International College of Archbishops

j.       The International College of Archbishops is comprised of all the Archbishops of the ICCEC. It is chaired by the Patriarch and shall confer for the development of worldwide vision, mutual support, and the business and mission of the ICCEC. It is to ensure the conformity of all Archbishops to the faith, practice and standards of the ICCEC.

k.     The Patriarch’s Council shall discern the agenda of the International College of Archbishops.

i.  The agenda shall then be presented to the College for deliberation and consideration of additional items. The College shall then seek to voice the mind and word of the Lord concerning the issues presented to them.

ii. The Patriarch’s Council shall have final authority to determine the outcome of each issue before the church, taking care to heed the voice of God’s Spirit uttered by the members of the College.

iii. This paradigm is to be followed at every level of governance in the ICCEC (Primate’s Council and House of Bishops, Archbishop’s Council and Provincial Council, Bishop’s Council and Diocesan Council, Rector’s Council and Parish Council).

l.       The International College of Archbishops is first and foremost a house of prayer.

m.  The International College of Archbishops serves as the administrative and advisory council of the ICCEC. It shall

i.  Affirm all new and revised international canons;

ii. Review and give input to the Patriarch’s Council on reports made.

3. Executive Committees of the Patriarch’s Council are established to support the ministries of the Patriarch’s Council.

4. International Convocations shall be called by the Patriarch, for the gathering of the people of the ICCEC together with its Bishops and Priests, as a family, for prayer, preaching, inspiration and instruction.

D.     Agencies

1. An agency is an arm of the Patriarchate authorized by the Patriarch’s Council to facilitate a specific ministry within the overall vision of the ICCEC.

2. The International Development Agency

n.     The International Development Agency (IDA) is the mission and development arm of the Patriarchate and of the ICCEC.

o.    The Patriarch holds jurisdiction of the Church throughout the world. Where local jurisdiction is not established, the IDA serves the Patriarchate in developing and establishing the Church.

p.     The IDA is authorized by the Patriarch to

i.  organize Congregations, Parishes, Dioceses, Provinces, National Churches and International Territories;

ii. legally establish and constitute the ICCEC in a nation or group of nations;

iii. coordinate the extra jurisdictional ministries of the many Mission Development Agencies to areas where there is no local jurisdiction.

iv. utilize, deploy, administrate, and coordinate Bishops, Clergy and Missionaries of the ICCEC to effect the emergence of National Churches and International Territories.

q.     The Supervising Archbishop of the IDA

i.  The Patriarch, in consensus with his Council, shall appoint a Bishop to serve as the Supervising Archbishop and Executive Director of the IDA.

ii. The Supervising Archbishop of the IDA shall be available to the Patriarch’s Council.

iii. The Supervising Archbishop of the IDA shall serve the Patriarch as an apostolic legate.

r.      Funding for the IDA shall be provided by:

i.  A tithe from the Patriarchate;

ii. A tithe from the National Church and International Territory Mission Development Agencies;

iii. Contributions from the budgets of National Churches, Provinces, Dioceses, Parishes and Congregations of the ICCEC;

iv. Designated offerings as authorized by the Patriarch’s Council;

v. Contributions from individual partners.

s.      The IDA is the licensing agency for all trans-national missionaries and missionary societies of the ICCEC.

t.       The IDA and the International Agency on Education will coordinate in the establishment of institutions of theological education.

3. The International Agency on Education

u.    The International Agency on Education (IAE) is the education and formation arm of the Patriarchate to oversee the training of clergy in the ICCEC.

v.     The IAE is authorized by the Patriarch to

i.  establish and regulate educational standards for clergy formation;

ii. accredit seminaries established by International Territories, National Churches, Provinces or Dioceses;

iii. organize, in cooperation with the IDA, institutions of theological education in undeveloped and developing areas where there is no local jurisdiction;

iv. coordinate transnational establishment of satellite campuses of accredited seminaries;

v. design and implement specific curriculum for the education of clergy.

w.  Supervising Bishop

        The Patriarch shall appoint a Bishop as the Supervising Bishop. He shall serve as

i.  chairman of the Executive Committee, and

ii. Executive Director of the IAE.

x.     Committees

i.  Executive Committee of the IAE, consisting of the Supervising Bishop and two other Bishops, shall oversee the activities of the IAE and serve as the accrediting board for all seminaries.

ii. The Supervising Bishop may establish other committees as necessary for administration, curriculum design, standards, etc.

4. The International Office of Communications

y.     The International Office of Communications (IOC) is the communications arm of the Patriarchate to provide a voice for the Patriarch and the ICCEC to the public at large and to the media in particular.

z.     The IOC is authorized by the Patriarch to serve in the areas of

i.  Press Relations

(i.)    As the Media Spokesman for the Patriarch and the ICCEC;

(ii.)   To manage a database of major media outlets,

ii. Church Relations

(i.)    To provide artwork of CEC logos, trademarks and other layouts;

(ii.)   To produce sample press releases and press release templates;

(iii.)  To serve as consultant to National Church, International Territories, Provinces, Dioceses, and local congregations in public relations and media strategies.

iii. Print and Related Media

(i.)    To design and produce various publicity materials, booklets and brochures for the CEC in multiple languages;

(ii.)   To provide language translation of documents and materials for the church at large;

(iii.)  To produce materials in print, CD-ROM or other formats as needed.

iv. World Wide Web

(i.)    To maintain the official web site for the ICCEC and oversee all future developments;

(ii.)   To regulate Internet activities for the ICCEC, International Territories, National Churches, Provinces, Dioceses and local congregations, including monitoring local web sites for consistency and consulting in the design and development of new web sites.

v. Radio/Television

(i.)    To produce public service announcements and commercials for radio and television;

(ii.)   To provide radio and television programming and consultation;

(iii.)  To provide specialized audio/video production.

aa. Supervising Archbishop

        The Patriarch shall appoint a Bishop to serve as the Supervising Archbishop and Executive Director of the IOC.

i.  He shall serve as a spokesman for the Patriarch.

ii. He shall serve as the official journalist for the Patriarch’s Council, the International College of Archbishops, the U.S. Primate’s Council and the U.S. House of Bishops.

iii. He shall provide coverage of the above meetings for Sursum Corda.

iv. He shall appoint staff as necessary to carry out the work of the IOC.

E.     International Societies

1. International Societies are authorized by the Patriarch’s Council to provide particular ministry on behalf of the ICCEC throughout the world, and may function as non-geographic ecclesiastical jurisdictions.

2. The Director of a Society

bb.The Director is under the supervision of the Patriarch.

cc. The Director shall be selected by the Patriarch and his Council in the spirit of consensus.

3. All Canons and Rules of Societies must be approved by the Patriarch’s Council.

4. The Patriarch’s Council may authorize licensing or ordination in a Society. Such ministries are recognized and function only within the context of said societies.

dd.Should an ordained minister of the Society desire to operate sacerdotally within a diocese, permission must be obtained from the Diocesan Bishop and the Director of the Society or his representative.

ee. Should an ordained minister of the Society desire to transfer canonical residency into a particular diocese, he shall make application with the Diocesan Bishop under the guidelines of the Canon on Ministry.

5. Societies shall tithe to the Office of the Patriarch.

F.     Funding

1. The Patriarchal See shall be funded by:

ff.   A tithe from the National Cathedral of each National Church or International Territory;

gg.A tithe from each National Church or International Territory;

hh.Special offerings, grants, and bequests.

ii.    Designated offerings as authorized by the Patriarch’s Council.

2. The Patriarchal See shall tithe to the International Development Agency.

G.    Record Keeping

1. Financial Accountability

jj.    The Office of the Patriarch shall keep accurate records of financial contributions.

kk.The Patriarch’s Council is responsible for the oversight and review of the international budget of the Office of the Patriarch.

ll.    The Patriarch, as the chief levite, has the first right to the tithe and specific oversight thereof in consultation with the Patriarch’s Council.

mm.Offerings may be administered by the Patriarch or his staff at the discretion of the Patriarch in consultation with the Patriarch’s Council.

nn.A review of accounts by the Patriarch’s Council may be conducted at any time should it be the consensus of the Council.

oo.An audit of the accounts of the Office of the Patriarch may be requested by the Patriarch’s Council at its discretion.

2. International Report

pp.The Office of the Patriarch shall present an annual report including a financial report to the Patriarch’s Council.

qq.The annual report shall contain a sufficient description of the state of the Church.

III.        The Organization and Procedures Manual of the International Communion of the Charismatic Episcopal Church is an authoritative description of the governance of the Church.

Canon Two:

The National Church or International Territory

Summary: The National Church or International Territory, encompassing all Provinces, Dioceses, Parishes or Congregations of a specified nation or territory, shall be under the direction of a National Bishop or Primate. The National Bishop or Primate shall chair his Council, and the Clergy and People shall work in consensus to establish and prosper God’s Church in the nation or territory.

I. The National Church or International Territory

A.     The National Church

1. The National Church is comprised of one or more Dioceses within the boundaries of a nation, duly organized, authorized by and in communion with the Patriarch of the ICCEC.

2. The presiding ecclesiastical authority of a National Church depends on the size and development of the church.

a.     A National Church comprised of a single Diocese shall have as its ecclesiastical authority the Diocesan Bishop.

b.     A National Church comprised of a Province shall have as its ecclesiastical authority the Provincial Archbishop.

c.     A National Church comprised of multiple Provinces shall have as its ecclesiastical authority the National Primate.

B.     The International Territory is comprised of two or more National Churches under the jurisdiction of a territorial Primate, which is duly organized, authorized by, and in communion with the Patriarch of the ICCEC.

II. Government

A.     When a National Church is a Diocese it shall follow the Canon on Diocesan Government.

B.     When a National Church is a Province it shall follow the Canon on Provincial Government.

C.     When a National Church or International Territory is comprised of multiple Provinces it shall follow the following Canon.

D.     The Primate

1. The Primate of the National Church or International Territory shall not only have oversight of the National Church or International Territory, but shall have particular leadership in the life of his Province, Diocese and Parish.

2. The Primate is the ordinary authority on all matters of doctrine, worship, pastoral care, church order and discipline within the National Church or International Territory.

3. The Primate is an ex officio member of every Council of his jurisdiction.

E.     The Office of the Primate

1. The Office of the Primate is the ecclesiastical and administrative headquarters for the National Church or International Territory.

2. The Office of the Primate serves the Primate by facilitating the implementation of the decisions of the Primate's Council and the House of Bishops,  supporting the ministry of the Primate and providing coordination with the agencies of the National Church or International Territory.

3. The Office of the Primate administrates the collection and disbursement of the National Church funds.

4. The Primate may appoint a General Secretary who shall serve as special advisor and administrative assistant to the Primate. He may oversee, under the Primate's direction, the office of the Primate.

5. All National Church staff members serve at the pleasure of the Primate. He is the official employer of the National Church Office.

6. The Primate has the responsibility and authority in the disbursement of all National Church or International Territory funds. The Primate may use the Primate's Council and/or the Executive Finance Committee for advice and counsel in this regard.

F.     Councils

1. The Primate's Council, comprised of all acting Archbishops and the General Secretary, is the authoritative Council for the National Church. The Primate's Council shall follow the rules of Government by Consensus.

d.     The Primate's Council is the corporate and governing body of the National Church or International Territory.

e.     The Primate's Council shall

i.  Establish canons, policies and standards for the National Church or International Territory;

ii. Review annual financial reports from all Provinces;

iii. Present to the House of Bishops an annual national  budget, proposed and modified canons, and other items for review, input and affirmation; and

iv. Oversee all budgets, activities and ministries of the agencies and councils of the church.

f.      The Patriarch is an ex officio member of all Primate’s Councils in the Church. When present, it is the Patriarch’s privilege to preside.

2. The House of Bishops, comprised of all acting Bishops of the Church, represents all Provinces and Dioceses of the National Church.

g.     The House of Bishops is first and foremost a House of Prayer.

h.     The House serves as the administrative and advisory council of the National Church. It shall

i.  Affirm all new and revised National Church and International Territory canons;

ii. Review and give input to the Primate's Council on reports made.

i.       Chaplaincy to the House of Bishops

i.  A Priest, with the approval of the ecclesiastical authority of the Diocese in which he is canonically resident, may be appointed by the Primate to serve as Chaplain to the House of Bishops.

ii. The Chaplain to the House of Bishops shall retain canonical residence and remain under the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Bishop of the Diocese.

iii. The Chaplain shall serve for a specified or open term, at the discretion of the Primate.

iv. Duties of the Chaplain may include leading prayers, presiding at Eucharists during sessions of the House of Bishops, and other ministry functions designated by the Primate.

v. At the discretion of the Primate, the Chaplain may attend open sessions of the House of Bishops.

G.    Committees and Agencies

 1.        The Mission Development Agency is the missionary arm of the National Church or International Territory. The MDA exercises it’s ministry

j.       within the jurisdiction of the National Church or International Territory,

k.     with other National Churches or International Territories by the invitation of the respective ecclesiastical authority,

l.       in undeveloped and developing areas where there is no local jurisdiction, under the auspices of the International Development Agency.

 2.        Executive Committees or Agencies are established to supply and support the responsibilities of governance of the Primate's Council.

 H.    National Convocations are gatherings of the people of  a National Church or International Territory, together with its Priests and Bishops, as a family, for prayer, preaching, inspiration, and instruction. The purpose of the Convocation is to feed, equip and build up the Body of Christ.

 I.     The Primate may appoint officers to assist him in the administration of his duties.

 III.       Funding

 A.    The National See and the National Church Budget shall be funded by:

 1.        Sixty percent of the tithes of every Diocesan Cathedral

 2.        The tithe of each Provincial Cathedral

 3.        The tithe of each Province

 B.    The National See shall tithe to the Office of the Patriarch.

 IV.       Record keeping

 A.    Financial Accountability

 1.        The National Church shall keep accurate records of financial contributions.

 2.        The Primate's Council is responsible for the oversight and review of the National Budget.

m.  The Primate, as chief levite, has first right to the tithe of the National Church and general and specific oversight thereof in consultation with the Primate's Council.

n.     Offerings may be administered by the Primate or Staff at the discretion of the Primate in consultation with the Primate's Council

o.    A review of the books by the Primate's Council may be conducted at any time should it be the consensus of the Primate's Council that such a review is necessary.

p.     An audit of the National Church's books may be requested by the Patriarch at any time.

 B.    National Report: the Office of the Primate shall present an annual report including a financial report to the Primate's Council. A copy shall also be forwarded to the Patriarch.

Canon Three:

On The Province

Summary: Provinces, consisting of all the Dioceses in a given geographic area, shall be formed under the direction of an Archbishop. The Archbishop shall chair the Archbishop's Council, and the Bishops, Priests and Deacons shall work in consensus to establish and prosper God's Church in the area.

 I. The Province

 A.    A Province is comprised of two or more Dioceses within a geographic area designated by the jurisdictional Archbishop and his national or territorial Council. Multinational Provinces may exist.

 B.    A Province shall be directed by an Archbishop.

 II.        The Archbishop

 A.    The Archbishop of the Province shall be appointed by the jurisdictional Archbishop, in consensus with his national or territorial Council and ratification by the House of Bishops.

 B.    The Archbishop shall not only have archiepiscopal authority over the Province, but shall have particular leadership in the life of his Diocese and Parish.

 C.    The Archbishop is the ordinary authority on all matters of doctrine, worship, pastoral care, church order and discipline within the Province. The duties of the Archbishop include

 1.        The development of dioceses with the province;

 2.        The spiritual care of the whole province;

 3.        The pastoral care of the Diocesan Bishops within the province;

 4.        Oversee the establishment and implementation of the vision and work of the Church at provincial, diocesan, and parish levels.

 D.    The Archbishop shall be an ex officio member of every Council under his jurisdiction.

 E.    The Archbishop shall be under the authority of the Primate, and shall look to him for pastoral oversight and shared vision.

 F.    All Provincial staff members serve at the pleasure of the Archbishop. He is the official employer of the Provincial Office.

 G.   The Provincial Archbishop has the responsibility and authority in the disbursement of all Provincial Funds. The Archbishop may use the Archbishop's Council and/or an Executive Finance Committee for advice and counsel in this regard.

 H.    The Archbishop may appoint a General Secretary who shall serve as special advisor and administrative assistant to the Archbishop. He may oversee, under the Archbishop’s direction, the Office of the Archbishop.

 III.       Councils

 A.    The Archbishop's Council, comprised of the Archbishop, other Bishops chosen by the Archbishop in consensus with his Council, and the General Secretary, is the authoritative Council of the Province. The Canon to the Ordinary and/or the Archdeacon may serve at the discretion of the Archbishop.

 1.        New members shall be confirmed by the consensus of the Archbishop's Council.

 2.        The Primate of the Church is an ex officio member of all Archbishop's Councils. When present, it is the Primate’s privilege to preside.

 3.        The Archbishop's Council shall follow the rules of Government by Consensus.

 B.    The Provincial Council is the administrative and advisory council of the Province and is comprised of all Bishops within the Province.

 IV.       Funding

 A.    The Province shall be funded from the Tithe of the Dioceses and forty percent of the tithe of the Diocesan Cathedrals within the Province.

 B.    The Province shall tithe to the Office of the Primate.

 V.        Record Keeping

 A.    Financial Accountability

 1.        The Province shall keep accurate records of financial contributions

 2.        The Archbishop's Council is responsible for oversight and review of the Provincial Budget.

a.     The Archbishop, the chief levite, has first right to the tithe of the Province and general and specific oversight thereof in consultation with the Archbishop's Council.

b.     Other funds may be administered by the Archbishop or Staff at the discretion of the Archbishop in consultation with the Archbishop's Council.

c.     A review of the books by the Archbishop's Council may be conducted at any time should it be the consensus of the Archbishop's Council that such a review is necessary.

d.     An audit of the Province's books may be requested by the Primate at any time.

 B.    Provincial Report

 1.        The Province shall submit a written and oral report of Provincial life to the biannual meeting of the Primate's Council.

 2.        The Province shall present an Annual Report including a financial report to the Office of the Primate based on the compilation of Diocesan Reports and including other information concerning Provincial life.

Canon Four:

On the Diocese

Summary: Dioceses, consisting of at least five parishes and/or missions, shall be formed under the direction of a Diocesan Bishop. The Bishop shall chair the Bishop's Council, and the Bishops, Priests and Deacons shall work in consensus to establish and prosper God's Church in the area. It is the goal of the Charismatic Episcopal Church that the Diocese shall be of such size and organization as to facilitate meaningful pastoral oversight of the Parishes and Clergy by the Diocesan Bishop.

 I. The Diocese

 A.    A Diocese is comprised of a minimum of five parishes and/or missions within geographical boundaries established by jurisdictional Archbishop and his Council.

 B.    A Diocese shall be under the direction of a Bishop.

 C.    A Diocese may be formed from

 1.        A geographic region within a Province;

 2.        The formation of a Diocese from the whole or any part of one or more Missionary Districts; or

 3.        The division of an existing Diocese when such division would better facilitate the ministries of the Church.

 D.    It is recommended that a Diocese not exceed the number of twenty five parishes.

 E.    A geographic area may be designated a Missionary District with a Canon Missioner being appointed by the Diocesan Bishop until the development of sufficient Parishes and Missions to constitute the formation of new Dioceses.

 F.    Deaneries may be established within the Dioceses with Deans being appointed by the Diocesan Bishop to administer oversight in his jurisdiction. The Deanery shall receive a portion of funds from the tithes of the Parishes to the Diocese, that portion being established by the Diocesan Bishop.

 II.        The Diocesan Bishop

 A.    The Bishop of the Diocese (also known as the Ordinary) shall not only have oversight of the many Parishes of the Diocese, but shall have particular leadership in the life of his Parish.

 B.    The Parish of the Diocesan Bishop shall be recognized as the Cathedral Church of the Diocese.

 C.    The Bishop is an ex officio member of all Councils in his jurisdiction.

 D.    The Bishop is the ordinary authority on all matters of doctrine, worship, pastoral care, church order and discipline within the Diocese. He may appoint, for assistance in his ministry the following officers:

 1.        The Archdeacon, appointed from among the Priests and Deacons of the Diocese. He is the Bishop's Deacon and serves as his representative in all doctrinal, pastoral and liturgical matters.

 2.        The Chancellor, the Bishop's representative in all business and legal matters.

 3.        The Dean of the Cathedral Church, a Priest who serves as the primary pastor, under the Bishop, of the Cathedral Church.

 4.        The Dean of a designated geographic Deanery.

 5.        The Canon Missioner of a Missionary District.

 6.        Other officers to assist in the execution of his duties.

 E.    The Diocesan Bishop shall be under the authority of the Archbishop and shall look to him for pastoral oversight and shared vision.

 F.    All Diocesan staff members serve at the pleasure of the Diocesan Bishop. He is the official employer of the Diocesan Office.

 G.   The Bishop has the responsibility and authority in the disbursement of all Diocesan Funds. The Bishop may use the Bishop's Council and/or the Executive Finance Committee for advice and counsel in this regard.

 H.    No Bishop may perform Episcopal ministry in a Diocese without the express permission of the Diocesan Bishop.

 III.       Councils

 A.    The Bishop's Council, comprised of the Diocesan Bishop and Priests chosen by the Bishop in consensus with his Council, is the authoritative Council of the Diocese.

 1.        New members shall be confirmed by the consensus of the Bishop's Council.

 2.        The Archbishop is an ex officio member of all Bishop's Councils within the Province. When present, it is the Archbishop’s privilege to preside.

 3.        The Bishop's Council shall follow the rules of Government by Consensus.

 B.    The Diocesan Council is the administrative and advisory council of the Diocese and is comprised of all Priests within the Diocese.

 IV.       Funding

 A.    The Diocese shall be funded from the tithe of member Parishes and Missions.  The Diocese shall in turn tithe to the Archdiocese.

 B.    The Cathedral of each Diocese shall tithe from its tithes and general offerings.

 1.        In a single province church the Cathedrals shall tithe to the office of the Archbishop.

 2.        In a multiprovincial church, the Cathedrals shall send sixty percent of the tithe to the Office of the Primate and  forty percent of the tithe to the Office of the Provincial Archbishop.

 V.        Record Keeping

 A.    Financial Accountability

 1.        The Diocese shall keep accurate records of financial contributions.

 2.        The Bishop's Council is responsible for oversight and review of the Diocesan budget.

a.     The Bishop, the chief levite, has first right to the tithe of the diocese and general and specific oversight thereof in consultation with the Bishop's Council.

b.     Other funds may be administered by the Bishop or Staff at the discretion of the Bishop in consultation with the Bishop's Council.

c.     A review of the books by the Bishop's Council may be conducted at any time should it be the consensus of the Council that such a review is necessary.

d.     An audit of the Diocese's books may be requested by the Archbishop or Primate at any time.

 B.    The Diocese shall present an Annual Report including a financial report to the Archbishop, based on the compilation of Parochial Reports and including other information concerning Diocesan life.

Canon Five:

On the Parish

Summary: The Parish, as the local expression of the Charismatic Episcopal Church, shall consist of at least twelve families, under the direction of the Bishop, which covenants to share in the life of the Diocese through worship, ministry, financial support and prayer.

 I. The Formation of the Parish

 A.    A Parish shall not have geographical boundaries, but shall consist of all persons enrolled as communicants therein.

 B.    Any congregation desiring to be received into union with the Church shall declare its desire thereof, duly certified by the authorities of said congregation, by means of the Letter of Intent. This being done, it shall be at the discretion of the Bishop to admit the Parish into union with the Diocese as either a Mission Church or Parish Church.

 1.        A Mission Church is one under development; it is thus non self-supporting and dependent upon either diocesan support, other outside support, or cost saving strategies, such as utilizing bivocational clergy. A Mission consisting of fewer than twelve families shall be designated a Mission Station. The Bishop is the Rector of all Mission Churches. The Priest-in-Charge of the Mission is the vicarious Rector, i.e., the Vicar.

 2.        A Parish Church is a fully self-supporting congregation, able through tithes and offerings to fund the Priest-in-Charge, programs, facilities, and all other requirements and ministries of parish life. It shall have a Rector's Council that is fully functioning to the Bishop's satisfaction. To be considered a Parish Church, a congregation must be received as such by the Bishop of the Diocese. The Priest-in-Charge of a Parish Church is the Rector of the Parish.

 C.    In the organization of a new congregation, the congregation shall be a Mission Church for a period of time set at the Bishop's discretion.

 D.    The Congregation shall begin tithing to the Diocese upon beginning a formal relationship. Missionary Priests who serve a church that has not yet been received into the Charismatic Episcopal Church shall personally tithe to the Diocese until the church has been received.

 II.        The Full Communion Parish

 A.    A new congregation, having participated in the life of the Diocese for at least six months, and having maintained at least twelve households, and having covenanted to tithe to the Diocese from the tithes and general offerings collected, shall be received as a Full Communion Mission Church.

 B.    A Mission Church, having participated in the life of the Diocese for at least six months, having reached self-support status, and having demonstrated faithfulness in tithing to the Diocese from the tithes and general offerings collected, with the Bishop's approval, may be received as a Full Communion Parish.

 C.    Before a congregation is received as a Full Communion Parish, it is required that the leadership be instructed by the Bishop or his representative concerning the three streams of Christian faith (catholic, evangelical, and charismatic), principles of tithes and offerings, government by consensus, and the canons and organizational structure of the Charismatic Episcopal Church.

 D.    The reception of the Parish into Full Communion shall be witnessed by the visitation of the Bishop for the confirmation and/or reception of the communicants.

 III.       Ownership of Property

 A.    While Parishes may own their property, it is strongly recommended that Parishes bring their properties under the ownership of  the Charismatic Episcopal Church, thus protecting both Priests and Congregations from possible future difficulties.

 B.    The Rector's Council shall be the Trustees of Parish-owned properties and Charismatic Episcopal Church owned properties held in trust for that parish.

 IV.       Parish Government

 A.    The chief pastor of the parish shall be the Diocesan Bishop.

 B.    The Bishop shall be represented by Priests and Deacons serving under the Bishop.

 C.    The Rector of the Parish has full authority in all Parish concerns, in conformance with the Holy Scriptures, Apostolic Tradition, and the Canon Law of the Charismatic Episcopal Church.

 1.        All staff members serve at the pleasure of the Rector. He is the official employer of the Parish.

 2.        The Rector has the responsibility and authority in the disbursement of all Parish Funds. The Rector may use the Rector's Council and/or an Executive Finance Committee for advice and counsel in this regard.

 3.        The Rector is an ex officio member of every Council in his jurisdiction.

 D.    Councils

 1.        The Rector's Council, comprised of the Rector, Priests appointed by the Rector, and other men who serve at the discretion of the Rector, is the authoritative body of the Parish.

a.     New members shall be confirmed by the consensus of the Rector's Council.

b.     The Diocesan Bishop shall be an ex officio member of all Rector's Councils within the Diocese. When present, it is the Bishop’s privilege to preside.

c.     The Rector's Council shall follow the rules of Government by Consensus.

 2.        The Parish Council shall be the administrative and advisory body of the Parish and shall be comprised of those serving in various leadership roles within the Parish.

 E.    The spirit of government in every Parish should be that of government by consensus, with the Clergy and other leadership working together in a spirit of concord, a bonded community freely and generally consenting to the Lord's leadership under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

 V.        Funding

 A.    The Parish shall be funded from the tithes and offerings of parishioners.

 B.    The Parish shall tithe to the Office of the Diocesan Bishop.

 VI.       Record Keeping

 A.    Parishes shall keep an accurate Parish Register, recording baptisms (with parentage, date of birth, sponsors or witnesses, date of rite, etc.), confirmations, marriages, burials, number of communicants, and other important information. This book shall be presented to the Diocesan Bishop for his inspection annually.

 B.    Financial Accountability

 1.        Parishes shall keep accurate records of financial contributions.

 2.        The Rector's Council of each Parish is responsible for the oversight and review of the budget.

d.     The Rector, as chief levite, has first right to the tithe of the parish and general and specific oversight thereof in consultation with the Rector's Council.

e.     Offerings may be administered by the Rector or Staff at the discretion of the Rector in consultation with the Rector's Council.

f.      A review of the books by the Rector's Council may be conducted at any time should it be the consensus of the Rector's Council that such a review is necessary.

g.     An audit of the parish's books may be requested by the Bishop at any time.

 C.    Parochial Reports

 1.        It shall be the duty of every Rector to deliver to the Diocese a report of the preceding year including the following information: the number of baptisms, confirmations, marriages, burials and other official acts; the number of baptized persons and the number of communicants within his cure; the Treasurer's report for the past year; and other information concerning the state of Parish life.

 2.        The year reported shall be the calendar year.

Canon Six:

On the Ministry

Summary: The Charismatic Episcopal Church shall be served by Bishops, Priests and Deacons in Apostolic Succession under the spiritual headship of Jesus Christ with the Patriarch serving as chief pastor. Other offices of ministry are recognized, and the priesthood of all believers is to be exercised in the whole Church.

 I. Ordained Ministry

 A.    Defined

 1.        The term clergy refers to the ordained ministries of Bishops, Priests and Deacons.

 2.        The ordained ministry is responsible for the liturgical, sacramental and teaching ministries of the Church.

 3.        The ordained ministry is called chiefly to equip and lead the Church which is the royal and priestly company who offer to God the sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving through the stewardship of time, energy, finances and spiritual gifts.

 B.    The Episcopal Office

 1.        Bishops are the successors of the apostles.

a.     The office of the Bishop contains the full sacramental grace of the Church.

b.     The Bishop is the sacramental sign and symbol of the government of God in the earth.

c.     Bishops enjoy the fullness of the sacrament of orders, and both presbyters and deacons are dependent upon them in the exercise of their authority.

 2.        Pastoral Ministry

d.     All Bishops shall be first and foremost shepherds of the flock.

e.     No one shall be consecrated Bishop unless he be a Priest in the Charismatic Episcopal Church, having attained thirty years of age.

f.      Election of a Bishop

 i. In a national church, Candidates for the office of Bishop shall be recommended to the House of Bishops by the national council at a regular meeting of the House.

 ii. The recommendation shall be affirmed by the clergy of the Diocese in which the recommended Bishop shall serve, and by the Parish in which he is rector.

 iii.        Upon said affirmation, the recommended Bishop may be elected at a subsequent meeting of the House, with the consecration following as determined by the House.

 iv.       Any elected Bishop must be approved by the Patriarch.

 v.        The Bishop may serve in his office for life, or until retirement.

 3.        Diocesan Bishops

g.     Diocesan Bishops shall maintain the oversight of a parish (with the assistance of a Dean), developing and initiating its vision and strategy, the said parish being recognized as the Cathedral of the Diocese.

h.     A Bishop shall confine the exercise of such office to the Diocese in which elected, unless requested to perform Episcopal acts in another Diocese by the Ecclesiastical Authority thereof, or unless authorized by the House of Bishops, or by the Archbishop, to act temporarily in case of need within any territories not yet organized into Dioceses of the Church.

i.       The duties of the office of Bishop include

 i. The setting of vision for the Diocese, serving as a "Father in the Lord" to the clergy and laity.

 ii. The calling and oversight of meetings with the Clergy of the Diocese, both publicly and privately, for their spiritual nourishment and mutual edification.

 iii.        Serving ex officio on all Rector's Councils within the Diocese.

 iv.       The ordination of Priests and deacons.

 v.        The regular visitation of every parish in the Diocese for the purpose of

 (i.)   The administration of the Sacraments

 (ii.)  The preaching of the Word of God.

 vi.       The administration of the Diocese.

j.       The Bishop may appoint Diocesan officers to assist him in the administration of his duties, but shall by no means diminish the pastoral responsibilities of his calling.

k.     All Bishops, including the Archbishops and the Primate, shall labor together according to the spirit and mandates of government by consensus.

 4.        Archbishops

l.       Archbishops shall serve as pastors and overseers of the Provinces of the Church, working with the Diocesan Bishops to care for and strengthen the church of God.

m.  In National Churches or International Territories the Archbishop of a Province shall be selected by the jurisdictional Archbishop and his national council, in the spirit of consensus, and confirmed by the House of Bishops.

n.     Any elected Archbishop must be approved by the Patriarch.

o.    The duties of the Archbishop include

 i. The setting of vision for the Province, serving as a "father in the Lord" to the Diocesan Bishops, other clergy and laity of the Province.

 ii. The calling and oversight of meetings with the Bishops and other clergy of the Province for the purpose of  spiritual nourishment, mutual edification and the implementation of vision for the Province.

 iii.        Serving as an ex officio member of the Bishop's Councils within the Province.

p.     The Archbishop may appoint Provincial officers to assist in the administration of his duties.

 5.        Primate

q.     In National Churches or International Territories where there are two or more Provinces, one of the archiepiscopal sees is designated by the Patriarch as prime. The Archbishop of said Province is designated as Primate.

r.      The Primate serves in the office for life or until retirement.

s.      The duties of the Primate include

 i. Leading the National Church or International Territory in the initiation, development and implementation of vision and strategy;

 ii. Presiding over meetings of the Primate's Council and from time to time assembling the Bishops of the Church to meet together for the benefit of the Church;

 iii.        Visiting the Provinces and Dioceses of the National Church or International Territory for the purpose of

 (i.)   Holding pastoral consultations with the Bishop or Bishops and, with their advice, other leaders of the jurisdiction;

 (ii.)  Preaching the Word; and

 (iii.) Celebrating the Sacraments.

 iv.       Serving as an ex officio member of all Archbishop's Councils.

 v.        Annually reporting to the Church through the House of Bishops concerning the state of the Church, and from time to time publishing Pastoral Letters.

t.       The Primate shall have archiepiscopal authority to administer guidance and discipline over all Archbishops, in conformance with Holy Scriptures, apostolic tradition, and the Canon Law of the Charismatic Episcopal Church. Any disciplinary action deemed necessary must be presented to the Primate's Council for ratification by consensus.

u.    To be better enabled to perform such duties and responsibilities, the Primate may appoint officers to positions established by the House of Bishops, and may delegate to these officers such authority as he shall deem appropriate.

 6.        Patriarch: The Archbishop of San Clemente serves as the Patriarch or "First Father" of the International Communion of the Charismatic Episcopal Church.

 7.        Auxiliary and Coadjutor Bishops

v.     Auxiliary Bishops shall be nominated by Diocesan Bishops, Archbishops, or the Primate and elected by the consensus of the House of Bishops.  The Auxiliary Bishop serves at the direction of the Bishop Ordinary and shall not possess the right of succession.

w.  Coadjutor Bishops are in all ways like Auxiliary Bishops, except they shall possess the right of succession in accordance with Canon Law.

 8.        The House of Bishops

x.     The House of Bishops is comprised of all active Bishops of a National Church or International Territory, and additional members appointed by the consensus of Bishops.

y.     The House of Bishops shall meet at least annually.

 C.    Priests

 1.        The candidate for Priesthood shall be a male communicant in good standing in the Charismatic Episcopal Church, having reached the age of 24 years, holding an earned Masters degree (or equivalent) and having completed the preparatory requirements for Priesthood during a period of postulancy.

 2.        Before ordination to the Priesthood, there shall be submitted to the Diocesan Bishop a letter of application from the Candidate and a letter of recommendation from the Priest(s) giving pastoral oversight during the postulancy. The Candidate shall be recommended to the Bishop by Priests within the Diocese who attest to the call of God on the Candidate’s life and his abilities to respond to the call.

 3.        The ministry of the Priest shall include:

z.     According to the office and authority of the Bishop, and in the name of the Bishop, gathering the family of God together as a people enlivened by one Spirit;

aa. Offering the Eucharistic Sacrifice which is a full and complete participation in the Sacrifice of Christ once offered.

bb.Pastoral oversight of a Parish and/or other cure;

cc. Teaching and preaching the Word of God;

dd.Hearing sacramental confessions and granting absolution; and

ee. Administering the sacrament of Holy Unction.

 D.    Deacons

 1.        Deacons are ministers who are ordained for the tasks of the service of the Church through the ministry of the Word, divine worship, and services of charity which are carried out under the pastoral authority of the Bishop.

 2.        The candidate for the Diaconate, must be a male communicant, at least 21 years of age, in good standing in the Charismatic Episcopal Church, holding an earned Bachelor's degree (or equivalent), and having completed the preparatory requirements for the Diaconate during a period of postulancy.

 3.        Before ordination to the Diaconate, there shall be submitted to the Bishop a letter of application from the Candidate and a letter of recommendation from the Priest(s) giving pastoral oversight during the postulancy.

 4.        The ministry of the Deacon includes

ff.   Caring for the sick, poor and needy;

gg.Assisting the Priest or Bishop in the administration of the Sacraments;

hh.Teaching and preaching the Word of God; and

ii.    Assisting in parochial administration

 E.    Candidacy for Holy Orders

 1.        Upon reception of application for Holy Orders, the Bishop and at least two Priests shall interview the applicant. Upon the acceptance of the application for Holy Orders, the Bishop shall admit the applicant to Postulancy, working closely with the Postulant to develop and monitor a program of preparation for Holy Orders.

 2.        Preparation for Holy Orders shall include theological training, practical experience, psychological evaluation, and spiritual formation, with pastoral guidance provided throughout the period of preparation.

 3.        If the Postulant does not hold the appropriate degree, but has shown such proficiency in an occupation or profession as gives promise of usefulness in Holy Orders, the Postulant shall be required to obtain the appropriate degree, or to read for Holy Orders and pass an examination on essential subjects.

 F.    Receiving Clergy from Other Christian Bodies

 1.        Non-apostolic Succession

jj.    If a person ordained or licensed by another Christian body not in apostolic succession of Bishops should apply to the Charismatic Episcopal Church for Holy Orders, the Bishop and at least two Priests shall interview said clergy, giving consideration to his knowledge of Scripture, theology, Church history, liturgy and practical pastoral experience.

kk.The Candidate having fulfilled the requirements of postulancy, the Bishop may ordain the Candidate to the office to which he is called.

 2.        Apostolic Succession

ll.    If a person ordained in apostolic succession should apply to the Charismatic Episcopal Church for Holy Orders, the Bishop and at least two Priests shall interview said clergy. If the Candidate has met the requirements for ordination, his orders shall be received.

mm.If the candidate has not met the requirements for ordination, he may be received as a postulant.

 II.        Non-ordained Ministries

 A.    Every baptized believer is a minister in the Body of Christ. The public installation of qualified persons in positions of ministry is encouraged.

 B.    Licensed Ministries: Non-ordained ministries including Catechists, Lay Readers, Lay Preachers, Lay Eucharistic Ministers, Subdeacons and Exorcists may be licensed by the Bishop, with guidelines for the training and selection of such persons being established by the Bishop.

 C.    Commissioned Ministries: Those serving in non-ordained ministries (e.g.: evangelists, prophets, teachers, etc.) who derive a significant portion of their income from said ministry, or who are in full time non-stipendiary ministry, may, with the approval of the Rector's Council and the Bishop, be installed as Commissioned Ministers, thus giving official legal and tax status to those in full-time ministry who are non-ordained.

 III.       Membership

 A.    A Baptized Member is one baptized in water in the name of the Trinity who maintains fellowship in a particular congregation and who is enrolled in the parish register.

 B.    A Communicant is a Baptized Member who regularly participates in the life of the congregation, including sharing in the sacraments.

 C.    A Confirmed Member is a Communicant who has been confirmed by the laying on of hands of a Bishop in the Charismatic Episcopal Church, or has been received by a Bishop of the Charismatic Episcopal Church, having been previously confirmed in a communion in apostolic succession. Only confirmed members may hold canonical offices.

 D.    Responsibilities of Members

 1.        Regular participation in the life of the Church;

 2.        Contributing tithes and offerings;

 3.        Submission to the vision of the leadership;

 4.        Serving through various gifts and ministries for the building up of the Church;

 5.        A commitment to the Great Commission and the Great Commandment.

 IV.       Discipline and Disposition of Orders and Ministry

 A.    The correction of Communicants, Deacons, Priests and Bishops shall be administered by the responsible Ecclesiastical Authority (Rector, Bishop, Archbishop, Primate or Patriarch) in consultation with his Council (Rector's Council, Bishop's Council, Archbishop's Council, Primate's Council or Patriarch’s Council).

 B.    Grievances shall also be heard by the responsible Ecclesiastical Authority in consultation with his Council.

 C.    All corrections and grievances may be appealed to the next immediate level of authority, and may, at that authority's discretion, be entertained or dismissed.

 D.    The purpose and goal of all discipline is restoration.

 E.    Extraordinary Discipline

 1.        Circumstances requiring extraordinary discipline are: divergence from creedal vows, licentious lifestyle, unlawful acts, or violation of the church's confessions.

 2.        In such cases the responsible Ecclesiastical Authority along with his council will function as an ecclesiastical court.

 3.        Should the court find cause to institute discipline such measures may include removal from positions of ministry, excommunication, removal from membership, removal of license, and deposition of orders.

 4.        The person under disciplinary measures may appeal to the next immediate level of authority.

 F.    Disciplinary Measures of a Patriarch

 1.        Disciplinary action may be taken against a Patriarch for divergence from creedal vows, licentious lifestyle, unlawful acts, or violation of the church's confessions.

 2.        The Patriarch’s Council shall serve as the Ecclesiastical Court under the direction of the most senior Bishop by order of tenure.

 3.        The Patriarch shall have the right of appeal.

nn.The Patriarch's court of appeal shall be made up of seven members of the College of Archbishops, chosen by lot. No representative of the court of appeal shall have sat on the previous Ecclesiastical Court.

oo.The most senior Bishop by order of tenure shall serve as the President of the court.

 V.        Vacancy and Succession

 A.    The Parish

 1.        In the event of a vacancy in the position of the Priest in charge, the Diocesan or Missionary Bishop shall insure the availability of priestly ministry to said Parish, and shall initiate and oversee the process of filling the vacancy.

pp.The Bishop shall provide supply clergy to said Parish, or shall appoint an interim Rector to serve during the period of the vacancy.

qq.The Bishop shall convene, in a special session, the Rector’s Council of the Parish. The purpose of the special session(s) is for the search and call of the new Rector of the Parish. The Bishop is the chairman of the special session(s), and works with the Council to fill the vacancy.

rr.   Should a candidate be serving in another Diocese, permission from his Diocesan Bishop must first be obtained before contacting the candidate.

ss.  Candidates from outside the communion of the Charismatic Episcopal Church must first be received in accordance with the Canons and local Diocesan practices before receiving a call as Rector. 

tt.    Visits to the Parish by a candidate shall be paid for by the Parish.

uu.Once a candidate has been selected, the Bishop, in regular or special session, presents the name of the prospective Rector to the Bishop’s Council for affirmation. Once affirmation has been given, the Rector’s Council may issue a call and the Bishop proceed with the appointment of the new Rector.

vv.At an appropriate time, to be determined jointly by the Bishop and the Rector’s Council, the new Rector shall be installed in a public service of worship.

ww.The Transfer of Priests and Deacons between Dioceses

 i. A transfer of a Priest or deacon from one Diocese to another shall not take place unless he has received an authorized call from the other Diocese.

 ii. A letter dimissory shall be initiated by the transferring Diocese and sent to the Bishop of the receiving Diocese.

xx.If the vacancy is due to death, the Bishop shall confer with the deceased Rector’s wife.

 i. The Ordinary shall provide pastoral care to the widow and shall be assured of the care and livelihood of the widow and the under-aged children of the deceased Rector.

 ii. The Parish shall be responsible to assist in the care and livelihood of the widow and her under-aged children.

 iii.        The Ordinary is encouraged to consult with the widow concerning the period of vacancy in the Parish, and also concerning the selection and call of a new Rector. The Bishop may invite the widow to be an advisor to the special session(s) of the Rector’s Council concerned with the selection of the new Rector.

yy. If the vacancy is caused by disability, the Bishop shall assure himself of the care and livelihood of the disabled Rector and his family.

 i. The Parish shall be responsible to assist in the care and livelihood of the disabled Rector and his family.

 ii. To the extent possible, the disabled Rector and his wife may serve as advisors to the Bishop during the period of vacancy and the search process.

 2.        If the congregation is a Mission, all the above applies with these modifications:

zz. The appointment of a new Vicar is by the Bishop in consultation with the Bishop’s Council.

aaa.In the event of death or disability, the Diocese shall be responsible to assist in the care of the family.

 B.    The Diocese

 1.        In the event of a vacancy in the office of the Diocesan Bishop, the Archbishop of the Province shall assume the responsibilities of the Diocesan Bishop. He may also appoint an existing Auxiliary Bishop, Retired Bishop, or Bishop of a diocese within the same Province, to serve in an interim capacity. In the event there is a Bishop Co-adjutor, plans shall proceed for his installation as the new Diocesan Bishop.

 2.        If there is no Co-adjutor, the Archbishop shall convene a special session(s) of the Bishop’s Council. Also represented shall be two members, chosen by consensus, from the Rector’s Council of the Cathedral. The candidate selected by this special session of the Bishop’s Council must be confirmed by the Archbishop’s Council. Upon confirmation, the candidate is submitted by the Archbishop to the Primate’s Council, and to the entire House of Bishops to be considered for nomination.

 3.        Procedures then continue in accordance with Canon Law in regard to the election and installation of Bishops.

 C.    The Province

 1.        In the event of a vacancy in the Office of the Provincial Archbishop, the Primate shall assume the responsibilities of the Office.

 2.        The Primate shall appoint an existing Auxiliary Bishop, a Retired Bishop or a Bishop of a Diocese in the same Province to serve in an interim capacity as Diocesan Bishop.

 3.        The Primate shall convene a special Archbishop’s Council. Also represented shall be two members chosen by consensus from the Bishop’s Council and two members chosen by consensus from the Cathedral’s Rector’s Council. The name of the candidate agreed upon by consensus shall be submitted to the House of Bishops for affirmation. The Primate shall then submit the candidate to the Primate’s Council for nomination and election to the office of Archbishop.

 4.        Procedures then continue in accordance with the Canon Law in regard to the election and installation of Archbishops.

 D.    National Church or International Territory

 1.        In the event of a vacancy in the office of a Bishop presiding over a National Church or International Territory, the Patriarch shall assume the responsibilities of the Office. He may also appoint the supervising Bishop of the International Development Agency or another Bishop to serve in an interim capacity.

 2.        The Patriarch shall convene a special session of the presiding council of that National Church or International Territory. Also represented shall be two members, chosen by consensus, from each of the councils over which said Bishop presided. The name of the candidate agreed upon by consensus shall be submitted to the College of Archbishops for affirmation. The Patriarch shall submit the candidate to the Patriarch’s Council for election to the office.

 3.        Procedures then continue in accordance with Canon Law in regard to the election and installation.

 E.    International Church

 1.        In the event of a vacancy in the office of the Patriarch, the senior member of the Patriarch’s Council shall convene a special session of the Patriarch’s Council. The Patriarch’s Council shall appoint an existing Auxiliary Bishop, Retired Bishop, or Bishop of a Diocese within the same Province to serve the Diocese of San Clemente in an interim capacity.

 2.        The senior member of the Patriarch’s Council shall convene a special session of the College of Archbishops in conclave.

bbb.The College of Archbishops shall commit itself to a period of prayer and fasting.

ccc.Members of the College shall not confer with one another concerning recommendations or the eventual nomination of candidates for the Office of Patriarch.

ddd.The College of Archbishops shall submit in secret written form recommendations for the office of Patriarch.

 3.        During that time, the Patriarch’s Council shall convene. Also represented shall be two members, chosen by consensus, from the Primate’s Council of the Charismatic Episcopal Church in the United States of America, the Archbishop’s Council of the Province of San Clemente, the Bishop’s Council of the Diocese of San Clemente, and the Rector’s Council of St. Michael’s Cathedral of San Clemente.

eee.The Patriarch’s Council shall commit itself to a period of prayer and fasting.

fff.The recommendations from the College of Archbishops shall be received and examined.

ggg.The name of the candidate agreed upon by consensus shall be submitted to the College of Archbishops for affirmation.

 4.        The senior member of the Patriarch’s Council shall submit the candidate to the Patriarch’s Council for election to the office of the Patriarch.

 5.        The newly elected Patriarch shall be installed in a service of public worship at the Patriarchal See at a time appointed by the Patriarch’s Council.

 VI.       The call of a ruling elder (Rector, Bishop, Archbishop, Primate or Patriarch) shall be considered a lifetime call and subject to the canonical directives for reevaluation, resignation, or removal.

 VII.      The Call of ordained staff: The same procedures and criteria for calling a ruling elder shall be used in the calling of ordained staff, with the following exceptions:

 A.    The ruling elder with his Council shall be responsible for the calling of a candidate.

 B.    The ruling elder shall preside at all meetings and interviews conducted with candidates.

 VIII.     On Pastoral Relationships

 A.    Evaluation of a ruling elder’s call

 1.        At any time during the tenure of a ruling elder his Council may call for a special meeting with his Ecclesiastical Authority sitting as Chairman for the purpose of evaluating his ministry.

 2.        If deemed necessary by the Ecclesiastical Authority, he may call for his Council to conduct the evaluation. Such an evaluation may take place only if the ruling elder’s Council believes the situation to be unresolvable on a local level.

 3.        Any subsequent actions shall conform to the Canon on Correction and Grievances.

 B.    Resignation or Removal of a ruling elder

 1.        Resignation

hhh.A normal vacancy occurs when the Ecclesiastical Authority receives a letter of resignation from the ruling elder. The Ecclesiastical Authority shall convene a meeting of the ruling elder’s Council at which the letter of resignation shall be read and discussed.

iii. The resignation shall take effect no earlier than 30 days after the date submitted, except if agreed upon by the Ecclesiastical Authority and the ruling elder’s Council.

jjj. At the time of a ruling elder’s resignation, all ordained and commissioned staff must also submit their resignations to the ruling elder’s Council and the Ecclesiastical Authority.

 i. Resignations shall reflect the desired intentions of the staff, whether they desire to be re-appointed or resign.

 ii. The ruling elder’s Council may place a temporary hold on staff resignations, if agreed upon by the staff member.

 iii.        Final disposition of staff resignations shall be made by the newly appointed ruling elder in consultation with his Council and his Ecclesiastical Authority.

kkk.Until the selection of a new ruling elder the Ecclesiastical Authority shall preside over the ruling elder’s Council.

 2.        All clergy who have resigned from their local appointments shall automatically be placed in non parochial status with the Diocese of their canonical residency.

 C.    Renunciation of Orders

 1.        A clergyman who desires to renounce his ordination with the Charismatic Episcopal Church must submit his request in writing to his canonical superior.

 2.        Except in the case of disciplinary action, the canonical superior, in coordination with his Council, may accept his renunciation.

 3.        A report of the renunciation of orders must be forwarded in writing to the Provincial office and Office of the Primate.

 4.        Any ordained man who becomes divorced and chooses to remarry must lay down his orders.

Canon Seven:

On Worship

Summary: Worship in the Charismatic Episcopal Church shall be both liturgical and charismatic, with suitable vestments worn by the Clergy.

 I. Liturgical

 A.    The principal worship service in the Charismatic Episcopal Church shall be the weekly Celebration of Holy Eucharist on the Lord's Day.

 1.        The service shall follow the shape of the historic liturgy of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.

 2.        The Eucharist shall be celebrated with the elements ordained by Jesus Christ himself, bread and wine.

 B.    The Approved Rites of the Church include those found in the Book of Common Prayer (USA, 1928 or 1979), the Anglican, Roman and Eastern rites as approved by the Diocesan Bishop. Other traditional/historic rites may also be approved by the Bishop.

 C.    In keeping with the spirit of the early church, the shape of the historic liturgy shall be followed, always maintaining "that blessed liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free". We reject the introduction or use of any modern liberal liturgical revisions which detract from the historic faith of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.

 D.    Vestments which are suitable to an occasion of high praise should be worn by the Clergy. The normative attire for the principal Sunday service is:

 1.        Priests: Alb and Stole

 2.        Deacons: Alb and Stole or Cassock, Surplice and Stole.

 3.        Celebrant: In addition to Priest's attire, the Celebrant may wear a Chasuble.

 4.        Other forms of traditional vesture are suitable.

 II.        Charismatic

 A.    The worship offered to God in the Charismatic Episcopal Church is not only liturgical but also charismatic. As such, the worship event should lend itself to the activity of the Holy Spirit in the midst of the congregation. This includes freedom of prayer and praise, operation in the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and regular prayer for the sick accompanied by anointing with oil.

 B.    All worship music should bring glory to God. Recognizing the various backgrounds and cultures of the individual Parishes, it is nevertheless desirable that the worship music should represent both the rich tradition of the historic faith and the contemporary expressions of praise.

 C.    The authorized calendar of the Charismatic Episcopal Church is that of the Book of Common Prayer (USA, 1979). Additional feasts must be approved by the Diocesan Bishop.

Canon Eight:

On Doctrine

Summary: The Charismatic Episcopal Church holds to the San Clemente Declaration of 1999 as the minimum standard of catholicity, and seeks for theology to be not only an intellectual assent, but a living experience with the Holy Trinity and the Church. The Church affirms the Holy Scriptures as the inspired, inerrant Word of God.

 I. The Authority of Holy Scriptures

 A.    The Charismatic Episcopal Church recognizes the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the inspired, inerrant Word of God.

 B.    The Holy Scriptures serve as the final authority on all matters of faith and practice.

 1.        Scripture is to be understood in light of apostolic tradition and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

 2.        Where Scripture does not speak, we defer to apostolic tradition.

 II.        San Clemente Declaration of 1999

 In earnest anticipation for a future revelation of the fullness of the unity of the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church, the International Communion of the Charismatic Episcopal Church adheres to these articles of unity exemplified by the undivided Catholic Church during the first eleven centuries:

 A.    The Sacred Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the written Word of God, the chief witness to apostolic teaching, the source of the Church’s nourishment and strength.

 B.    The Apostles’ Creed as the Baptismal Symbol; and the Nicene Creed as the sufficient statement of the Christian faith.

 C.    The Seven Sacraments of the Church, including: Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation, Confession/Reconciliation, Holy Matrimony, Holy Orders,  Healing/Unction.

 D.    The Historic Episcopate in Apostolic Succession, the gift of Christ’s authority to the Church and the trustee of the Church’s fidelity to apostolic teaching.

 III.       The Spirit of Theology

 A.    The Charismatic Episcopal Church recognizes that doctrine is not only intellectual assent, but a living relationship with Almighty God and His Church.

 B.    It is incumbent upon the leadership of the Charismatic Episcopal Church to develop and maintain an atmosphere for growth and understanding in theology and doctrine. We adhere to the classical statement of ecumenicity: “In essentials unity, in nonessentials liberty, in all things charity.” While celebrating the diversity within orthodoxy, we also strive to avoid a schismatic spirit which would elevate nonessential or nonconsensual beliefs and practices above the Father's will that there be a spiritual and visible unity of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.

Canon Nine: Religious Orders, Communities, and Societies

Summary: Religious Orders, Communities and Societies may be established and maintained according to the approval of the Primate and his Council, and under the direction of a Bishop Visitor or Protector.

 I. Formation of Religious Orders, Communities and Societies

 A.    Before an Order, Community or Society can be established in the Church, each must go through a formation period under the direction of the Diocesan Bishop, Bishop Visitor and Abbott General.

 B.    A group seeking to be established as an Order, Community or Society shall first make its intent known to the Bishop of the Diocese in which it is located, outlining the plan of establishment. The plan presented to the Bishop must be in accordance with the Canons of the Church. Once the Bishop of the Diocese has prayerfully examined the plan, he shall submit his written approval to the leader of the Order, Community or Society within sixty days. He shall also submit his letter of approval, along with the group’s plan, to the Abbott General for final approval. During this formation process the group shall prayerfully seek out a Bishop Visitor (also called Bishop Protector) who may or may not be the Diocesan Bishop, and who must be willing to serve in such capacity.

 C.    During the formative stages, the Abbott General will work with the Diocesan Bishop, the Bishop Visitor, and the Order, Community or Society. The formation period will vary dependent upon many pastoral factors. The normative period of formation for an Order or Community shall be a minimum of three years, affording individuals time to test their call before making their profession. The normative period of formation for a Society shall be a minimum of twelve months.

 D.    Upon completion of the formation process, the Order, Community or Society shall petition both the Bishop of the Diocese and the Bishop Visitor for permission to make application through the Abbott General to the Primate’s Council and the House of Bishops to be admitted as a Religious Order, Religious Community or Religious Society.

 E.    The Primate’s Council shall petition the Patriarch for a letter of recognition affirming that the new order, community or society and its members are in communion with the Patriarch.

 II.        Directives for Religious Orders, Communities and Societies

 A.    All Religious Orders, Communities and Societies, being in communion with the Patriarch, shall be instituted under the administration of the Primate of a National Church or International Territory.

 B.    At such time as a rule of life has been developed, the Order, Community or Society shall submit it for approval to the Bishop Visitor and the Abbott General.

 III.       Religious Orders

 A.    A Religious Order of this Church is a group of Christians who voluntarily commit themselves for life, or a term of years:

 1.        To holding their possessions in common or in trust;

 2.        To live a celibate life according to the Rule of the Order;

 3.        To live a life of stability in a Community setting;

 4.        To live in obedience to their Rule and Constitution.

 B.    Distinctive Habits may be designed and worn with the approval of the Bishop Visitor. Such Habits, when adopted, should be appropriate dress for all public and private occasions. Adaptations for work and other situations may be implemented.

 C.    Recognition of a Religious Order

 1.        To be officially recognized, a Religious Order must have at least six professed (vowed) members (unless the order is within a Religious Community).

 2.        A request for recognition must be submitted to the Abbott General at least three months prior to the House of Bishops Meeting whereby such request is to be presented and considered by the Primate’s Council.

 3.        A written notification of the Council’s decision will be given the applicant within three weeks after the Primate’s Council meeting where the request was presented.

 4.        The Order shall be officially registered with the Patriarch’s Council upon receipt of the letter of recognition from the Patriarch.

 D.    Each Order shall have a Bishop Visitor who shall not of necessity be the Bishop of the Diocese in which the Order is established.

 1.        If the Bishop Visitor is not the Bishop of the Diocese in which the Mother House of the Order is situated, the selection of the new Visitor shall be done in consultation with the Bishop of the Diocese.

 2.        The Bishop Visitor shall be the guardian of the Constitution of the Order and shall serve as an arbiter in matters which the Order or its members cannot resolve through its normal processes.

 E.    Dispensation of Vows

 1.        Any persons under vows in a Religious Order, having exhausted the normal processes of the Order, may petition the Bishop Visitor for dispensation from those vows.

 2.        In the event the petitioner is not satisfied with the ruling of the Bishop Visitor on such petition, he may file a petition with the Primate of the Church who shall appoint a Council of three Bishops, chaired by the Abbott General, to review the petition and the decision thereon and to make recommendations to the Primate.

 3.        The Primate shall have the highest dispensational power for the Religious Orders, and his ruling on the petition shall be final.

 F.    A Religious Order may establish a house in a Diocese only with the permission of the Bishop of the Diocese.

 1.        This permission, once granted, shall not be withdrawn by him or any succeeding Bishop.

 2.        Permission may be withdrawn only by the Primate in consultation with the Abbott General and the Primate's Council.

 G.   The Constitution of every Religious Order shall make provisions for the legal ownership and administration of the temporal possessions of the Order and in the event of the dissolution of the Order, or should it otherwise cease to exist, to provide for the disposition of its assets according to the laws governing nonprofit religious organizations in the State wherein the Order is incorporated. The Constitution shall make provision for the care of any Life-Professed Members who have placed their life in the trust of God and under the care of the Order.

 H.    It is recognized that a Religious Order is not a Parish, Mission, Congregation or Institution of the Diocese and the canonical provisions thereof shall not apply to Religious Orders.

 I.     Finances

 1.        Should the Order receive non-restricted gifts or income, a tithe shall be made to the Office of the Abbott General.

 2.        Religious Orders shall be financially responsible for the visitation expenses of the Abbott General or Bishop Visitor. Due to possible variations in Rule and the subsequent impact upon the financial status of a Religious Order, financial responsibilities to the Abbott General shall be decided by the consensus of the Order and the Abbott General.

 J.    Since a Call to a Religious Order is not common, and whereby duplication of Orders in a small geographic area could prove harmful to the spiritual life, growth, development and ministry of an existing Order, there shall be a restriction imposed upon the various regions of the Church, limiting the number of Orders within those regions. Decisions with regard to duplication of Orders in a small geographic area shall be made by the Abbott General. Appeals may be made to the Primate’s Council. The decision of the Primate’s Council in such case is final.

 IV.       Religious Communities

 A.    A Religious Community of this Church is a society of Christians who voluntarily commit themselves for life or a term of years in obedience to their Rule and Constitution. Such a Community may include married couples with or without children and single celibates who may or may not be part of a Religious Order, who are living a life of stability and chastity within a Community setting, sharing all of life together. Those Members may or may not hold possessions in common or in trust, depending on their Constitution.

 B.    Only Members of such Communities who have also taken vows in a Religious Order may also adopt the use of a habit in accordance with the above Canons on Religious Orders, but only those in a Religious Order within a Religious Community.

 C.    In all matters of government, Christian Communities shall follow the above Canons on Religious Orders (letters C through J).

 V.        Religious Societies

 A.    A Religious Society as defined by this Church is a group of Christians who voluntarily commit themselves for life, or for a term of years, in obedience to their Rule and Constitution.

 B.    Such a group may be within a Diocese, or scattered abroad, but is held together by prayer and the elements of their Rule.

 C.    Such Society members shall not be habited (for their call is in and to the world). They may be married or celibate, according to their Rule and Constitution.

 D.    In all matters of Government, Religious Societies shall follow the above Canons on Religious Orders (letters C through J).

 VI.       Admission of Existing Religious Orders, Communities and Societies

 A.    Any established Religious Order, Religious Community or Religious Society seeking admission into the Charismatic Episcopal Church must apply through the local Diocesan Bishop and the Abbott General of their National Church or International Territory.

 B.    Approval will be given by the Diocesan Bishop and the Abbott General at their prayerful discretion, and when all the requirements of the above Canons are met.

 C.    In the event that no local Diocesan Bishop or national Abbott General exists, application may be made to the Archbishop of the IDA who may work in conjunction with the Abbott General of a National Church or International Territory to establish the process by which said Order, Community or Society may be admitted. In any event, all of the applicable Canons will apply.

 VII.      The Abbott General

 A.    The Abbott General shall represent the Primate and Primate’s Council and shall serve at their bidding in matters pertaining to Religious Orders, Religious Communities and Religious Societies. He shall report to the Primate’s Council at each regularly scheduled meeting of the House of Bishops.

 B.    The Abbott General shall be appointed by the Primate and shall be a Priest or Bishop who is a Life-Professed member of a Religious Order or a Religious Community.

 C.    It shall be the responsibility of the Abbott General to receive applications from persons seeking to establish Religious Orders, Communities or Societies within the Church. He shall review the documents of the proposed body making application, and make whatever recommendations to the leadership of that body that may seem appropriate to the purposes intended. The Abbott General shall then make his recommendations to the Primate’s Council as to the acceptance or rejection of the request. He may also recommend to the Primate and the Council further modifications which shall be their prerogative to accept or reject, and such decisions shall be binding upon said Order, Community or Society.

 D.    The Abbott General shall serve as the Chairman of a Committee of Bishops appointed by the Primate to mediate any disputes directed to him by any Abbott of a Religious Order, Community or Society. It shall be his responsibility to report the findings of the Committee to the Primate for his final dispensing of the matter.

 E.    The Abbott General may, from time to time, conduct Retreats for the purpose of prayer, study, unification, and instruction of those involved in founding, and/or leading Religious Orders, Communities and Societies.

 F.    The Abbott General shall serve when called upon to assist or advice Bishop Visitors, Superiors, or Founders. He shall not be available to members of Religious Orders, Communities, or Societies except through their proper authorities.

 G.   The Abbott General shall be available to the Patriarch to assist Archbishops and Bishops within the International Communion of the Charismatic Episcopal Church who are desirous of establishing Religious Orders, Communities and Societies. In all international works, the role of the Abbott General shall be totally advisory.

 H.    The term of office for the Abbott General shall be at the discretion of the Primate. It may be for life, until retirement, or until such time as, in the wisdom of the Primate, the office is no longer needed, or, in the interest of the Church, a change in office is deemed necessary.

Canon Ten:

On Catholic Concord

Summary: It is the desire of the Charismatic Episcopal Church to have dialogue and fellowship with all Christian bodies everywhere, and to enjoy inter-communion with those bodies which hold to the catholic faith.

 I. Dialogue and Fellowship

Recognizing that God desires a spirit of unity and concord among His people, the Charismatic Episcopal Church shall be committed to nurturing such relationships with other Christian bodies and sharing with them the riches of Christ in His Church.

 II.        Inter-communion

The Charismatic Episcopal Church may, after sufficient dialogue and fellowship, seek a more formal relationship with those bodies which hold to the catholic faith as expressed in the San Clemente Declaration of 1999.

Canon Eleven:

On Secret Societies

Summary: Secret Societies are contrary to the witness of Holy Scriptures and the Church, and confirmed members of the Charismatic Episcopal Church may not hold membership in such societies.

 I.    A Secret Society is a lodge, club, association or society that requires its members to make sacred vows, oaths, or obligations and invoke secret practices or espouse information not allowed for public distribution.

 II.           The Word of God is clear in its repudiation of such practices, calling upon believers to avoid oaths and secrecy (Ex. 20.3,4; Mt. 5.33-37; Ja. 5.12; Col. 2.8,18-22). Further, the Word of God does not accept any universality of brotherhood or sisterhood except through creation and redemption.

 III.          The Church has consistently stood against membership in such societies, believing such organizations to offer a counter-Christian worldview, substituting a new state of things drawn from naturalism. The Church Catholic has stood upon the conviction that such societies openly transgress the First and Second Commandments of God.

 IV.         Membership in Secret Societies

 A.    Membership in the Charismatic Episcopal Church is inconsistent with membership in secret societies.

 B.    The Charismatic Episcopal Church calls for its confirmed communicants to abstain from membership in secret societies. Members of such societies shall, in the presence of a Priest, renounce their vows before confirmation or reception.

 C.    Those in holy orders in the Charismatic Episcopal Church are prohibited from holding membership in secret societies.

Canon Twelve:

On Amendments

Summary: The Canons of the Charismatic Episcopal Church can be amended by the Patriarch’s Council in consultation with the College of Archbishops.

 I.       Recommended amendments of the canons shall be presented by the Committee on Canons to a regular meeting of the Patriarch's Council.

 II.    The Patriarch's Council shall consider the recommended amendments and present the matter to the College of Archbishops for discussion and affirmation.

 III.   The Patriarch's Council, after presentation to the College of Archbishops, shall establish the recommended amendments as canon, following the rules of government by consensus.

This is to certify that this edition of the Canons of the International Communion of the Charismatic Episcopal Church has been compared with the official copy of the canons held by the Chairman of the Committee on Canon Law, and that it is in agreement therewith.

            The Most Reverend Craig W. Bates

          Patriarch