Revised Canon of the Celtic Cross
Celtic Cross Communion Pertaining to the Church Plantings of the Independent Catholic Church International (ICCI), World Wide Coalition of Non Denominational Christian Churches (WWN-DCC), Global Confederation of Celtic Churches (GCCC), of the Celtic Cross Old Catholic Church and as it pertains to the Protestant Church planting of the Evangelical Church of the Celtic Cross CANONS EDITED AND UPDATED February 2020 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’[a] This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] 40On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40
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Canons of the Celtic Cross Communion Third Edition 2020 Copyright ©2016 – 2022 All rights reserved. No part of these canons, or this publication may be reproduced stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any way or form such as electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning or otherwise, except under the terms of Copyright Designs Patents Act 1988
Declaration and Constitution of Canons Pertaining to the Church Plantings of the Independent Catholic Church International (ICCI), World Wide Coalition of Non-Denominational Christian Churches (WWN-DCC), Global Confederation of Celtic Churches (GCCC), of the Canonical Catholic Church of the Celtic Cross, and as it pertains to the Protestant Church planting of the Evangelical Church of the Celtic Cross Communion International.
REVISED CANONS OF THE CELTIC CROSS COMMUNION
Canon 1 Universal Apostolic Denomination
a. The Celtic Cross Communion is a Universal Apostolic Denomination that brings brotherhood and sisterhood of all clergy together in unity of the Priesthood in Apostolic Succession.
b. The Celtic Cross Communion recognizes as the common foundation for all humanity freedom enshrined in the 14th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America; and, the 14th Article of the European Convention on Human Rights.
c. For those living outside the United States of America and European Union the Celtic Cross Communion recognizes United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights stands. Where national governments do not respect their own people and evils persist with discrimination ,the Celtic Cross Communion stands with all Christendom in opposition.
Canon 2 Apostolic Church
a. We are an Apostolic Church.
b. When Christ Jesus walked this earth, He chose for himself 12 men to follow Him. These twelve disciples of our Lord were the twelve Apostles, with whom Jesus entrusted the Church.
c. As the Apostles went into the world to spread the Gospel, they appointed bishops to lead the Church. Those who have been consecrated Bishop can trace their authority back to the Apostles and to Christ in an unbroken line of succession. We are one with the Apostolic Rite and the New Covenant.
Canon 3 Apostolic Authority
a. We believe in One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church Sacred in accord with tradition. The Church declares its belief that the Bishops of the Church are the Successors to the Apostles and hold the teaching authority granted to the Apostles by Jesus Christ.
b. This authority is not vested in a single bishop regardless of office or position but is equally and jointly held by all bishops.
Canon 4 Catholic and Apostolic
a. The Apostolic Church is a Catholic Church in its right. Rome holds no copyright on the term catholic. The word means “universal” or “worldwide.”
b. We are a Catholic Church because we teach the faith that Christ Himself gave to the Apostle,s and we continue the ancient Apostolic practices.
c. Apostolic which means Apostles of Christ. We are His teachers and preachers of His holy word and are with one in Him.
Canon 5 Ecumenical Ministry
a. The Celtic Cross Communion is an Ecumenical (Inter-Communion) Apostolic jurisdiction of the Holy Order of the Priesthood that welcomes unity of the Christian Ministry that consist of the Anglican Rite, Episcopal or Reformed Episcopal, Lutheran, Celtic Rite, Roman (Latin) Rite, Liberal Catholic Rite, Charismatic Catholic Rite, and Orthodox Rites (East and West) and Independent Catholic Rite.
b. We come together as one cause for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Celtic Cross Communion is made up of a unity within a Communion of Lay Ministers, Deacons, Priests, and Bishops that are looking for a place without being judged by their past.
c. We are all Disciples of Christ dedicated as Apostles to preach the gospel of His Holy Word. We are here to teach what the Bible has given us the truth of the Living God. This makes the Apostolic Rite. We are the teachers of Christ and follow what was passed down in the Scriptures.
Canon 6 Ministers of Other Denominations
a. We do not judge other ministers because they are not of our Church. When they are ordained as ministers, they are ordained to preach the Whole Divine Gospel of God, and this is done by the laying on of hands.
b. When we were ordained Apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, we became a brother and sister-hood within the Priesthood of Apostles and have been given the authority to pass down through Apostolic Succession to teach the New Covenant to the faithful. The Bishops were given the authority as the overseer of the Church as Jesus appointed in the Scriptures.
Canon 7 Nicene Creed
a. The Celtic Cross Communion declares its belief in the ancient Symbol of Faith known as the Nicene Creed, with or without “filioque.”
b. We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty Creator of heaven and earth and of all that is seen and unseen; and in one Lord Jesus Christ the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father: God from God, Light from Light, True God from True God. Begotten, not made, one in being with the Father, through Him all things were made. For us and for our salvation, He came down from heaven and, by the power of the Holy Spirit He was born of the Virgin Mary and became man. For our sake, He was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered, died, and was buried. On the third day He rose again, in fulfillment of the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He shall come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and His Kingdom shall have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord the Giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified; He has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, we acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins, and we look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Canon 8 Apostle’s, Nicene and Athanasian Creeds
a. The Celtic Cross Communion also accepts the other ancient statements of faith known as the Apostle’s, Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds as equally valid and useful summarizations of the Christian Faith that was once delivered to the Saints.
b. As denoted in Appendices One and Two to these Canons; and as such permissive for use within the jurisdiction of the Celtic Cross Communion.
c. These creeds teach that God is triune; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God the Son became man; He came down from heaven to be born of the Virgin Mary. He lived a sinless life. He was crucified for us at Calvary, He died and was buried, and he rose again from death. By His most precious death and passion, He provided for us sinners a way to be reconciled to God.
Canon 9 Creed of Athanasius
a. The Creed of Athanasius was written by St. Hilary to set forth the teaching of St. Athanasius. Athanasius was born about 295 AD and was a deacon theologian present at the council of Nicea. He is largely responsible for the Nicene Creed. The Athanasian Creed presents the clearest statement of the Christian Doctrine of the Most Holy Trinity and of the Incarnation. The Nicene Creed is recited every Sunday.
b. We recite the Athanasian Creed once a year on Trinity Sunday. The creed is contained in Appendix to these canons.
Canon 10 Thirty-Nine Article of Faith
a. We accept the Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion.
b. Nothing in this Canon shall be construed as to compel any lay member, Deacon, Priest or Bishop of a Rite or Tradition other than the Anglican Rite or Tradition to accept the Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion.
SACRAMENTS
Canon 11 Seven Sacraments
a. We believe that the sacraments are outward signs of the continued presence of Christ and his saving grace among us. There are seven sacraments:
i. The Sacrament of Baptism – Baptism by water in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is a cleansing of sin and a new birth. John the Baptist was sent to prepare the way before the Lord. He called sinners to be baptized in the River Jordan in preparation for the coming ministry of our Lord Jesus.
ii. The Sacrament of the Eucharist – The Mass is the Lord’s Supper, otherwise known as the Eucharist, Holy Communion, or Divine Liturgy. Jesus instituted this sacrament when he gathered together His disciples and broke bread among them, and shared a cup of wine. The bread is His body; the wine is His most precious blood. When we come to the Lord’s Table at Mass to receive this sacrament, we come as humble members of the Body of Christ after careful preparation. The Eucharist is the central focus of our Church Service. All bishops and priests of The Celtic Cross Communion should celebrate The Eucharist once a week if possible. The Eucharist should be offered as often as possible to all baptized Christians, or believe themselves so to be, a part of the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church, and shall not be turned away from the Love of Christ for reasons of race, religion, creed, national origin or sexual orientation. It is a hope and expectation that those who do partake of the Sacrament of the Eucharist do so after confessing their sin to Almighty God and renounce and repent from their sin.
iii. The Sacrament of Confirmation – Confirmation is the laying on of hands by the bishop. People receiving confirmation are instructed about the church and faith. When the Bishop confirms in person, they do so in the long line of succession by which the Apostles themselves laid their hands on the first bishops. The sacrament conveys the gifts of the Holy Ghost. Recognizing this, we must also be cognizant of the fact that due to the diverse geographical structure of The Celtic Cross Communion and the placement of its Bishop’s and clergy, it may become necessary for the Sacrament of Confirmation to be administered by a Priest. Therefore, nothing in this Canon shall prohibit a Bishop or Archbishop from withholding permission or dispensation to a Priest or Pastor of a parish from administering the Sacrament of Confirmation to persons so instructed about the church and faith. As the CCC grows we will face occasions when it will be impossible for a Bishop it administers confirmation. This sub-canon allows for the administration which follows canons of other churches. I would however suggest with one-eye on the future and also wishing always for candidates to understand that they have truly been blessed by the Holy Spirit in a sacramental service that where clergy are to perform conformations that do so only where no other ‘senior’ clergy are available to represent the Bishop e.g. Abbot/Abbess (Ordained), Monsignor’s, Canon’s etc. and each much possess a letter of permission from the Bishop for that service ‘only.’
iv. The Sacrament of Reconciliation – Penance is the confession of sin to God in the presence of a priest. The priest pronounces the forgiveness of sin and blesses the penitent. All confession is private and inviolable. The priest may not reveal a confession to anyone except God alone. The priest may not even bring up the contents of a confession to the same penitent later in time. Time to add something about disclosure
v. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick – Holy Unction is the anointing with oil for healing when one is ill. The oil used has been blessed by the bishop for this special use. If there shall exist an emergency where death is imminent in the person receiving the anointing, and there is no oil available for this special use, and there is no possibility of such oil being blessed by a Bishop in a timely manner, then it shall be permissible for a Priest to bless this oil in context with the use of this Canon.
vi. The Sacrament of Matrimony – Holy Matrimony is the union of one man and one woman for life before God. A man and a woman come before the Church of God to make their vows. This relationship is like Christ and His Church. The Church is the bride. See also Canons 42.
vii. The Sacrament of Holy Orders – Holy Orders convey the Apostolic Ministry of Bishops, Priests, and Deacons in the Church. These orders were instituted by Christ. It was and shall be unlawful for any member of the Episcopacy of The Celtic Cross Communion to offer, confer or celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Orders for any candidate to Holy Orders in exchange for any donation or tithe, no matter what form the donation or tithe may take. That is to say money, goods, valuables or services, or any other article. Likewise, it shall be unlawful for any member of the Episcopacy of the The Celtic Cross Communion to offer for the above mentioned consideration(s) elevation to the Episcopacy to any candidate eligible and approved for the same. Violation of this is Simony and will not be tolerated, accepted or condoned in any manner. This in and of itself may result in the immediate revocation, nullification and termination of any association or affiliation with The Celtic Cross Communion. This and of itself may result in the immediate removal of faculties or credentials of any parties involved in the sale of Holy Orders or of any office of the Church. A thorough investigation will be conducted and all evidence will be prayerfully considered. In any case, the facts and circumstances, once uncovered, will be presented to the Council of Bishops of the Celtic Cross Communion. Any determinations to the sanctions levied, if any, will be made in a Christ like manner, with love and compassion. If the offending parties refuse to accept the sanctions imposed, if any, the matter may be adjudicated by the Presiding Bishop.
Canon 12 Canonical Scripture
a. The Celtic Cross Communion declares its belief in the Revelation of God and God’s Son Jesus Christ found in the Canonical Scriptures (i.e. the Bible). This Revelation is inert in matters of faith.
Canon 13 Belief in the Sacraments
a. The Celtic Cross Communion declares its belief in the Seven Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Reconciliation, Eucharist, Matrimony, Holy Orders, and Anointing of the Sick as signs of the Lord Jesus’ continuing Presence and action in His Church and channels of Actual and Sanctifying Grace.
Canon 14 Real and True Presence of the Lord in the Eucharist
a. The Celtic Cross Communion declares its belief in the actual, real, and true Presence of the Lord Jesus Christ; body and blood, soul and divinity; in each and every portion of the Eucharistic Elements of bread and wine; from the moment of their consecration in the Liturgy until the moment of their dissolution.
b. The Celtic Cross Communion does not identify the process by which this miracle transpires as the Lord Jesus has not seen fit to reveal a mechanism we simply accepts that it is true, on His Word.
Canon 15 Seven Ecumenical Council’s
a. The Celtic Cross Communion declares its belief in the normative decrees of the Seven Ecumenical Councils of the undivided church: i ii iii iv v vi vii Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, Constantinople in 381 AD, Ephesus in 431 AD, Chalcedon in 451 AD, Constantinople II in 553 AD, Constantinople III in 680 AD, and, Nicaea II in 787 AD.
Canon 16 Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church The Celtic Cross Communion declares its belief in the Sacred Tradition of the one Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.
Canon 17 Matters of Faith The Celtic Cross Communion declares that Matters of the Faith may be defined only in the presence of a moral consensus of all bishops and that, to be considered normative for the Church, a teaching proposed by the Bishops in a matter of Faith must also be received by a moral consensus of the people of God (sensum fidei).
Canon 18 Apostolic Succession
a. The Celtic Cross Communion declares its belief that Apostolic Succession, vested in the bishop, and passed by them in the Sacrament of Holy Orders, is necessary for the licit and efficacious celebration of the Sacraments.
Canon 19 Called to preach the Good news
a. The Celtic Cross Communion declares its belief that it is called by Jesus Christ to preach the good news of his life, death, and resurrection; and to extend His Sacraments to all who appropriately and reverently seek them. The Presiding Bishop and The Governing Council Boards of The Celtic Cross Communion.
Canon 20 Governing Councils
a. The Three Presiding Governing Councils, which are;
i. The Ministerial Council Board of Directors,
ii. The Celtic Cross Conclave of International Independent Catholic and Christian Bishops, and,
iii. The Celtic Cross Abbesses Council of the St. John the Evangelist Sisterhood, of The Celtic Cross Communion; shall conduct meetings and vote on matters placed before them by the Presiding Bishop.
b. The Office of Canon Chancellor:
i. Will be responsible for all matters involving the Chancery of St Ivo which will include dealing with all matters of canon and ecclesiastical law within the Celtic Cross Communion and its licensed bodies under these canons.
ii. Will be responsible, and answer to the Presiding Bishop and the Governing Council’s.
iii. Will not dictate canon law which is left to the legislative arm within the Celtic Cross Communion which for the purposes of canon and ecclesiastical law is the Presiding Bishop and the Governing Council’s.
iv. Will advise on all things pertaining to canon and ecclesiastical law. v. Will maintain the records of all things relevant to the Celtic Cross Communion canon and ecclesiastical law.
v. Will hear appeals, along with at least two appointed Ordinaries, on matters of law from Bishops courts.
vi. All communications between the Canon Chancellor and Ordained and Licensed leaders appointed offices within the Celtic Cross Communion will be treated in the strictest confidence under an attorney client relationship. However, where a report is made of a crime that includes violence against the persons and sexual crimes the Chancellor will speak with the relevant law enforcement authorities.
Canon 21 Presiding Bishop
a. The Presiding Bishop shall preside over the Council of Bishops and take order for the consecration of bishops upon their appointment. The Presiding Bishop shall perform all duties currently delegated to them either by their own orders or the canons of this code.
Canon 22 Presiding Bishop Expenses
a. All necessary expenses of the Presiding Bishop shall be provided for in the budget to be submitted to the Vicar General, or if this position is vacant, to the Council Chairman of the individual Board of Council.
Canon 23 Council of Bishops
a. The Council of Bishops consists of all bishops duly appointed and consecrated by mandate from the Presiding Bishop. The Council of Bishops shall consist of those Bishops and Archbishops directly under the jurisdiction of the Independent Catholic Church. The Council of Bishops shall vote on all matters brought before them. On Parishes and Parish Councils
Canon 24 Formation of a New Parish
a. The formation of a new parish or the reception of an existing one is left to the action of the Bishop Missionary with the approval of the Presiding Bishop.
Canon 25 Parish Property and Estate Every parish shall:
a. If possible, own its own property and have control over it and neither The Celtic Cross Communion nor the Diocesan Bishop shall have any equitable interest or trust estate therein.
b. For the purposes of their office, and for the full and free discharge of all the functions and duties pertaining thereto, the licensed Rector of the said parish, shall at all times, be entitled to the use and control of the church and parish buildings with the appurtenances and furniture thereof.
Canon 26 Appointment to Office of Rector
a. A Rector shall be appointed by the Diocesan Bishop, or in the absence of a Diocesan Bishop, the Bishop Missioner, or Apostolic Administrator. b. The Bishop and the Rector shall be subject to the provisions of these canons.
c. In every case, the Archbishop shall license the credentials of the priest chosen to be Rector before they are is canonically instituted.
Canon 27 Parish Council
a. The rector shall be an ex-officio member of the Parish Council who chairs the meeting of the council with voice, with vote, and with signatory powers.
b. Canons of this code and the parishes own by-laws shall provided the basis for matters determined by the Parish Council.
c. The rector shall be an ex-officio member of the Parish Council who chairs the meeting of the council with voice, with vote, and with signatory powers.
d. All ordained clergy so licensed to a parish will be ex-officio members of the parish council.
e. Parish Council by laws are set out in Appendix Three to these Canons.
Canon 28 Members Qualifications
a. Each parish shall set the qualifications for the members of its council in the parish bylaws; subject to Appendix Three to these Canons. CONGREGATIONS OR CLERGY SEEKING AFFILIATION
Canon 29 Congregation application
a. A congregation of Christian people, holding the Christian faith as set forth in the catholic creeds and recognizing the Holy Scriptures as containing all things necessary for salvation and using a rite approved by this Fellowship or declaring its intention to do so, may make application for affiliation with The Celtic Cross Communion to the Bishop Ordinary of the jurisdiction where the congregation is located.
b. The Ordinary may accept the congregation pending the approval of the Presiding Bishop and the Celtic Cross Conclave of Bishops.
Canon 30 Priestly Ministry
a. A minister who has not received apostolic succession ordination and desires to serve such a congregation shall conform to the provision of canons on ordination. What does this imply? To me this implies that such individuals must seek ordination with apostolic succession.
b. A minister who has been ordained by a bishop not in communion with this Church but whose ordination is nonetheless considered valid by the Presiding Bishop may be admitted in his orders.
c. In in the case of ministers described in Canon 30 paragraph b, the Bishop Ordinary admitting him will forward all pertinent information and/or prescribed clergy statements to the Presiding Bishop that the newly admitted priest or deacon may be entered on the Official Registry of Clergy.
Canon 31 Acceptance of Bishops from Other Jurisdictions
a. A Bishop who has been consecrated by a Bishop, or Bishops, in a jurisdiction other than the jurisdiction of this Church may apply for affiliation with this Church through the Bishop Ordinary of the Diocese in which he resides.
b. The applicant should supply proof of their diaconal and priestly ordination as well as apostolic consecration.
c. A recommendation shall be provided, if at all possible from the former provincial superior. Where this is not possible a letter from the Bishop applicant explaining the reasons for the transfer of credentials to the CCC should be provided and entered into the personal file. d. The Ordinary must then submit the request to both the Presiding Bishop, and the Council chairman. After this, a church charter may be granted by the Presiding Bishop or the bishop may be assigned as a regular bishop of The Celtic Cross Communion.
INTER-COMMUNION AGREEMENTS
Canon 32 Inter-Communion process
a. This Church may, from time to time, enter into inter-communion agreements with other churches.
b. Agreements are seen as essential within the wider Christian community. However, we never lose sight of the importance of ensuring that all churches that we are in communion with share with us the same catholic doctrines. As such we will always ensure due diligence is paid before we enter such agreements for the protection of our church family.
c. Such agreements shall be effective upon the recommendation of the Presiding Bishop and his Curia.
d. Inter-communion agreements are then ratified by the Celtic Cross Conclave of Bishops.
Lay Members
Canon 33 Baptized Member of the Church
a. A baptized member of this Church is a person who has received the Sacrament of Holy Baptism with water in the Name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and is enrolled in a parish of this church.
Canon 34 Communicant Member of the Church
a. A communicant is a person who has been confirmed by a Bishop of this Church, by a bishop in communion with this church, or by a bishop in Apostolic Succession and such person having been received by a bishop of this church, and is enrolled in a parish of this church.
Canon 35 Communicant Moving from One parish to Another
a. A member or communicant desiring transfer from one parish to another shall be entitled to a letter of transfer.
Canon 36 Communicant in Good Standing
A member or communicant is in good standing if he or she is in full compliance with these canons and not under any form of ecclesiastical discipline.
Canon 37 Duties of a Communicant
a. There shall be several duties of a communicant within The Celtic Cross Communion, they are as follows:
i. Worship God every Sunday in his Church unless the communicant is reasonably hindered, and, in the event of such hindrance, to read privately the office of morning or evening prayer.
ii. To observe his baptismal vows, and to live as not to give scandal to the Church of God.
iii. Receive the Sacrament of the Eucharist as often as possible.
iv. To observe all applicable canons of this Church.
v. Follow with due diligence the Fundamental Statement of Truth and the Faith Statement of the Celtic Cross Communion.
vi. To give regular support to the church, and evidenced by the books of the Treasurer of the Parish, the biblical tithe being the duty of every Christian.
Canon 38 Removal from Parish Roll
a. A baptized member or communicant of the Church may be stricken from the rolls of the parish: By the rector if such a person abandons the Church by joining another religious body.
b. With the consent of the Bishop if said person gives offense to the Church by reason of the manner of their life; (Be that of a Moral and Ethical Biblical Scripture)
c. He, or she, may be restored to the rolls of the parish when, and if, the causes for removal from said parish register no longer exist; and the communicant has demonstrated full adherence to the canons of The Celtic Cross Communion.
Canon 39 Admonition and Censure
a. A baptized member, or communicant, may be censured by the Rector with the consent of the Bishop.
b. The baptized member, or communicant, may be thereby removed from and made ineligible for any office in the Church for any of the causes specified in Canon 40, or refusal to obey the Godly admonitions of the Bishop.
c. Such admonition and censure shall be given or confirmed in writing by the Bishop who will state the specific cause or causes and the evidence which constitutes the cause.
Canon 40 Excommunication
a. Excommunication from the church is the most serious punishment rendered upon a communicant or member of the clergy. It is not imposed upon anyone lightly but only after much prayer and judicial procedure.
b. Anyone who leaves the Church without notice and who offends under these canons will be considered to be in a state of excommunication.
c. Anyone who has left the Church previously with goodwill, but for some reason then offends under these canons will be considered to be in a state of excommunication.
d. Excommunication of communicants shall be by the Bishop Ordinary after consulting the Legal Office Presiding Bishop. Some of the causes are as follows:
i. Abandoning the Christian Faith.
ii. Failure to repent of grievous and abominating sin (According to Biblical Scripture) and to amend one’s life in accordance with the Gospel.
iii. Openly and knowingly denying any doctrine of the Church, or teaching or proclaiming any contrary doctrine; provided that in all cases the said communicant shall be entitled, if they demand it, to a trial before the Ecclesiastical Court of the Bishop Ordinary of the province. If no Bishop is appointed to a particular time the Presiding Bishop will appoint an ordinary to hear the particular case.
iv. In all instances final appeal will be to the Presiding Bishop who will make decide upon the courts decisions or upon the sentence.
v. The legal office can consider cases on points of canon law and will advise the Presiding Bishop of any matters arising from the considerations.
Canon 41 Excommunication; Return to Status of Communicant
a. Whenever the cause of excommunication ceases to exist, a person who has been excommunicated may be restored to communicant status by the Bishop Ordinary with the advice and consent of the Rector of the parish to which said person was formerly a communicant.
b. The Courts have held the position Church membership is voluntary. Consequently, one is free to join and free to resign from the organization and that resignation ends the ability of the organization to apply its rules and procedures, like excommunication, to the individual after resigning membership.
c. The CCC reserves the right to severe the relationship of the communicant in the event of deviant behaviors, conduct and beliefs. The Bishop Ordinary with the advice and consent of the Rector of the parish will make a determination in this matter regarding the communicant’s conduct.
THE SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY
Canon 42 Holy Matrimony
a. Holy Matrimony is a lifelong union of a man and a woman, blessed by God with the full authority of the Church, for the procreation of children (if it be God’s will), and their physical and spiritual nurture, for the purpose of mutual love, comfort and honor, and for the safeguarding and benefit of the society.
Canon 43 Canon and Civil Law jurisdiction
a. No priest may solemnize any marriage or bless any previous union except in accordance with these canons and the laws of the civil jurisdiction in which the marriage took place.
b. The priest must follow all local, state and Country laws that will be from time to time enforce pertaining to marriage. In particular no priest belonging to the Celtic Cross Communion is licensed to perform weddings without the proper local, state or country registrations.
Canon 44 One of the Couple must be Baptized
a. At least one of the couple who wish to be married must have been Baptized in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Canon 45 Freedom and Fitness of the Couple to Marry
a. The priest shall determine the freedom and the fitness of the couple who wish to contract to Holy Matrimony according to the canons of the Celtic Cross Communion Statement of Belief and this Church.
Canon 46 Period of Notice of Planned Marriage
a. Parties who wish to enter into Holy Matrimony shall notify the priest at least six months prior to the proposed wedding date, so that the priest may instruct the parties as to the nature of Holy Matrimony and assess their fitness to enter into the marital covenant. They may dispense with the required period of time provided there is sufficient time to allow for Pre-Marital Spiritual Counseling. Parties who wish to enter into Holy Matrimony shall notify the priest sufficiently before the proposed wedding date, so that the priest may instruct the parties as to the nature of Holy Matrimony through Pre-Marital Spiritual Counseling, and to assess their fitness to enter into the marital covenant.
b. The period may be determined differently by local or state laws, and particular other legal requirements. Which must in all situations be followed.
Canon 47 Declining to Solemnizing a marriage
a. At his or her discretion, a priest may decline to solemnize any marriage.
b. This may be for personal, moral or ethical basses as directed by the Church and or Holy Scripture according to the Celtic Cross Communion – Statement of Belief and this Canon.
c. Most state, Country and International laws will support such decisions of conscience. But priests are advised to seek guidance from the legal office in the first instance should such a situation arise.
Canon 48 Two Witnesses at a Marriage
a. There shall be at least two competent witnesses other than the priest, to the solemnization of Holy Matrimony.
Canon 49 Records
a. The priest shall record in the proper register the date and place of marriage, the names of the parties and their parents, the age of the parties, their residences and Church status, and witnesses and priest shall sign the record.
b. Registers will be those required by local, state or country legislation. The legislation will determine how the records shall be kept and who shall be notified, and how often.
Canon 50 License and Registers
a. After the marriage has been completed, the marriage license will be recorded with the local circuit court or office of the county clerk within the time limit given by the court to be entered into record, or in line with Local, State or Country laws.
b. In the United States; the State registry where the priest resides must be the state in which the priest is registered to perform and Rite of Marriage Ceremony in whatever jurisdiction the official ceremony is to take place.
c. In all other countries the Local, State and Country laws must be followed. For advice and help the Legal Office can be contacted.
Canon 51 Permission to Perform Marriage
a. All clergy eligible to perform marriage ceremonies, that is Priests and Bishops, must gain permission from their supervising Bishop who will have likewise have a license from the Board of Directors.
b. Clergy must never presume that because they are ordained that they have license from the CCC to perform marriages.
c. The Board takes its legal duties seriously and will always ascertain the local legal situation before issue licenses.
LITURGY OF THE CHURCH
Canon 52 Liturgy
a. The Liturgy of the Mass:
i. St. Joseph Weekday Missal
ii. St. Joseph Sunday Missal
iii. Other liturgies approved for use, though the St Joseph Missal should always be used for the Mass.
iv. 1549, 1662, 1928, 1979 Book of Common Prayer shall be the standard Book of Common Prayer in this Church. This includes the 1985 version of Novus Ordo or the Tridentine Mass, also the Stowe Celtic Missal, the Book of Divine Worship, the Anglican Missal or the New American Missal and on occasions the Book of Common Prayer. A bishop may, upon request, authorize the use of supplemental liturgies. Other liturgies may be adopted by decree of the Presiding Bishop as long said liturgies are Christian and doctrinal sounded. Nothing in this Canon shall be construed as meaning that a lay member, Deacon, Priest or Bishop of one Rite or Tradition, whichever it shall be, will be compelled to use a liturgy, prayer book or Missal of another Rite or Tradition.
MUSIC OF THE CHURCH
Canon 53 Music for the greater Glory of God
a. It shall be the duty of every rector, or presiding minister, to see that music is used in their congregation as an offering for the glory of God and as a help to the people in their worship.
b. To this end he shall be the final authority in the administration of matters pertaining to music with such assistance as Rector or presiding minister may see fit to employ from such persons skilled in music.
c. It shall be the duty of the Rector or presiding minister to suppress all unseemly music and all irreverence in the rendition thereof.
HOLY ORDERS
Canon 54 Of Male and Female Ordination
a. This CCC adheres to a practice of allowing male and female ordination to the:
i. Diaconate,
ii. Priesthood,
iii. Episcopate, also known as a Bishop.
b. The CCC through its Bishops respects biblical and Scriptural guidelines. It recognizes Priests, and Deacons as the new covenant of Jesus Christ.
c. We refer to the ministry of the Blessed Mother, Mary the wife of Joseph, Mary Magdalene, and all the female Saints and Prophets which have been reorganized by the one full Catholic and Apostolic Church as having vital roles in the Spreading of the faith and bearing good fruit for the Kingdom of Heaven.
d. Women may also enter the divine covenant of a Convent life. Should they choose a life of humility and service as a part of the Saint Scholastica Sisterhood.
e. Men may also enter the divine covenant of Monastery life. Should they choose a life of humility and service as a part of the Saint Brendan the Navigator Brotherhood.
Regarding Time Lines of Ordination
The authority to ordain anyone to any office at any time is the sole privilege The Primate Archbishop.
I .The essential rite of ordination is the laying on of hands by the bishop on the heads of those seeking to be ordained. This symbol is inclusive in all levels of presbyteral ordination or consecration (Deacon, Priest and Bishop).
Only a bishop may ordain and for a bishop to be consecrated in the Roman Catholic Rite there needs to be at least three bishops, the main consecrating bishop and two co-consecrators to ensure not only legitimacy (valid and licit) but apostolic succession.
If one bishop does not have apostolic succession and the other two do, or if two do not have apostolic succession and one does, as long as the ceremonies are in a liturgical context and the bishop with apostolic succession lays hands on the candidate that person is validly and licitly ordained or consecrated.
II. In the Celtic Cross Old Catholic Church a Bishop my be consecrated by two Bishops with Apostolic Succession
Orientations into Holy Orders are conferred to Women,Men Single,Married, and Divorced.
Ordination is not conferred on members of the LGBTQ community .
III. Who can be ordained and how long it takes to be permitted to enter into holy orders.
According to the 1983 Code of Canon Law of the Roman Catholic Church there is no indication concerning the time frame in Roman Catholic Title 6 Orders (Cann. 1008-1054)
The Celtic Cross Old Catholic Church adheres to there is no indication concerning the time frame in Roman Catholic Title 6 Orders (Cann. 1008-1054) .
Therefore, if someone is considered to be of the right character and posses the Holy Orders of Deacon and Priest and the Archbishop mandates episcopal consecration, there is nothing in the law that stipulates that this cannot happen.
In fact Pope Leo X 1513-1523, was a deacon and then elected Pope as were lay men such as John XIX 1024-1032.
In the early centuries many priests of the diocese of Rome were elected Pope.
There is nothing that says once ordained a deacon one cannot be ordained a priest immediately thereafter.
In other words, if a bishop wants to ordain someone a priest that bishop must first ordain the person a deacon and then immediately ordain them a priest.
This can be done the same day.
If the Primate Archbishop chooses to move someone to the episcopacy he or she can do that anytime.
It is possible for the Archbishop to say, for example he wants John Jones as his bishop.
However, John Jones is not a deacon, but has all his ministerial studies competed and signed off.
If that is the case then the Archbishop
can assign (or do it himself) a bishop to ordain John Jones a deacon, and a priest the same day and then consecrate him a bishop the same day. There is nothing in canon law that prohibits this.
Canon 55 Age of Candidates for Ordination
a. No person may be licensed as a deacon until he or she has reached the age of twenty-one (21) years.
i. Exception only being the age of (18) years for this ministries Non-denominational Christian Church known as the Evangelical Church of the Celtic Cross.
ii. The licensing period shall be for one-year conditional.
iii. The year one period successful conclusion will be dependent on the successful completion of the Celtic Cross Seminary of Theology seminarian training.
iv. With the consensus of the Bishops and/or Ordinary, and with the agreement and approval of the Presiding Bishop, the candidate shall be elevated to the Sacred Priesthood.
v. If consensus is not reached, the licensing period may be extended for one year. The same examination will take place at the end of this time. If there is consensus as described above, elevation of the candidate shall take place.
vi. If consensus cannot be reached, or if the candidate is not called to the Priesthood, the license shall be revoked and the candidate released.
b. No person shall be elevated to the Episcopacy until they have reached the age of thirty (30) years and or has been a priest for at least five years.
c. Nothing in this Canon shall be construed as removing from any office those person(s) already in their respective office prior to the revisions of this Canon, nor shall anything contained in this Canon prohibit the modification of the time or age constraints subject to approval by the Bishop and/or Ordinary, and Presiding Bishop.
Canon 56 Bishop, Priest or Deacon and the Creeds
a. No person shall be ordained a bishop, priest, or deacon unless and until he or she has publicly subscribed to the ancient creeds, known as the Apostle’s Creed, and the Nicene Creed.
b. He or she shall have subscribed to the oath prescribed and take his or her Holy Vows into the priesthood.
Canon 57 Bishop, Priest or Deacon and New Testament Standards
a. No person shall be ordained a bishop, priest, or deacon or received into the Church in any of these capacities, or admitted as a postulant, or candidate for holy orders, unless they shall meet the New Testament standards.
Postulants
Canon 58 Postulant’s Process
a. An adult male or female communicant member of this Church who believes himself called to the Sacred Ministry shall consult the Rector of the Parish, or, if there is none where they live, some other priest.
b. If encouraged to persevere, they should apply to the Bishop Ordinary for admission as a postulant. The application for postulancy shall state:
i. Name.
ii. Date and place of birth.
iii. Date and place of Baptism.
iv. Date and place of Confirmation with name of the confirming Bishop.
v. Date and place of admission to communion.
vi. Whether he or she has applied previously to any bishop for admission as a postulant.
vii. The grounds on which he or she believes them self-called to the Sacred Ministry.
viii. An application to the ministry must be completed by the intended Postulant prior to acceptance.
c. If it is discovered that the information given above has been given falsely training will be suspended with immediate effect. The Church will consider disciplinary action if no good reason can be given. Only once the situation has been fully satisfied may the postulant proceed at the discretion of the Bishop.
Canon 59 Application Acceptance or Rejection
a. Within sixty days of the receipt of the application, the Bishop shall notify the applicant of:
i. the acceptance, or,
ii. rejection of his or her application.
b. If the applicant is accepted, this fact is to be recorded in the records of the diocese and the Presiding Bishop.
c. Where an application is rejected a full account of why the application has been rejected at the time of the application and if the Bishop feels that the applicant should:
i. Consider applying again after another period of self-formation and reflection, or,
ii. Consider another role serving God within the church community. Noting that all roles are equal in God’s eyes.
d. An applicant who has been rejected can ask the Bishop to forward the letter of rejection of application, the original application, along with an appeals letter to the Bishop’s immediate Primus for consideration. Any decision that the Primus makes will be full and final.
Canon 60 Postulants Life of Study and Preparation
a. The life, preparation and study of a postulant shall be directed by the Bishop and or Ordinary.
b. The Bishop and or Ordinary is at liberty to direct that the postulant takes direction from a director of study during the study period of their vocation.
Canon 61 Ember Day Letters
a. The postulant shall report to the Bishop personally or by letter four times a year during the Ember seasons regarding their:
i. their manner of life,
ii. spiritual state,
iii. Academic progress.
Canon 62 Evidence of Prior Academic Achievement
a. Before entering into his or her courses of Celtic Cross Seminary of Theology (CCSoT) studies, the postulant shall lay before the Bishop and the Bishop evidence that he or she, possesses a diploma from an accepted Institute of Theology.
b. Accepted in this canon means accepted by the Presiding Bishop and Board of Directors of the CCC.
c. If this is the case and the postulant seeks a waiver of studies provided by the CCSoT and if the evidence provided is sufficient, the Bishop with the concurrence of the Presiding Bishop may waive the theological training provided by the CCSoT.
d. Waiver is seen as an exception to the rule that candidates will undertake, some, or all of the units required by the CCSoT prior to ordination. Canon 63 Removal of Postulant a. The Bishop may remove any postulant who fails to be accepted as a candidate after the lapse of two years from the date of his or her initial acceptance as a postulant. b. Removal from the list of candidates will be recorded and notified to the Presiding Bishop and the Chancery St Ivo.
Candidates
Canon 64 Application to be a Candidate
a. Any postulant who has met the requirements of Canon 62 may apply for admission as a candidate.
b. The application shall be endorsed by the Bishop subject to canon 65.
Canon 65 Impediment to candidature
a. The Bishop shall admit the said person as a candidate within thirty days, except for weighty cause, and so note the same on the records of the Diocese, and inform the Presiding Bishop and Chancery of St Ivo.
b. If said person is not to be admitted they are to be informed by the Bishop in writing within thirty days giving a full account of why they are not to be accepted as candidates, and also if the Bishop feels that the postulant should:
i. Consider applying again for candidacy after another period of candidacy, self-formation, and reflection, or,
ii. Consider another role serving God within the church community. Noting that all roles are equal in God’s eyes.
iii. A postulant who has been rejected for candidacy can ask the Bishop to forward the letter of rejection of candidacy, all relevant personal documentation, along with an appeals letter to the Bishop’s immediate Primus for consideration. Any decision that the Primus makes will be full and final.
Canon 66 Removal of Candidates for Holy Orders
a. Bishop may remove any candidate for Holy Orders who fails to present himself, or herself, for examination in the Deacon’s Orders within two years.
b. A record of the removal shall be made in the Diocesan Records and Bishop shall inform the Presiding Bishop’s office and the Chancery of St Ivo.
THE BISHOP
Canon 67 Appointment of the Bishop
a. The Bishop shall be appointed by the Presiding Bishop from within the Council of Bishops.
b. The Bishop shall also occupy the Office of Vicar General of the Celtic Cross Communion and will be the Chaplain of the Presiding Bishop.
c. No Bishop will be given a license unless they:
i. Observe and follow these canons, the Faith Statement, the Fundamental Statement of Truth, and all Decrees and Mandates lawfully issued by the Archbishops and fellow Bishops of the Celtic Cross Communion.
ii. Failure to do so for a Bishop from another jurisdiction will be refused a license.
iii. Failure to do so for a Bishop from within this Church will mean that the Code of Conduct will be invoked and the Archbishop will commence legal disciplinary proceedings to ascertain the full truth of the matter.
iv. Failure of a Bishop to co-operate with the proceedings will not prevent the process and they will continue in absentia.
Canon 68 Duty of the Bishop Regarding Postulants
a. It shall be the duty of the Bishop under the guidance and oversight of the Presiding Bishop, to conduct the examinations of postulants, and candidates prescribed in these canons.
b. The Bishop shall give oversight to postulants, candidates, and deacons, and shall advise them in regard to their studies and preparations.
Canon 69 Bishop’s Duty to Reporting
a. The Bishop shall report promptly, in writing, to the Presiding Bishop, respective Bishop, the results of each examination held by his or her office, whether satisfactory or unsatisfactory.
LICENSING TO THE DIACONATE
Canon 70 Following Acceptance
a. A candidate for Holy Orders must contact the Bishop within 36 hours once he or she, has been notified their application has been accepted and have completed the required examinations.
b. He or she, must then apply to the Bishop to be licensed a Deacon, also submitting a recommendation from the priest who endorses him or her as a postulant.
c. Nothing in this canon shall constrain a Bishop’s prerogative to slow down the process, or impugn any part or parts of the process to date.
d. Thus the Bishop can place a candidate back into the candidature program with a full explanation of the reasons for the reasons of the decision. e. A candidate who finds their progress to ordination slowed by the Bishop can ask the Bishop to forward the letter of reasoning, all relevant personal documentation, along with an appeals letter to the Bishop’s immediate Primus for consideration. Any decision that the Primus makes will be full and final.
Canon 71 Deacons Length of License
a. When the requirements of Canon 70 have been satisfied, the Bishop shall take order for the licensing of the candidate to the diaconate.
b. The person licensed to the diaconate shall remain a deacon for at least two years before being ordained to the priesthood.
c. Exceptionally the Bishop who has responsibility for the Deacon may shorten this time to no less than six months only with the approval of the Presiding Bishop.
d. It is envisaged that all exceptions will have been approved before the ordination to the diaconate has taken place.
Canon 72 Serving out a License as a Deacon
a. A deacon licensed under the provisions of this canon shall exercise their ministry as an assistant in any parish or parishes to which, at the request or with the consent of the Rector and parish council, they may be assigned by the bishop.
b. As such, they may execute all functions pertaining to the office of deacon.
c. They may not serve as Minister in Charge of a congregation except under the supervision of a diocesan priest.
d. They may not be transferred to another jurisdiction without the written permission of the ecclesiastical authority thereof.
ORDINATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD
Canon 73 Deacon Desiring Ordination to Priesthood
a. A deacon desiring to be ordained to the priesthood shall apply to the bishop to be ordained a priest.
b. A deacon shall remain a deacon for no less than six months, and no more than two years to be trained, understand more of the ministry, the rubric, and scriptures.
Canon 75 Mandate from Bishop
a. No person shall be ordained to the priesthood without a mandate from the Presiding Bishop.
Canon 76 Ordination and Apostolic Succession
a. All candidates ordained to the priesthood will be ordained by a bishop within the Apostolic Succession as it is passed down in the scriptures. b. Proof of said Apostolic Succession will have to have been established by and within the Celtic Cross Communion. If the Celtic Cross Communion has any reservation as to a Bishops Apostolic Succession, it will not recognize anyone ordained by said, Bishop.
CLERGY ORDAINED IN OTHER CHURCHES
Canon 77 Incardination
a. A priest or deacon who has been ordained by a bishop in Apostolic Orders recognized as valid by this Church may be admitted to a Diocese of this Church in the Order in which they were ordained.
b. Such admission being by the Bishop of the diocese under such conditions as he or she, may determine, provided that the said priest or deacon renounces the authority of his or her former ecclesiastical obedience and submits themself to the authority of such bishop.
c. All such priests or deacons shall meet the requirements for ordination stated in these canons.
d. A priest moving from one jurisdiction under good order should be able to provide from his or her previous Bishops Letters Dismissory, see Canon 86.
Canon 78 Doubt of Validity of Previous Ordination
a. If there is doubt as to the validity or regularity of such ordination, the Bishop may after consultation with the presiding Bishop regularize him or her
b. A Bishop willing to regularize an ordination may set particular requirements, or prerequisites; these may include a period of formation into the Celtic Cross Communion as well as specific training modules.
Canon 79 Ministers from Church’s without Apostolic Orders
a. A minister ordained in a church not having Apostolic Orders recognized as valid by this Church and who seeks Holy Orders in this Church must renounce the authority of their former ecclesiastical obedience and submit themselves to the authority of a bishop of this Church.
b. They must submit their letter of ordination and satisfactory evidence of it and other credentials as being valid and authentic
c. They must provide satisfactory evidence of their moral and godly character and that they are free from any vows of other engagements inconsistent with the ministry of this church.
d. They must have fulfilled all the requirements pertaining to their order as stated in these canons.
e. He or she shall display competence in all areas except ordination to the priesthood.
f. In addition, they shall be examined in the points of doctrine, discipline, polity, and worship in which the communion from which he or she has come differs from this Church.
g. A Bishop willing accept or to regularize an ordination may set particular requirements, or prerequisites; these may include a period of formation into the Celtic Cross Communion as well as specific training modules.
APPOINTMENT OF BISHOPS
Canon 80 Appointment of a Bishop
a. When there shall be an occasion for the appointment of a bishop, the Presiding Bishop shall notify the Council of Bishops.
b. In case of the resignation, incapacity, or death of the Bishop, the Bishop Auxiliary immediately becomes Apostolic Administrator for the vacant see pending appointment of a new bishop by the Presiding Bishop(s).
c. In cases involving the vacancy of a Metropolitan See, the senior suffragan bishop shall be appointed Apostolic Administrator for the Archdiocese.
Canon 81 Bishop’s Visitations
a. Every bishop ordinary shall visit every congregation in their charge at least once every two years for the purpose of examining their condition, preaching the Gospel, celebrating the Holy Eucharist, and confirming those presented for that purpose.
b. Additional visits will take place where the Bishop considers it necessary for the health and well-being of a particular congregation, of minister ecclesiastical. Canon 82 Bishop’s Register a. Every Bishop Ordinary shall keep a register of their official acts.
Canon 83 Bishop’s Jurisdiction Boundary
a. Every Bishop Ordinary may not perform any apostolic act within the jurisdiction of another bishop without the consent of that Bishop or, in the absence of the Ordinary, the Metropolitan Archbishop.
b. Where a congregation or minister of a congregation from an adjoining jurisdiction is requesting assistance, or oversite, from a Bishop from another jurisdiction, the Bishop receiving the request must inform the Presiding Bishop and follow canon 83(a).
Canon 84 Communications
a. Every Bishop Ordinary shall deliver at the Diocesan Convention a Charge to their clergy and may, from time to time, address to his people Pastoral Letters on points of Christian doctrine, worship, or manners, which he or she may require clergy to read or distribute to their congregations.
Canon 85 Exceptions
a. No bishop in Celtic Cross Communion may confer Holy Orders without a mandate from the Presiding Bishop.
b. No Archbishop, Bishop or even the Presiding Bishop should make representations or promises to a candidate for ordination or Holy Orders that are outside of or contrary to our stated policy and procedures or Code of Canon Law unless this is done in consultation and agreement with all parties concerned, that is, the Bishop and/or Ordinary the Presiding Bishop and the Canon Chancellor.
c. Application of b. above should not be the rule; it should be the exception and does not create in any way a precedent that the Church would have to follow.
d. The application of b. above must be done prior to the application process, not after the process has been completed.
e. Exceptions that Bishops and Archbishops may consider necessary to consider would be those that impact on a candidate’s human rights, such as those pertaining to disabilities; as well as states and national laws.
Canon 86 Letters Dismissory
a. Every Bishop Ordinary shall give timely notice of the acceptance of Letters Dismissory.
b. They shall enroll among the clergy of the diocese; those received and delete the names of those transferred thereby.
c. See also Canon 77 Incardination.
Canon 87 Resignation of Bishops
a. The resignation of a Bishop Ordinary shall be addressed to the Presiding Bishop and shall become effective upon his or her acceptance.
b. A Bishop retiring or resigning shall retain his or her seat and vote with the Council.
c. The retiring or resigning shall retain his or her seat and vote within the Council except where the Bishops is awaiting;
i. the outcome of any investigation of facts and circumstances concerning any allegations or violations of these Canons, or
ii. the vote of the Councils in connection with the levy of sanction or discipline to be mandated by the Council Chairman, if any, in connection with the allegation of violation of any of these Canons on the retiring or resigning Bishop and is subject to these Canons.
d. A Bishop who has resigned with the consent of the Presiding Bishop, may, at the discretion of the new Ordinary, be enrolled among the clergy of that diocese, and become subject to its canons and regulations. It shall be construed that any Bishop who retires or resigns while under investigation of allegations of violations of these Canons does so to avoid any disciplinary action(s) that may be lawfully imposed according to these Canons.
e. No Bishop who is under investigation for any allegation of a violation of these Canons, or any Ecclesiastical laws so made under the jurisdiction of these Canons will be allowed to retire or resign their posts; the said Bishop will be expected to:
i. Comply with any Investigation,
ii. Comply with any disciplinary action should the investigation so indicate such action as necessary,
iii. Failure to do so will mean that the investigation and a disciplinary will take place in absentia,
iv. Failure to comply will not be taken to be a declaration of guilt.
DUTIES OF PRIESTS
Canon 88 Records
a. Every Priest in charge of a congregation shall see to it ensure that a parish register is kept in which shall be recorded all baptisms, confirmations, marriages, and burials within such parish. See Appendix Four.
b. Priests must also record all divine services of said parish with the date, place, and nature of said service.
c. Also to be recorded are all the communicants of said parish if they are active or inactive.
Canon 89 Priests Duty Regarding the Bishop
a. Every Priest in charge of a congregation shall at every confirmation deliver to the bishop the list of those to be confirmed.
b. Every Priest shall advise the bishop on every apostolic visitation of the spiritual and temporal state of the parish, delivering for inspection all parish registers.
c. Every Priest shall read to the congregation, any pastoral letter received from the bishop within thirty days.
Canon 90 Priests Duty regarding Holy Baptism
a. Every Priest in charge of a congregation shall instruct both parents and godparents concerning the significance of holy baptism, the responsibilities involved, and how these obligations are to be discharged.
b. The priest will instruct children and adults who have not been confirmed, preparing them for confirmation.
Canon 91 Permission to Officiate
a. No priest shall officiate or preach on any more than one occasion in any jurisdiction not his own without the consent of the local ordinary.
b. An ordinary considering giving a priest permission to officiate, or preach, in a church within the ordinaries jurisdiction shall first bring this to the attention of the Bishop of the diocese in which the priest is licensed.
c. No Priest will be given a license unless they:
i. Observe and follow these canons,
ii. the Faith Statement,
iii. the Fundamental Statement of Truth,
iv. and all Decrees and Mandates lawfully issued by the Archbishops and Bishops of the Celtic Cross Communion.
v. Failure to do so for a Priest from another jurisdiction will be refused a license.
vi. Failure to do so for a Priest from within this Church will mean that the Code of Conduct will be invoked and the Bishop will commence legal disciplinary proceedings to ascertain the full truth of the matter.
vii. Failure of a Priest to co-operate with the proceedings will not prevent the process and they will continue in absentia.
Canon 92 Clergy Moving to Another Jurisdiction
a. A clergyman moving from one jurisdiction to another, in order to gain canonical residence within a jurisdiction, shall present to the ecclesiastical authority thereof a:
i. testimonial from the ecclesiastical authority of the jurisdiction from which they are moving,
ii. a certificate that they are a clergyman (stating order) in good standing, not liable for presentment for any ecclesiastical offense within the past five years.
b. Such a certificate is called Letters Dismissory.
Canon 93 Receipt of a Letter of Dismissory
a. No priest moving from one jurisdiction to another shall officiate as Rector or Priest in Charge of any parish or congregation of the jurisdiction into which he moves unless and until the bishop of the jurisdiction into which the priest is moving shall have received Letters Dismissory from the previous bishop.
Canon 94 Temporary Permission to Officiate
a. Any priest who desires to officiate temporarily outside the confines of this church shall obtain permission from the ecclesiastical authority of the jurisdiction in which they are enrolled.
Canon 95 Retiring Priests
a. Any priest retiring from active ministry because of age or disability and any priest who is not currently engaged in ministry remains subject to the bishop of the jurisdiction in which he is enrolled.
b. No priest who is under investigation for any allegation of a violation of these Canons, or any Ecclesiastical laws so made under the jurisdiction of these Canons will be allowed to retire or resign their posts; the said priest will be expected to:
i. Comply with any Investigation,
ii. Comply with any disciplinary action should the investigation so indicate such action as necessary,
iii. Failure to do so will mean that the investigation and a disciplinary will take place in absentia, Failure to comply will not be taken to be a declaration of guilt.
DUTIES OF A DEACON
Canon 96 Deacons and Jurisdiction
a. Every deacon shall be subject to the authority of the Bishop of the jurisdiction for which he or she has been ordained, or if there be no bishop, to the Bishop appointed ordinary.
b. The deacon shall officiate in such places only as such authority may designate.
c. The deacon shall not accept appointment for work outside the jurisdiction without the written permission of the local ordinary.
Canon 97 Deacon, Rector and Chaplains
a. A deacon shall not be the rector of a parish.
b. A deacon may accept a Chaplaincy in the military service.
Canon 98 Deacon Working in a Parish
a. A Deacon ministering in a parish shall act only under the direction of the Priest, or Bishop if there be no priest.
Canon 99 Deacon Letters Dismissory of a Deacon
a. The Letters Dismissory of a Deacon desiring to be transferred from one jurisdiction to another shall state:
i. the exact standing of the deacon in regard to examinations passed or dispensations received; also,
ii. the dates of his birth, and admission as a candidate for ordination.
Canon 100 Duties of Deacon
a. Duties of the Deacon under the direction of the Rector or Priest in Charge or, in the absence of a Rector or Priest in Charge, under the supervision of the local ordinary are:
i. Care for the sick, afflicted, and poor,
ii. To organize, superintend and carry out the church’s work,
iii. To give instruction in the Christian Faith, To prepare candidates for baptism and confirmation, To assist at the administration of Holy Baptism,
iv. To prepare for the sacraments,
v. To care for appointments, linens, and vestments.
vi. Observe and follow these canons, the Faith Statement, the Fundamental Statement of Truth, and all Decrees and Mandates lawfully issued by the Archbishops and Bishops of the Celtic Cross Communion.
Canon 101 Deacons reporting requirements
a. If required, a Deacon shall report monthly to the Bishop in the manner and form required by him or her.
Canon 102 Deacons Transfer, Resignation and Retirement
a. A Deacon desiring transfer to another jurisdiction shall have written authorization from Bishops of both Jurisdictions and proper Letters Dismissory as defined in Canon 99.
b. Any deacon retiring from active ministry because of age or disability and any deacon who is not currently engaged in ministry remains subject to the bishop of the jurisdiction in which he is enrolled.
c. No deacon who is under investigation for any allegation of a violation of these Canons, or any Ecclesiastical laws so made under the jurisdiction of these Canons will be allowed to retire or resign their posts; the said deacon will be expected to:
i. Comply with any Investigation,
ii. Comply with any disciplinary action should the investigation so indicate such action as necessary,
iii. Failure to do so will mean that the investigation and a disciplinary will take place in absentia,
iv. Failure to comply will not be taken to be a declaration of guilt.
LAY READERS
Canon 103 Who May Act as a Reader
a. The Rector, at his discretion, may use qualified communicants, to read the Old Testament lesson, psalm, and Epistle lesson within the context of Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer.
Canon 104 Licensing Lay Readers
a. The Bishop may, under such conditions as she or he may prescribe, license any communicant over the age of eighteen (18) as a lay reader.
b. Such a license shall be for one year and is renewable at the Bishop’s discretion.
c. For cause, which to them may be sufficient, the Bishop may at any time revoke the license of a Lay Reader.
d. A Lay Readers who have had their license revoked may appeal to the Archbishop of the province who will consider the appeal with the Canon Chancellor on any Points of Law.
Canon 105 Preparation for Application for Readers License
a. Each person desiring to be licensed as a lay reader shall be properly instructed and trained by a parish priest before making an application to the Bishop, making use of whatever manual that be dictated by the Patriarchal See.
Canon 106 Parish oversight
a. A Lay Reader, so licensed, may be placed by the Bishop in temporary pastoral charge of a parish which has no rector.
b. In which case he or she shall function under the direction and oversight of the bishop.
c. In the case where there is a Rector, or Priest in Charge, who is unable to fulfill their full duties the Reader may exercise their office in that parish, under the direction of the Rector or Priest in Charge with the permission of the Bishop.
d. In no event shall the Reader function outside an established parish, or elsewhere in the diocese in which they are licensed, except on the express instructions with the expressed permission by license of the Bishop.
Canon 107 Function of a Lay Reader
a. The functions of a lay reader are limited to the following reading:
i. Morning and Evening Prayer, omitting the absolution.
ii. The Litany.
iii. The scripture readings, except the Gospel.
iv. Prayer.
v. Support the Rector, or Priest in Charge, by prayer.
vi. Observe and follow these canons, the Faith Statement, the Fundamental Statement of Truth and all Decrees and Mandates lawfully issued by the Archbishops and Bishops of the Celtic Cross Communion.
LAY PASTOR
Canon 108 Appointment
a. A lay pastor when appointed, but is not ordained, may be authorized to assist the Priest or Bishop in the services of worship, including preaching the sermon of Mass.
b. The Lay Pastor must observe and follow these canons, the Faith Statement, the Fundamental Statement of Truth and all Decrees and Mandates lawfully issued by the Archbishops and Bishops of the Celtic Cross Communion.
Canon 109 May Assist Only in Sacraments
a. A lay pastor may not perform any sacraments as to the Holy Eucharist, Baptismal, Matrimony Rite, Anointing, or Blessings.
b. He or she may assist in the sacraments only.
Canon 110 Assisting at the Holy Eucharist
a. A Lay Pastor may assist in Holy Eucharist only when a priest is present.
Canon 111 Acolytes
a. Acolytes are males and females between the age of twelve and eighteen (or the age of majority in the local secular jurisdiction, whichever is older) to assist the priest in their duties of mass services.
b. All Acolytes must be confirmed within the church before becoming an Acolyte and be trained as such.
Canon 112 Baptismal
a. The Congregation that witnesses the baptism and recites the Apostles Creed before the Baptism.
b. Baptisms are done performed by ordained deacons and priests only.
c. The deacon or priest will bless the water using the words from the approved text.
d. The Baptism may be performed by full immersion if available. If not, the pouring of water over the candidate from a basin where the water has been blessed may be upon with each pouring saying: “I baptize you now my brother (their name) or sister (their name) in the name of the +Father and of the +Son and of the +Holy Spirit. Wash away your sins and be born again anew with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and be whole with him. May the light of the Lord shine over you”.
RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES
Canon 113 Religious Communities
a. A religious community of men or women desiring official recognition of the Church shall submit for his approval its Rules and Constitution to the bishop of the Diocese wherein the Mother-house of the community is situated.
b. The Bishop shall consider the application, and if the Bishop feels that there is merit in the application then the Bishop will forward the application to the Board of Directors of the CCC with recommendations.
c. Any recommendations that the Bishop makes may not necessarily be solely for acceptance of the community into the family of the CCC. But may include acceptance with changes to the Rules and Constitution of the community to better fit in with the CCC.
d. The decision of the Board of Directors working with the Patriarch (should this be Presiding Bishop?) will be final. They may however allow the Community to make a further application. No application will be allowed for at least two years.
e. Communities that become part of the family of the CCC will have no more than 12 months in which comply with any stipulations set by the Board of Directors.
f. Once a community has become part of the CCC family no change in the Rule or Constitution shall be made without the bishop’s approval.
Canon 114 Community Doctrine and Discipline
a. In such constitutions of religious communities there shall be a distinct recognition of the doctrine, disciplines, and worship of this the Celtic Cross Communion as a supreme authority.
Canon 115 Establishment
a. No religious community shall establish itself in another diocese without the permission of the Presiding Bishop.
Canon 116 Liturgical Formularies
a. The religious community shall be free to choose Liturgical Formularies within their chapels/parishes in conformity with their Rule and the apostolic traditions of the Apostolic Rite; but elsewhere they shall conform to the canons on worship and in the administration of the sacraments, without alteration, the same as it may be permitted by these Canons.
Canon 117 Visitor to the Community and Discipline
a. Provision shall be made in the Constitution for the appointment of a Visitor, with the approval of the local ordinary, if the Bishop is unwilling to serve in this capacity.
b. It shall be the duty of the visitor to see that the constitution and rule as approved are duly observed and to receive and hear appeals either from the community or from individual members thereof as to transgressions of the Rule.
c. No full member of a community shall be dismissed therefrom without appeal to the visitor, nor shall they be released from obligations without the sanction of the visitor.
d. Final appeals can be made to the Board of Directors of the CCC who will form a Court of Appeal Consisting of a Senior Bishop, the Chancellor, and one other member of the Board. This will be the final place of appeal.
e. If a visitor had good reason to believe that a member of a community has been accused of an offense involving children or vulnerable adults, then the visitor must inform the Bishop immediately. The Bishop will suspend the member with immediate effect and inform the Board of Directors.
f. This does not infer that the CCC believes that the member is guilty, but rather that the CCC places its duties under the Safeguarding of Children and vulnerable adults at the heart of its ministry.
Canon 118 Succeeding Bishop Cannot Withdraw Recognition
a. It shall not be within the power of a succeeding Bishop to withdraw the official recognition that has been given to a religious community, provided, that the conditions laid down in these canons are observed.
b. Should a succeeding Bishop have concerns that a community is no longer following the approved rules and constitution as so agreed in Canon 113, the Bishop must write to the communities’ head and raise the concerns. The head of the community has 28 days in which to reply to the Bishop. If the Bishop is still concerned, then the Board of Directors must be informed immediately.
c. If the Bishop had good reason to believe that a member of a community has been accused of an offense involving children or vulnerable adults, then the Bishop will suspend the member with immediate effect, and inform the Board of Directors. This does not infer that the CCC believes that the member is guilty, but rather that the CCC places its duties under the Safeguarding of Children and vulnerable adults at the heart of its ministry.
d. If a Bishop finds that the community has failed to deal correctly with the individual; or has not divulged information about wrongdoing then the Bishop may suspend the community’s membership of the CCC.
e. Any such suspension will immediately invoke the appeal procedure. The patriarch (Presiding Bishop?) will ask two Bishops from other provinces to investigate all relevant information and decide whether the Bishop took the appropriate action.
f. Dependent upon the outcome of the two Bishops’ findings the community can appeal. The final appeal can be made to the Board of Directors of the CCC who will form a Court of Appeal Consisting of a Senior Bishop, the Chancellor, and one other member of the Board. This will be the final place of appeal.
ECCLESIASTICAL DISCIPLINE
Canon 119 Bishop Priest or Deacon
a. A bishop, priest, or deacon of this church shall be liable to Presentment and trial for the following offenses:
i. Crime against the state or immorality.
ii. Holy or teaching publicly or privately and advisedly, any doctrine contrary to that held by this Church.
iii. Violation of the Code of Canon Law.
iv. Any act which involves the violation of ordination vows.
v. Habitual neglect of public worship, and Holy Communion, according to the order and use of this church.
vi. Conduct unbecoming a clergyman.
vi. Abuse of authority, particularly where this includes offenses against children and vulnerable adults.
vii. Insubordination.
viii. Misrepresentation.
b. Further detail of offenses will be laid out in the Code of Conduct which will be kept up to date to reflect any matters pertaining to the good conduct of all clergy.
c. It shall be up to the Archbishop, Bishop of the Diocese or Province to decide if the Bishop, Priest, or Deacon should be suspended during the time it takes for their particular case to be heard. However, in all cases where the case is one where the allegation is one of immorality towards a child or vulnerable adult suspension shall take place immediately. This does not infer guilt.
d. In cases where a criminal prosecution is being brought against a Bishop, Priest, or Deacon the Church Court will wait until its completion so as not to prejudice its outcome.
Canon 120 Bishop, Priest or Deacon Convicted in a Secular Court
a. In the case involving a bishop, priest, or deacon convicted in a secular court of any crime or misdemeanor involving immorality, it shall be the duty of the Bishop to institute an inquiry into the matter, and if there is a reason for further proceeding, to present him or her for trial; with particular reference to canon 119.
Canon 121 Conviction Legal Time Limits
a. No disciplinary presentment shall be made or for any conviction had for or any offense unless the offense shall have been committed within five years immediately preceding the time of the presentment. Mitigating factors may be considered except that in the case of a conviction in a court of record exercising criminal jurisdiction as aforesaid, a presentment may be made at any time within one year after such conviction notwithstanding that five years may have elapsed since the commission of the offense.
b. Disciplinary presentation must take place within one calendar year after the fifth year has expired since the conviction in a secular court if such a disciplinary is to take place.
c. Where it comes to light that a Bishop Priest of deacon has had a previous conviction that they have not divulged to their superior, even when outside of the five-year legal time limit, then their superior may consider disciplinary action dependent upon the severity of the conviction, this does not affect the strict requirements of Canon 121.a and 121.b. In all cases where it comes to light that a Bishop Priest of deacon has had a previous conviction for an offense against a child or vulnerable adults the Bishop senior to the cleric involved will suspend them with immediate effect and notify the Board of Directors. The disciplinary will begin to allow the cleric the full advantage of the legal system to put forwards their case.
Canon 122 Presentment of Priest or Deacon
a. The mode of presentment of a priest or deacon shall be provided by the Canons of the Church.
Disciplining Canon 123 Court
a. Subject to the particular instance the court system will be:
i. Diocesan Court: ~ Diocesan Chancellor ~ Senior Cleric ~ Senior Layperson
ii. First Court of Appeal: ~ Archbishop from another province ~ One member of the Board of Directors ~ Senior Clergy member or chaplain
iii. Final court of Appeal; Board of Directors: Director who sat on the first court of appeal will not have anything to do with the appeal. ~ Archbishop ~ Chancellor ~ Board Member
b. Where there is no facility in a diocese for a court to be established, the Patriarch (Presiding Bishop?) will be invited to establish one from senior clergy and laypersons from another diocese.
c. Under no circumstances can a person sit as part of more than one court hearing the same case. Or, give advice at one level in the process then hear an appeal later in the process.
d. The Chancellor may be asked regarding the process; this does not constitute an engagement with the case. The chancellor must make it clear when speaking to anyone when a case is in an early stage that it is possible that appeals may take place.
e. The member of the clergy subject to the court’s jurisdiction is to be encouraged to get support from either a colleague or legal counsel.
f. In cases where a criminal prosecution is being brought against a Bishop, Priest, or Deacon the Church Court will wait until its completion so as not to prejudice its outcome.
g. All courts are reminded that though this is a legal process, it is also done in the name of Jesus Christ our living Lord.
Canon 124 Possible Sentence of Courts
a. The court of first instance can sentence the cleric to any of the following:
i. Censure and / or admonition.
ii. Suspension, for a definite period, not to exceed 3 months.
iii. Suspension for life.
iv. Deposition from the sacred ministry.
v. Interdict.
v. Excommunication.
b. On appeal the court may quash a finding of guilty comply. Or, substitute a sentence given by a lower court for another sentence of a lesser degree.
Canon 125 Presiding Patriarch (Presiding Bishop)
I suppose the term that we use will depend on the message that we want to send about the CCC. “Patriarch” has a more orthodox feel as in Greek Orthodox or Russian Orthodox, while “Bishop” is more akin to the Western tradition as in the Pope being the Bishop of Rome and consequently of the Roman Catholic Church.
a. A sentence of suspension of a priest or deacon, or bishop maybe terminated or shortened by the Presiding Patriarch (Bishop?) with the advice and consent of the Board of Directors, those being the member not involved in the appeal.
b. This is a gift and not to be confused with the legal process.
Canon 126 Applicability of Offences in Other Jurisdiction
a. If clergy belonging to any jurisdiction shall have conducted themselves in said jurisdiction in such a way as to be liable for presentment under the provisions of these Canons the ecclesiastical authority thereof shall: give notice of the same to the ecclesiastical authority where the clergy person resides, exhibiting, with any information, reasonable ground for presuming its truth.
i. Be notified by the CCC Bishop of the province in which the Priest is licensed that he or she is also licensed as a minister in Holy Orders and continues as such.
ii. The Bishop will also give notice to the Chancellor of the Diocese that the matter has come to light and seek advice. If the other ecclesiastical authority of the alleged offender, after due notice given, shall omit, for the space of three months, to proceed against the ordained clergy, or ask the other authority to proceed, it shall be his or her right to take the initiative.
b. If the other ecclesiastical authority under which the Bishop, Priest or Deacon is licensed after a period of twelve months does not proceed to take action against the minster it should be considered that there is an ‘absolute discharge’ of charges and the minster should be returned to normal duties.
THE PROTECTION OF MINORS, AND ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES
Canon 127 Severity of Sexual Abuse
a. The sexual abuse of minors and adults with disabilities is by every standard wrong and rightly considered a crime by society; it is also an appalling sin in the eyes of God.
b. The damage caused by sexual abuse of minors and of adults with disabilities is devastating and long lasting. The loss of trust that is often the consequence of such abuse becomes even more tragic when it leads to a loss of the faith that we have a sacred duty to foster.
c. The sexual abuse of minors and adults with disabilities will not be tolerated by the CCC.
d. The whole Church, at local, national and international levels, must be engaged in maintaining safe environments in the Church for minors and adults with disabilities.
Canon 128 Reporting Allegations of Abuse and Cooperating with Investigations
a. CCC ministers, deacons, priests, bishops and lay leaders are to report an allegation of sexual abuse of a person who is a minor or an adult with disabilities to the public authorities.
b. CCC ministers, deacons, priests bishops and lay leaders are to comply with all applicable civil laws with respect to the reporting of allegations of sexual abuse of minors to civil authorities and cooperate in their investigation in accord with the law of the jurisdiction in question.
c. CCC ministers, deacons, priests, bishops and lay leaders are to cooperate with public authorities about reporting cases even when the person is no longer a minor.
d. In every instance, CCC ministers, deacons, priests, bishops and lay leaders are to advise victims of their right to make a report to public authorities and support this right.
Canon 129 Removal of Clerics
a. Sexual abuse of a minor or an adult with disabilities by a cleric is a crime in the universal law of the CCC. Sexual abuse of a minor is also a crime in all civil jurisdictions in the United States.
b. When an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor or an adult with disabilities by a CCC minister, deacon, priest, bishop or lay leader is received, a preliminary investigation in harmony with canon law will be initiated and conducted promptly and objectively.
c. A review board will be established by the local bishop, or archbishop with jurisdiction over the congregation, and will be composed of at least five persons of outstanding integrity and good judgment in full communion with the Church. The majority of the review board members will be lay persons who are not members of the clergy of the CCC; but at least one member of the review board should be a CCC cleric who is an experienced and respected pastor of the congregation in question. The proceedings of the Review Board will be governed by Cannons 119 – 122.
d. A CCC minister, deacon, priest, bishop or lay leader who is accused of sexual abuse of a minor or of an adult with disabilities is to be accorded the presumption of innocence during the investigation of the allegation and all appropriate steps are to be taken to protect his or her reputation. He or she is to be encouraged to retain the assistance of civil and canonical counsel. If the allegation is deemed not substantiated, every step possible is to be taken to restore his or her good name, should it have been harmed.
e. The alleged offender may be requested to seek, and may be urged voluntarily to comply with, an appropriate medical and psychological evaluation at a facility mutually acceptable to the review board and to the accused.
f. When even a single act of sexual abuse by a CCC minister, deacon, priest, bishop or lay leader is admitted or is established after an appropriate process in accord with canon law, the offending cleric or lay leader will be removed permanently from ecclesiastical ministry, not excluding dismissal from the CCC.
g. A CCC cleric who has committed an act of sexual abuse against a minor or an adult with disabilities may not be transferred to another CCC congregation or permitted to formally retire from the ministry.
Canon 130 Settlements
a. A CCC congregation is not to enter into settlements which bind the parties to confidentiality, unless the victim/survivor requests confidentiality and this request is noted in the text of the agreement.
Canon 131 Ensuring the Future
a. Each CCC congregation will have a written policy on the sexual abuse of minors and adults with disabilities by CCC ministers, deacons, priests, bishop and lay leaders, as well as by other church personnel. This policy is to comply fully with this section or the CCC Canon or may adopt in full, this entire section of the CCC Canon.
b. CCC congregations are to maintain “safe environment” programs which the local bishop deems to be in accord with CCC moral principles.
c. Such programs are to be conducted cooperatively with parents, civil authorities, educators, and community organizations to provide education and training for minors, parents, CCC clergy, employees, volunteers, and others about ways to sustain and foster a safe environment for minors.
d. Local CCC bishops are to make clear to clergy and all members of the community the standards of conduct for clergy and other persons with regard to their contact with minors and adults with disabilities.
e. The Local CCC bishop is to evaluate the background of all incardinated ministers, deacons, and priests.
f. When a deacon or priest, not incardinated in the local congregation, is to engage in ministry in that congregation, regardless of the length of time, the evaluation of his or her background may be satisfied through a written attestation of suitability for ministry supplied by his proper bishop.
DONATIONS, TITHING AND THE REIMBURSING OF REASONABLE EXPENSES
Canon 132 Definitions and Voluntary Giving
a. Nothing in these Canons shall be construed as prohibiting the solicitation and acceptance of either donations or tithes.
b. By definition, a donation is the voluntary and willful giving of goods, services, money, or other articles of value; there cannot be an expectation of this, nor can there be an amount set upon this.
c. By definition and custom, tithing is usually one-tenth of a person’s or organization’s income or budget, after certain considerations; it is usually given to an institution such as a Church or other charitable organization; it is not an expectation, nor should it have the traditional or customary ten percent set upon it.
d. All donations and or tithes should and must be given willfully and voluntarily.
e. In all cases, any instances of fundraising, including but not limited to donations and tithing, should be conducted in an ethical, transparent, and Christian like manner; there should be no ambiguities or “grey areas.”
f. Nothing in these Canons shall be construed to prohibit the reimbursement or recovery by the clergy member of any reasonable expenses incurred by said clergy member in the oversight of his or her ministry.
g. Where Clergy, or laypersons, are given expenses out of Church funds their funds will be accounted for. The Clergy member, or layperson, will give or sign a receipt for the money denoting what it was for and the date it was received.
h. Each Church will ensure that the Church council has agreed by voting that such expenses can be paid.
i. Where Clergy, or laypersons, are given expenses out of Church funds their funds will be accounted for. The Church accounts will show ‘clearly’ where the monies have gone too and for what reason.
ENACTMENT, AMENDMENT, AND REPEAL
Canon 133 Enactment of New Canons
a. No new canon shall be enacted, or existing canons amended or repealed, except by General Synod by the Board of Directors voting as a majority vote except in times of emergency where a canon may be enacted by the Presiding Bishop through the office of the Bishop, or independently. All judicial orders are subject to review at the next convening General Synod.
b. In times of emergency the presiding Bishop, the Patriarch of the Church, can issue a Decree that has an effect of fulfilling the role of a Canon until such time the Board of Directors is able to convene and then:
i. Enact, or,
ii. Amend, an existing canon, as appropriate.
c. Once an enactment or amendment has taken place the said enactment or amendment must state that it ‘Revokes’ the Decree issued by the Patriarch (Presiding Bishop?).
Canon 134 Revocation of Canons and Previous Revoked Canons
a. All canons that are no longer to be desirous to the usage of the church and its spiritual outreach must be ‘Revoked’ by canon. There are no circumstances, including canon 128.b, where a canon can be revoked by Patriarchs Decree or a Diocesan Bishops mandate.
b. Whenever a canon which repealed revokes another canon or part thereof, shall itself be repealed, the previous canon shall not be revived or re-enacted.
Canon 135 Diocesan Bishop Mandates
a. Each Area and Diocesan Archbishop and Bishop will be able to set local rules that are pertinent to their clergy. This will be done by the use of ‘Mandates’.
b. A copy of every Mandate issued will be sent to the person designated on the Board of Directors.
c. Mandates will be time-limited as appropriate, or when they have come to the end of their use will be ‘repealed’ by a single Mandate stating such.
Canon 136 Special Dispositions
a. This canon applies to Executive Directive of the Governing Councils of The Celtic Cross Ministerial Council Board of Directors, The Celtic Cross Conclave of International Independent Christian and Catholic Bishops, The Celtic Cross Abbess’s Council of the Sacred Order of Saint Scholastica Sisterhood, and the Presiding Bishop’s Advisory Council.
b. Under extenuating circumstances an official voting member of the Celtic Cross Communion and its Governing Council Body, has the authority to present cause for special disposition. Either for:
i. Elevation, or,
ii. Removal of a Presiding Bishop on grounds of competence or incompetence.
c. Depending on the motion brought up to the other members of the presiding boards the adjoining board members will take the issue brought before them under advisement and upon discussion, prayer and meditation shall decide upon the appropriate action.
d. Shall put to a vote and follow through with the decision that is on the table at the recommendation of the final vote and ruling. If it is the decision of a two-thirds majority of those voting will the measure brought before the councils, will pass as a group or independently as it pertains to the situation brought before them.
Canon 137 Choosing a New Patriarch
a. The term of office of Patriarch is five years.
b. A Bishop wishing to remain in the Office of Patriarch for more than one term will be allowed to do so once unless there are no other candidates when his or her term of office comes to an end. In which case they will remain in office for one more calendar year and the process of selecting a new Patriarch will begin again.
c. The process of selecting a new patriarch will begin again if no one comes forward the second year, the Patriarch will be invited to stay on for the remaining ‘full-term’ which will be another four years to ensure continuity.
d. The process for selecting a Patriarch:
i. An independent person from another church will be invited, by the board of Directors, to receive all of the votes. This presumes that the votes will be made via Email, Telephone, or Facebook Messenger.
ii. The independent person should as far as possible be a stranger to the majority of the church members. Where the persons know one or more members of this church it must be declared.
iii. The independent person should have a second person to validate the results, also independent of the CCC.
iv. No voting will be conducted where other voters can see who has voted for whom.
v. To qualify for the role of Patriarch the person must be an Ordained Bishop of a least three years standing. One vote each will be given to all Archbishops, Bishops, each member of the Board of Directors, and heads of religious orders.
vi. A minimum of a two-thirds majority of those voting will be required to appoint a new Patriarch.
vii. If after the first vote if no clear choice has been made the independent person will inform the Board of Directors of the names of the two candidates with the most votes; but not the actual numbers. The Board will inform all voters and after a week of prayers votes will be recast.
viii. Voting will be repeated once more. If a two-thirds has not been achieved then the candidate with the most votes will go forwards for consecration a Patriarch.
Canon 138 Promulgation
a. These Canons were initially promulgated on the 1st day of January in the year of Our Lord 2015.
b. These Canons were subsequently updated and agreed by the Board of Directors on the 31st Day of May, in the Year of Our Lord 2020, and promulgated on the Day of Pentecost, in the year 2020.
c. The Canons of this code takes the binding effect immediately.
These Church and Ministry Canons are hereby approved by the Patriarch and Presiding Ecclesiastical Authority of the Celtic Rite of Churches and Ministries and the Celtic Cross Communion as shown by the electronic signature and affixed Episcopal Coat of Arms, is hereby fixed as the standard this Church and Ministry will operate and function in all jurisdictional States here in the United States of America and around the world.
So Ordered. H.E., The Very Rev. Dr. ++ Archbishop Benito Perpetuo Sagra, ThB, PhB, SprL. Patriarch, President and Presiding Bishop of the Celtic Rite and the Celtic Cross Communion and any and all Subdivision to said Church and Ministries Celtic Rite, globally.
Appendicies
Appendix One:
Apostle Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son Our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into Hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.
Appendix Two:
Nicene Creed
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty Creator of heaven and earth and of all that is seen and unseen; and in one Lord Jesus Christ the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father: God from God, Light from Light, True God from True God. Begotten, not made, one in Being with the Father, through Him all things were made. For us and for our salvation, He came down from heaven and, by the power of the Holy Spirit He was born of the Virgin Mary and became man. For our sake, He was crucified under Pontius Pilate; He suffered, died, and was buried. On the third day, He rose again, in fulfillment of the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He shall come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and His Kingdom shall have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord the Giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father. With the Father and the Son, He is worshiped and glorified; He has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, we acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins, and we look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Appendix Three:
Athanasian Creed
1. Whosoever will be saved, before all things it is necessary that he hold the catholic faith;
2. Which faith except every one do keep whole and undefiled, without doubt, he shall perish everlastingly.
3. And the catholic faith is this: That we worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity;
4. Neither confounding the persons nor dividing the substance.
5. For there is one person of the Father, another of the Son, and another of the Holy Spirit.
6. But the Godhead of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit is all one, the glory equal, the majesty co-eternal.
7. Such as the Father is, such is the Son, and such is the Holy Spirit.
8. The Father uncreated, the Son uncreated, and the Holy Spirit uncreated.
9. The Father incomprehensible, the Son incomprehensible, and the Holy Spirit incomprehensible.
10. The Father eternal, the Son eternal, and the Holy Spirit eternal.
11. And yet they are not three eternals but one eternal.
12. As also there are not three uncreated nor three incomprehensible, but one uncreated and one incomprehensible.
13. So likewise the Father is almighty, the Son almighty, and the Holy Spirit almighty.
14. And yet they are not three almighties, but one almighty.
15. So the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God;
16. And yet they are not three Gods, but one God.
17. So likewise the Father is Lord, the Son Lord, and the Holy Spirit Lord;
18. And yet they are not three Lords but one Lord.
19. For like as we are compelled by the Christian verity to acknowledge every Person by himself to be God and Lord;
20. So are we forbidden by the catholic religion to say; There are three Gods or three Lords.
21. The Father is made of none, neither created nor begotten.
22. The Son is of the Father alone; not made nor created, but begotten.
23. The Holy Spirit is of the Father and of the Son; neither made, nor created, nor begotten, but proceeding.
24. So there is one Father, not three Fathers; one Son, not three Sons; one Holy Spirit, not three Holy Spirits.
25. And in this Trinity none is afore or after another; none is greater or less than another.
26. But the whole three persons are co-eternal and coequal.
27. So that in all things, as aforesaid, the Unity in Trinity and the Trinity in Unity is to be worshipped. 2
8. He therefore that will be saved must thus think of the Trinity.
29. Furthermore it is necessary to everlasting salvation that he also believe rightly the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ.
30. For the right faith is that we believe and confess that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is God and man.
31. God of the substance of the Father, begotten before the worlds; and man of substance of His mother, born in the world.
32. Perfect God and perfect man, of a reasonable soul and human flesh subsisting.
33. Equal to the Father as touching His Godhead, and inferior to the Father as touching His manhood.
34. Who, although He is God and man, yet He is not two, but one Christ.
35. One, not by conversion of the Godhead into flesh, but by taking of that manhood into God.
36. One altogether, not by confusion of substance, but by unity of person.
37. For as the reasonable soul and flesh is one man, so God and man is one Christ;
38. Who suffered for our salvation, descended into hell, rose again the third day from the dead;
39. He ascended into heaven, He sits on the right hand of the Father, God, Almighty;
40. From thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
41. At whose coming to all men shall rise again with their bodies;
42. and shall give an account of their own works.
43. And they that have done good shall go into life everlasting and they that have done evil into everlasting fire.
44. This is the catholic faith, which except a man believe faithfully he cannot be saved. …
