The Communion of
Evangelical Episcopal Churches
Provisional
CANONS
~ Seventh Edition ~
Adopted as
PROVISIONAL
CANONS
for
The Communion of Evangelical Episcopal
Churches
Adopted on
-Printed with Revisions, July 1999-
THE COMMUNION OF
EVANGELICAL EPISCOPAL CHURCHES
CANONS
Contents
PREAMBLE.................................................................................................................................................................................. 5
1) WE ARE A COMMUNION..................................................................................................................................... 5
2) CEEC IDENTITY STATEMENT AND
DOCTRINAL ESSENTIALS.................................................. 5
III. CEEC VISION........................................................................................................................................................ 8
IV. DEFINING THE BASIS FOR OFFICIAL
RELATIONSHIP WITH THE CEEC........................ 9
A) FULL COMMUNION............................................................................................................................................. 9
B) INTER-COMMUNION........................................................................................................................................ 10
C) NETWORKING..................................................................................................................................................... 11
TITLE
I. STRUCTURE........................................................................................................................................................ 12
CANON 1. OF CONGREGATIONS............................................................................................................................ 12
A) Basic Unit............................................................................................................................................................. 12
B) No Geographical Boundaries.................................................................................................................. 12
C) Communicants................................................................................................................................................... 12
D) No Consent Of Neighboring Parish Required................................................................................ 12
E) After Episcopal Consent.............................................................................................................................. 12
F) Reception into CEEC...................................................................................................................................... 12
G) New Parish.......................................................................................................................................................... 13
H) Parish By-Laws................................................................................................................................................. 13
I) Election.................................................................................................................................................................. 13
J) Full Communion Parish Congregation.............................................................................................. 13
K) Special Meetings.............................................................................................................................................. 13
L) Record Audits.................................................................................................................................................... 14
M) Tithe........................................................................................................................................................................ 14
CANON 2. OF PARISH GOVERNMENT................................................................................................................ 14
A) Rector's Council................................................................................................................................................ 14
B) Parish Council.................................................................................................................................................. 14
C) Vestry...................................................................................................................................................................... 14
D) Bishop Oversight............................................................................................................................................. 15
E) Rector...................................................................................................................................................................... 15
F) Consensus............................................................................................................................................................. 16
CANON 3. OF THE DIOCESE.................................................................................................................................... 16
A) Diocesan Government................................................................................................................................... 16
CANON 4. OF THE PROVINCE................................................................................................................................. 17
A) Provincial Government................................................................................................................................ 17
B) Definition, Development and Constitution of CEEC Provinces........................................... 18
CANON 5. OF THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNION................................................................................... 25
A) International Communion Government............................................................................................ 25
B) Relational Consensus................................................................................................................................... 26
C) Biblical Government...................................................................................................................................... 26
CANON 6. OF CONVOCATIONS................................................................................................................................ 27
CANON 7. OF RELIGIOUS ORDERS AND COMMUNITIES...................................................................... 27
A) Process For Entrance.................................................................................................................................... 27
B) Development of Religious Orders and Communities................................................................. 28
TITLE
II. FINANCIAL.......................................................................................................................................................... 28
CANON 1. RECORDS..................................................................................................................................................... 28
A) Books of Account.............................................................................................................................................. 28
B) Inspection............................................................................................................................................................. 28
C) Insurance.............................................................................................................................................................. 28
D) Fiscal Year........................................................................................................................................................... 28
CANON 2. TITHING, CONTRIBUTIONS, AND SUPPORT............................................................................ 29
A) Tithe Practice.................................................................................................................................................... 29
B) Parish Tithe....................................................................................................................................................... 29
C) Vote........................................................................................................................................................................... 29
D) Diocesan Tithe.................................................................................................................................................. 29
E) Clergy Tithe........................................................................................................................................................ 29
F) Religious Communities................................................................................................................................ 29
G) Special Offerings............................................................................................................................................. 29
H) Fund Raising...................................................................................................................................................... 29
I) Support.................................................................................................................................................................. 29
TITLE
III. ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION......................................................................................... 30
CANON 1. ANNUAL CONVOCATION...................................................................................................................... 30
A) Time & Operation........................................................................................................................................... 30
B) Voting:.................................................................................................................................................................... 31
CANON 2. PRESIDING BISHOP................................................................................................................................ 31
A) Election of Presiding Bishop.................................................................................................................... 31
B) Duties...................................................................................................................................................................... 31
C) No Diocesan Resignation Required...................................................................................................... 32
D) Disability.............................................................................................................................................................. 32
CANON 3. OF BISHOPS, QUALIFICATIONS AND JURISDICTION........................................................ 32
A) Qualifications.................................................................................................................................................... 32
B) Jurisdiction........................................................................................................................................................ 32
CANON 4. OF PRIESTS................................................................................................................................................ 34
A) Requirements..................................................................................................................................................... 34
B) Recommendations........................................................................................................................................... 34
C) Duties...................................................................................................................................................................... 34
D) Reaffirm Vows Annually............................................................................................................................. 35
CANON 5. OF DEACONS.............................................................................................................................................. 35
A) Requirements..................................................................................................................................................... 35
B) Recommendations........................................................................................................................................... 35
C) Duties...................................................................................................................................................................... 35
D) Reaffirm Vows Annually............................................................................................................................. 35
CANON 6. OF CANDIDATES FOR HOLY ORDERS......................................................................................... 36
A) Admission............................................................................................................................................................. 36
B) Preparation........................................................................................................................................................ 36
C) Qualifications:.................................................................................................................................................. 36
CANON 7. OF RECEIVING CLERGY FROM OTHER CHRISTIAN
BODIES...................................... 37
A) Non-Apostolic Succession........................................................................................................................... 37
B) Apostolic Succession..................................................................................................................................... 37
C) Ministry in the Local Church.................................................................................................................. 37
CANON 8. NON-ORDAINED MINISTRIES.......................................................................................................... 37
TITLE
IV. ON WORSHIP................................................................................................................................................... 38
CANON 1. LITURGICAL WORSHIP........................................................................................................................ 38
A) Worship Service............................................................................................................................................... 38
B) Approved Liturgies......................................................................................................................................... 38
C) Procedures........................................................................................................................................................... 38
CANON 2. MUSIC............................................................................................................................................................ 38
TITLE
V. CORRECTION AND GRIEVANCE............................................................................................................ 38
CANON 1. OBJECTIVE OF DISCIPLINE............................................................................................................. 38
CANON 2. EXERCISE OF DISCIPLINE............................................................................................................... 39
CANON 3. PRIVATE OFFENSES............................................................................................................................. 39
CANON 4. AUTHORITATIVE COUNCIL................................................................................................................ 39
CANON 5. GRIEVANCES.............................................................................................................................................. 39
CANON 6. APPEALS....................................................................................................................................................... 39
TITLE
VI. OF AMENDMENTS....................................................................................................................................... 39
CERTIFICATION..................................................................................................................................................................... 40
ADOPTION.................................................................................................................................................................................. 40
A communion reflects the unanimity and singularity of the
Apostolic and
Standing within the Celtic and Anglican spiritual traditions, The
Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches was created by a convergence of the
great historical expressions of faith and practice: the Evangelical, the
Charismatic, and the Liturgical/Sacramental traditions. The fundamental
principles defining inclusion in the Communion are detailed in the
Chicago-Lambeth Quadrilateral of 1886 and 1888 Resolution II.
The four basic statements are:
A)
The
Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, as "containing all things
necessary for salvation" and as being the rule and ultimate standard of
faith.
B)
The
Apostles' Creed, as the Baptismal Symbol; and the Nicene Creed, as the sufficient
statement of faith.
C)
The
two Sacraments ordained by Christ Himself- Baptism and the Supper of the Lord -
ministered with unfailing use of Christ's words of institution, and the
elements ordained by Him.
D)
The
Historic Episcopate, locally adapted in the methods of its administration to
the varying needs of the nations and peoples called of God into the Unity of
His Church.
This definition establishes guidelines for the CEEC and is
understood as the essence of the Apostolic Tradition, as we seek to express it
in the Convergence Movement.
2)
CEEC
IDENTITY STATEMENT AND DOCTRINAL ESSENTIALS.
1)
The
CEEC defines Anglicanism as English Orthodoxy, developing from the very
beginning of the Christian faith in the
We measure Anglican history not only from
Thomas Cranmer forward, but also from the Reformation backward. Anglicanism in
the CEEC is not shaped by its connection to the See of Canterbury, but by its
relationship to history.
2)
The
elements of Anglicanism are:
a)
The
priority and authority of Holy Scripture as the source of our knowledge of God;
b)
The
doctrinal guidance of the Catholic Creeds: Apostle's, Nicene, and Athanasian;
c)
The
truth that salvation is, in the final analysis, the gift of God and by grace
alone;
d)
The
use of liturgy which is faithful to Scripture and embodies the experience of
the church in worship over the centuries;
e)
The
historic episcopate, or the order of bishops, as a sign of the unity of the one
f)
The
threefold ministry of bishop, presbyter (priest), and deacon as that ministry
which God has led the Church to adopt since primitive times;
g)
The
two Gospel sacraments of Holy Baptism and Holy Communion ordained by Christ for
regular use in the Church;
h)
The
unity of the ministry of the Word and Sacrament in the Service of Holy
Communion;
i)
The
need for regular preaching and teaching from the Holy Scriptures;
j)
The
recognition that the visible unity of the Church on earth is God's will;
k)
The
need for a regularly reviewed Canon Law, to respond to the unfolding needs of
the people and the church;
l)
The
priesthood of the whole church as a worshiping and praying society
m)
The
recognition of the continuing ministry of the Holy Spirit and the impartation
of gifts and ministries in our time;
n)
A
commitment to fulfill The Great Commission to winning the world to Jesus Christ
into the Third Millennium;
3)
The
Communion's approach to liturgy and worship is not based on legislative but
normative practice as defined by the Scriptures, the Book of Common Prayer, and
the historic practice of the Church.
4)
We
anticipate liturgical practice to be expressed in three broad categories; low
or Evangelical Ch
urch, broad Church, high or Anglo-Catholic
Church. The practice of a local congregation is recognized and determined by
its relationship to its bishop.
PARADIGM OF MINISTRY.
|
Liturgical/Sacramental |
Evangelical |
Charismatic |
|
·
Theology ·
Orthodoxy ·
Universality ·
Historic Connection ·
Liturgical Worship ·
Social Action" ·
Incarnational understanding of the
Church (based on theology, history, and sacramental elements of thought) |
·
Biblical Foundation ·
Personal Conversion ·
Evangelism & Mission ·
Pulpit-centered worship ·
Personal Holiness ·
Biblical Reformation understanding of
the Church (pragmatic and rational) |
·
Five-fold ministry & government ·
Power of the Spirit ·
Spiritual gifts ·
Spirit-filled worship ·
Kingdom ·
Spiritual, organic, and functional
understanding of the Church (dynamic and informal) |
5)
Declaration
of Principles:
a)
It
is by grace through the creation by God the Father, faith in Christ Jesus by
the witness of the Holy Spirit, trusting in the inspiration and supremacy of
the Holy Scriptures and with confirming hearts and minds that we affirm the
Doctrinal Essentials of the Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches. The
primary role of the Church on earth is the expansion of the
We celebrate and affirm biblical and
anointed spiritual ministry throughout the world to everyone. There is only
"one faith, one hope, and one baptism, one God, and Father of us all"
(Eph. 4: 5-6), and therefore, one Head Jesus Christ, and one pure body of
Christ, the Church. We share a ministry of faith, unity and reconciliation in a
church that recognizes apostolic succession, authority, and shared ministry
oversight in local autonomous congregations together with their clergy, and the
fullness of Christian worship and spirituality in the convergence of streams in
the body of Christ: Evangelical, Spirit-filled, and Liturgical and Sacramental.
b)
The
CEEC holding to "the faith once delivered unto the saints" (Jude 3)
declares its belief in the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the
Word of God, and the sole rule of faith and practice as interpreted by
tradition, reason and experience, in the creeds, commonly called the Apostles'
Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the Creed of Saint Athanasius, and we affirm the
historical significance of the doctrines set forth in the Thirty-Nine Articles
of Religion, and the values espoused in the Chicago-Lambeth Quadrilateral, the
Baltimore Declaration, and the Chicago Call: An Appeal to Evangelicals.
c)
This
Communion recognizes and adheres to the historic episcopacy, which God has led
the Church to adopt since primitive times.
A)
The
Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches (CEEC) is a communion of the holy
catholic church whose identity and self-understanding is rooted in the Anglican
spiritual tradition of being Catholic, Evangelical and Protestant. We attempt
to maintain and practice the faith as given to us by the Apostles through the
mother Church of the worldwide Anglican family - the Church of England.
B)
The
CEEC envisions a communion whose parishes are fully evangelical, fully
charismatic, and fully liturgical and sacramental.
C)
We
believe, as Evangelicals, that the Holy Scriptures are the inspired Word of
God, and that they contain all things necessary for salvation and godly living.
We are committed to faithful reading, studying, teaching, and preaching from
the Scriptures. We believe the Holy Scriptures are a wellspring for spiritual
maturity. We also embrace the Evangelical distinctiveness that underlines the
importance of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, a holy life, and a
commitment to evangelism and mission.
D)
We
believe, as Charismatics, that we are to be open to the work of the Holy
Spirit, that God's people have always been a spiritually gifted people. From
the Apostles to the modern church, Christians have been endowed with a power
beyond themselves, a power from the Holy Spirit. This means that we encourage
our parishes to allow and anticipate His presence and working (through the
spiritual gifts) in both our worship and daily acts of service and in personal
relationship with Him.
E)
The
CEEC is a communion in unity with the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic
church. This means that at the very
center of our worship we are historically liturgical and sacramental. We also
retain the historic creeds, episcopacy and the three-fold ministry. We believe, as in the Anglican spiritual
tradition, that our worship is to be liturgical, and for us that is best
expressed and informed by the various Books of Common Prayer. We draw our worship practices and liturgy
from different points of time - from the ever evolving, rich and comprehensive
traditions of Catholic faith and practice, to the influences of the Protestant
Reformation. (See Title IV, Canon I)
F)
The
CEEC vision is to be a contemporary Church where there is a convergence of
ministry, rooted in the ancient and historical truths of the Church Universal,
with contemporary worship and spiritual renewal, while reaching to the future
in relevant ways, meeting the needs of unchurched and churched people. It is a
via media, accepting both Catholics and Protestants as "one in Christ.
IV. DEFINING THE BASIS FOR OFFICIAL
RELATIONSHIP WITH THE CEEC.
The following descriptions define the character of the various
levels of connection and
participation in ministry with the CEEC:
The context for all relationship is Catholicity.
Includes reciprocity of ministry and full participation in all levels
of worship, mission, and practice, and anticipates the following practice and
posture:
1)
Orthodoxy
as defined in the five-fold dictum: One Bible, Two Testaments, Three Creeds
(Apostles, Nicene, Athanasian), Four Councils, Five Centuries;
2)
Catholicity
arising from the Apostolic and Patristic Era defined by that faith believed
everywhere, always, by everyone”;
3)
Affirmation
of the Chicago-Lambeth Quadrilateral, which affirms the authority of Scripture;
4)
Embracing
the meaning of and participation in Apostolic Succession;
5)
Pursuit
of Convergence practice and ministry.
DEFINITION OF CONVERGENCE IN TERMS OF
PRACTICE.
a)
The
EVANGELICAL stream includes a high view of scripture, commitment to
evangelistic outreach, necessity of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ,
and the practice of discipleship.
b)
The
CHARISMATIC stream affirms the gifts and ministries of the Holy Spirit including the five-fold ministry of the
Spirit. In addition, the work of the person of the Holy Spirit is held at the
highest level of esteem and pursuit, and the fullness of the Spirit is sought
because the quest for the reality of the Holy Spirit is fully anticipated and
practiced.
c)
The
SACRAMENTAL/LITURGICAL stream practices the two sacraments and expects weekly
participation in Holy Communion (historical practice generally anticipates the
Common Cup and sacramental wine as the norm, although some cultural settings
may require unique adaptation of these practices); affirms Books of Common
Prayer from various nations; observes the liturgical years and four great Holy
Days (Christmas, Easter, Ascension, and Pentecost); and affirms the use of
vestments.
6)
Identity
and self-understanding defined by the Anglican context;
7)
Participation
in the sacramental principle, implying weekly observance of Holy Communion
through Consecration of the Oblations, entering into the Real Presence of
Christ in the elements. Entry into the Church through baptism;
8)
Submission
to Episcopal Authority;
9)
Embracing
catholic practice, understood as:
a)
liturgical
forms of worship,
b)
adherence
to the Apostle's and Nicene Creeds,
c)
the
centrality and authority of Holy Scripture,
d)
three-fold
ministry of bishops, presbyters (priests), and deacons,
e)
the
Sacraments
10) Compliance with Canonical standards;
11) Acceptance of basic biblical principles of
social action and. witness, involving such stands as a pro-life posture,
opposition to racism and sexism, and opposition to, ordination of practicing
homosexual and heterosexuals engaging in sexual behavior outside of marriage.
Involves full acceptance of each Communion's or jurisdiction
orders of ministry and complete participation in mutual worship services and
events, with other specifics defined by agreement:
1)
Acceptance
of catholicity, as stated above in 1 and 2
2)
Embracing
the Chicago-Lambeth Quadrilateral
3)
Common
acceptance of Convergence and parallel forms of practice
Does not imply reciprocity of ministers and holy orders, but
suggests a compatibility, of mission and common cause, and a desire for
specific relationship often involving, joint and unified effort:
1)
Acceptance
of Convergence
2)
Historic
Christian Faith
3)
Common
vision
The structure of the local church is based on the customs and
needs of the congregation, but the following should be generally observed in
the absence of established tradition in the local congregation. Each CEEC
member congregation, regardless of size, shall be independent and autonomous.
The clergy and people will endeavor to find the bishop best suited to oversee
their ministry. Our bishops serve in both non-geographical and geographical
dioceses.
The local congregation is the basic unit of the church, and all
other organizational levels exist to support and facilitate the work of the
congregation. This is where people live and where Baptism and Confirmations
occur. The clergy of the CEEC recognize that diocesan, national, and
international church structures are in place to support the local parish. The
congregation is the operational center of the ministry of the diocese.
The boundaries of a parish in this Church are not geographical; a
Parish consists of all persons enrolled as Communicants and all other persons
associated in worship and service therein. Only Communicants of legal voting
age, in good standing, who have been members for the six months immediately
prior to any congregational meeting shall be entitled to vote therein.
A Communicant Member of this Church is a person who has been
confirmed by any bishop thereof, or accepted upon satisfactory evidence of
previous communicant membership and present purpose to serve the Lord, provided
that the person has partaken of the Holy Communion.
D)
No
Consent Of Neighboring Parish Required
The consent of a Minister, or of the Wardens and Vestrymen of an
organized Parish of this Church, is not a prerequisite to the formation of
another Parish of this Church in the same vicinity.
Persons belonging to this Church, having obtained the consent of
the diocesan bishop of the CEEC, may, on acceding to the Canons, Doctrine,
Discipline, and Worship of the CEEC, organize as a Parish, but not otherwise.
Every Parish so organized shall certify the fact, through its officers, to the
diocesan bishop; which being done, it shall be the duty of the diocesan bishop
to admit the Parish into Communion.
Any congregation of another church that may desire to be received
into union with this church shall declare its desire thereof, duly certified by
the authorities of the said congregation, which certification, together with a
declaration of agreement with the Doctrine and Worship of this church, shall be
submitted to the diocesan bishop of the CEEC to whom they apply. If these be
found satisfactory by the bishop and the Bishop's Council, such congregation
shall be received and become a constituent part of the CEEC.
In the organization of a new parish, the following article of
association and conformity shall be signed by at least ten (10) persons of
adult age, who have been duly examined by the bishop, or some other presbyter
of his appointment, as to their personal faith, as is indicated by prior
membership in an evangelical church, or by Confirmation by the bishop, who
intend to be supporters of the Parish, to wit:
"We,
the undersigned, hereby associate ourselves for the purpose of maintaining the
worship of God and the preaching of the Gospel according to the doctrine,
discipline, and worship of the CEEC, under the name of _____, of the city (or
town) of _____, in the State of _____ and we do faithfully commit ourselves to
conformity to the Canons of the CEEC.
"We
do hereby authorize the Chairman and Secretary of this meeting to certify this
action, in writing, to the Presiding Bishop of the Communion of Evangelical
Episcopal Churches, or a bishop authorized to receive these articles."
Each parish shall be governed according to By-Laws and Rules, and
Articles of Incorporation as filed in the incorporation of the church. A copy
of By-Laws shall be available in each parish for review by its members.
In each parish, annually, during Easter week, or at some other
time previously appointed by a stated Parish meeting, an election by ballot
shall be held for Wardens, Vestrymen, and Delegates and alternates to the
Annual Convocation of the Province they belong to. The Wardens and Delegates
and their alternates shall be chosen from among the Communicant Members, and,
when practicable, the Vestrymen also; but a minority of a Vestry may be chosen
from non-communicant adherents if necessary, provided that they be persons of
unimpeachable moral character. Except when it conflicts with local State law,
the rector shall preside at the Parish Meeting, or, by his appointment, one of
the Wardens. In a Church without a rector, the presiding officer shall be the
diocesan bishop or some other Presbyter of the CEEC appointed by the bishop.
J)
Full
Communion Parish Congregation
A new church having participated in the life of a diocese of the
CEEC for at least six months, and having maintained at least twelve
communicants, and having covenanted to tithe monthly to the CEEC shall be
received as a full Communion parish entitled to delegates for representation at
all convocations. The reception of the parish into full communion shall be
witnessed by a bishop of the CEEC for the confirmation and reception of the
communicants.
Special meetings of any Parish may be held as occasion shall
require, to transact such business as is specified in the call, and none other.
Every Parish meeting, whether stated or special, shall be announced at each
meeting for Divine worship on the two Sundays next preceding its date.
Appropriate financial records and books of account shall be
maintained by the parish. Any congregation having a gross income of more than
twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00) in any given year, shall prepare a
financial statement, and submit it with any tax returns, for review by the
diocesan bishop by May 1st of each year. If the diocesan bishop is the pastor
of a parish, he shall submit a financial report of his parish, with any tax returns,
for review by the Provincial House of Bishops. A FINANCIAL REVIEW REPORT will
be conducted every three years if a parish has exceeded $25,000 for each of the
three years and submitted to the diocesan bishop. An INDEPENDENT AUDIT shall be
required every three years if a parish has exceeded $75,000 for each of the
three years and submitted to the diocesan bishop. If the diocesan bishop is the
pastor of a parish, the same procedures shall be required of him, in accordance
with the previous two figures. In case of the need for a FINANCIAL REVIEW
REPORT or INDEPENDENT AUDIT for a diocesan bishop's parish, it shall be
submitted to the Provincial House of Bishops.
Each parish congregation shall tithe* monthly to the CEEC Diocese
of which it is a part.
*Note: the biblical definition of the tithe, being a tenth of ail
normal parish income (excluding that which is specifically designated to
facilities maintenance), is understood as the normative practice.
CANON
2. OF PARISH GOVERNMENT.
Each parish shall have a Parish Government. The Parish Government
shall be composed of these three components:
The Rector's Council is appointed by the rector, and may include both
clergy and lay members. It shall act as an advisory council together with the
rector. Its chief responsibilities shall be to oversee and define the spiritual
direction, vision, and mission of the local parish.
The Parish Council shall be established to coordinate and give
direction to the various areas of ministry and service in the life of the
church (e.g., outreach, worship, education, etc.). The Parish Council shall be
made up of all clergy and lay people who oversee or coordinate specific areas
of ministry in the life of the parish. The specific responsibility of the
Parish Council shall be the administration of ministry to the church and the
world. The Rector's Council shall approve the appointment of members to the
Parish Council.
The duties and responsibilities of the Vestry shall be to oversee
finances and the temporalities of the church. The Vestry shall be responsible
and accountable to the bishop.
1)
Officers
of the Vestry
A Vestry shall consist of a Rector's
Warden and an Accounting (or People's) Warden, who may be otherwise called,
respectively a Senior and a Junior Warden - and some number of Vestrymen. The
Vestry shall be constituted of a minimum of three and a maximum of nine
members, in relation to the size of the local parish. Each Vestry member shall
have one vote, and the rector shall act as Chairman of the Vestry with no vote,
except in case of a tie.
2)
Election
of the Vestry
The Vestry members are elected from
members of the local parish by a vote of the parish membership. An election
shall be conducted in the parish on a yearly basis, to replace outgoing Vestry
members. The Wardens and Vestrymen shall hold office until their successors
have been elected and have qualified.
3)
Duties
of the Vestry
The duties of a Vestry shall be in general
the care of all properties and the management of all financial business of the
Parish. The Vestry shall determine, with the concurrence of the rector, what
meetings, other than assemblies for Divine Worship, may be held in any building
under its charge. Unless otherwise provided by the Charter or Bylaws of the
parish, or ordered by the parish at a stated meeting, the Vestry, together with
the Parish Council and the Rector's Council, shall take initial and final
action in the calling of a rector or of a minister-in-charge (deacon), subject
to the advice of the bishop in jurisdiction. The Vestry shall approve the
employment of all other persons serving the parish under salary, and fix the
amount of each salary.
4) Limitation
The Vestry shall not mortgage, sell or
otherwise alienate any real property without the ratification of the parish, by
a two-thirds vote, in a meeting canonically called, unless otherwise provided
by the Charter or By-Laws of the Parish, or the laws of the State.
5)
Voting
Unless it conflict with the laws of the
State, the rector or pastor shall be ex officio Chairman of the Vestry,
and preside, when present, at all its meetings; in his absence the Senior
Warden, or if he also be absent, the Junior Warden shall preside. The Chairman
(rector) shall not have a ballot, but is hereby empowered to cast the deciding
vote in case of a tie.
The Vestry, or the appropriate council of each congregation, shall
select a bishop of its choice in the CEEC, allowing congregations to come under
the bishop with whom they have the most affinity. A bishop need not resign a
parochial cure to serve. Initially, a CEEC bishop will be assigned to the
congregation.
The rector is the executive director of the congregation, holding
headship in the parish as chief spiritual authority within the parish.
Authority within the parish is conferred by or derived from him, and in all
spiritual matters the rector holds final authority. He is the Ordinary for all
services and liturgies. The rector chairs the Vestry, and is an ex officio
member of all commissions and organizations of the church. This authority is
derived from the bishop of the diocese and the Diocesan Council; thereby, he is
accountable to the Diocesan Council and primarily to the bishop. In the case of
a bishop who is also a senior pastor, he is accountable to the Provincial House
of Bishops.
The Vestry, Parish Council, and Rector's Council do not operate on
a secular parliamentarian or business model, but rather seek td conform
themselves to the apostolic method presented in Acts 15; that is, government by
consensus, each member of the said Council submitting one to another and all
together seeking to discern the mind of the Spirit and the direction and will
of God. When lacking a clear consensus, the rector may render a final decision
or delay decision at his discretion. Consensus governing encourages direction
from God and action by the Holy Spirit, rather than a political process. This
encourages servant leadership based on a personal relationship with the Lord.
Since the organizational structure of all parts of the church are
consistent, diocesan government operates according to the same principles and
contains similar structure to that of congregational government.
1)
The
Diocesan Council
The Diocesan Council consists of every
presbyter within the diocese. In each diocese, the Council will gather
regularly for the purpose of prayer, mutual support, sharing of ideas, the
deciding of major issues in the life of the diocese, and determining the
direction of the diocese under the leadership of the bishop. This Council is
also involved in budget review, input, and recommendations presented to the
Bishop's Council for final authorization. It is the role of the diocesan bishop
to convene and preside at such meetings of this Council.
2)
The
Bishop
The bishop is the chief pastor in the
diocese. All clergy, parishes, ministries, and people of the diocese are
accountable to the bishop. Each bishop is also to be the rector of the
cathedral parish, to be assisted by the dean of the cathedral, serving as the
primary pastor. By requiring that the bishop be rector of the cathedral parish,
it is the intention of the CEEC to keep all bishops in touch with the people
and the primary place of ministry, the parish. A primary function of each
bishop is ministry to the clergy under his care. The bishop convenes and
presides at the Diocesan Council. All authority within the diocese is conferred
by or derived from the bishop and, in all diocesan matters, the bishop holds
final authority. The order of deacons within the diocese are attached directly
to the bishop and deployed by him in various ministries around the diocese. The
roles, duties, responsibilities and accountability of the bishop are defined
and governed by the canons of the church. Each bishop is accountable to his own
Provincial House of Bishops, and to the Archbishop of his province.
3)
The
Bishop's Council
The Bishop's Council consists of the
officers of the corporate entity of the diocese and shall act as chief advisors
to the diocesan bishop, and shall have final authority, together with its
bishop, over all practical, financial, and business matters for the diocese.
The members of the Bishop's Council may be lay and clergy and are appointed by
the bishop to serve one-year terms. The Council sets all salary and
compensation for the bishop and diocesan staff members.
4)
Diocesan
Staff
The bishop may establish for his office
such staff as necessary for the functioning of the diocesan office and the
fulfillment of its ministry to guide and enable the ministry of the parishes.
The diocesan staff is the administrative nexus supporting diocesan life and
ministry.
5)
Area
The dioceses are not necessarily
geographical in nature. They are comprised of those congregations, ministries,
and clergy electing oversight by a particular bishop.
The Province is comprised of dioceses which come under the
jurisdiction of a particular archbishop. The Province is not necessarily
geographical but consists of those dioceses electing oversight by a particular
archbishop. As each regional/diocesan bishop raises up bishops for respective
states, districts and territories within the region, and attains a
predetermined multiplicity of ordinary or mission bishops, that regional
diocese then becomes a province of the CEEC. The purpose of the Provincial
Government is to provide support, coordination, cooperation, prayer,
fellowship, and direction for the bishops and dioceses within each province.
[PROVINCES AND DIOCESES ARE AUTONOMOUS, AS CONCERNS LEGAL INCORPORATION, HELD
TOGETHER BY ADHERENCE TO THE CEEC IDENTITY STATEMENT, VISION STATEMENT,
DOCTRINAL ESSENTIALS, AND CANONS.]
1)
Provincial
House of Bishops
The provincial HOB is comprised of all
bishops within the province. Its primary purpose is to coordinate ministry
functions and to facilitate coordination among the dioceses within the
province. It is also the organizational context in which the bishops of a
region gather to seek God for direction and unity. It is also a framework
within which diocesan bishops receive support and encouragement from one
another. This House also reviews, and gives input, recommendations, and
affirmation to the provincial budget, submitting it to the Archbishop's Council
for final authorization.
a)
Dioceses
The dioceses are the instruments of the
ministry in the province. Each bishop is responsible for the implementation of
the program and ministry of the church by guiding and facilitating the parishes
of the diocese.
2)
The
Archbishop
The archbishop is a regional bishop who
has the responsibility of his own parish and diocese, in addition to the
province. He also has the responsibility of ministering to the bishops within
the province, convening and presiding over the Provincial House of Bishops. One
of the primary roles of the archbishop is to approve and act as Chief
Consecrator for candidates for bishop for dioceses within the province, to be
elected by the Provincial House of Bishops. The archbishop serves as a pastor
to the bishops within the province. All bishops within the province are
responsible to the archbishop and accountable to the archbishop and the
Provincial House of Bishops. The archbishop is accountable to the Provincial
House of Bishops and the International House of Bishops. Besides pastoral
support for the bishops and inter-diocesan coordination, a primary role of the
archbishop is to guide and facilitate growth and mission strategies within the
province. A suffragan/auxiliary bishop may be appointed by the archbishop as an
assistant to facilitate his office, subject to approval of the Provincial House
of Bishops.
a)
Archdiocesan
Staff
The archdiocesan/provincial staff exists
to administratively support the office of the archbishop and its ministry.
b)
Executive
Committees
Such Executive Committees as are required,
e.g., the finance committee, shall be created by the Archbishop as necessary to
service the governing needs and mission of the Province.
c)
Archbishop's
Council
The Archbishop's Council consists of the
officers of the corporate entity of the province and shall act as chief
advisors to the Archbishop, and shall have final authority, 'together with its
Archbishop, over all practical, financial, and business matters for the
province. The members of the Archbishop's Council may be lay and clergy and are
appointed by the Archbishop to serve one year terms. The Council sets all
salary and compensation for the Archbishop and provincial staff members.
B)
Definition,
Development and Constitution of CEEC Provinces
PROPOSAL ADOPTED BY VOTE OF THE CEEC
FOUNDING HOUSE OF BISHOPS IN SYNOD IN OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA , UNITED STATES
OF AMERICA, JANUARY 5, 1999, TO BE INCLUDED AS PART OF THE "PROVISIONAL
CANONS" OF THE CEEC
1)
Definitions
and Initial Considerations
a)
The
Province is comprised of dioceses that come under the jurisdiction of a
particular archbishop. The Province is not necessarily geographical but
consists of those dioceses electing oversight by a particular archbishop. As
each regional/diocesan bishop raises up bishops for respective states,
districts and territories within the region, and attains a predetermined
multiplicity of ordinary or mission bishops, that regional diocese then becomes
a province of the CEEC. The purpose of the Provincial Government is to provide
support, coordination, cooperation, prayer, fellowship, and direction for the
bishops and dioceses within each province. (PROVINCES AND DIOCESES ARE
AUTONOMOUS, AS CONCERNS LEGAL INCORPORATION, HELD TOGETHER BY ADHERENCE TO THE
CEEC IDENTITY STATEMENT, VISION STATEMENT, DOCTRINAL ESSENTIALS. AND CANONS.) Title
I, Canon 4- A.
b)
The
archbishop is a regional bishop who has the responsibility of his own parish
and diocese, in addition to the province. He also has the responsibility of
ministering to the bishops within the province, convening and presiding over the
Provincial House of Bishops. One of the primary roles of the archbishop is to
approve and act as Chief Consecrator for candidates for bishop for dioceses
within the province, to be elected by the Provincial House of Bishops. The
archbishop serves as a pastor to the bishops within the province. All bishops
within the province are responsible to the archbishop and accountable to the
archbishop and the Provincial House of Bishops. The archbishop is accountable
to the Provincial House of Bishops and the International House of Bishops.
Besides pastoral support for the bishops and inter-diocesan coordination, a
primary role of the archbishop is to guide and facilitate growth and mission
strategies within the province. A suffragan/auxiliary bishop may be appointed
by the archbishop as an assistant to facilitate his office, subject to approval
of the Provincial House of Bishops. Title I, Canon 4-A-2.
c)
Duration
of Terms.
1)
All
bishops, whether at diocesan or provincial levels, shall serve after consecration
until retirement, resignation, or disability. Title II, Canon 3-B-7.
2)
The
only exception to this is the role of the Presiding Bishop, which shall run for
4 years from installation.
d)
Questions
and Considerations:
1)
Shall
there be more than one province in
2)
If
so, how shall it be determined: geographically, size, need, number of
bishops/clergy/parishes? ADOPTED
RESOLUTION: Each province shall decide and determine this question for
themselves within the Provincial House of Bishops, according to the
requirements stated herein.
a)
If
a diocese develops ministry outside the nation and province they belong to,
they only become an "extra-territorial" province subsequent to the
extra-territorial mission becoming larger than their diocesan/provincial
jurisdiction, and only with the consent and council of the Province they are a
part of.
3)
Need
three bishops and formational dioceses (missionary districts or dioceses) to
constitute a province.
a)
Flexibility
is encouraged for exceptional and transitional situations, and will be decided
in all such cases by either the International House of Bishops or the Province
of origin.
2)
Current
Status and Proposed Development
a)
Potential
Provinces:
1)
America
= 5 dioceses - St Patrick, St. John, Christ the Good Shepherd, Holy Spirit, St
Antony-9 bishops
2)
3)
4)
5)
EXTRA-TERRITORIAL
- Europe/United Kingdom/Canada - Bishop Wise, plus two key Canon Missioners -
potential dioceses in
6)
6)
EXTRA-TERRITORIAL - {potential/contingent) Bishop Russ McClanahan - 30 clergy,
7 congregations in America numerous
churches and clergy potentially in Haiti, Guyana, West Indies - 63
congregations ready to be received in Haiti, plus two more men immediately
under consideration as bishops in America and two in the other territories -
would be primarily outside the U.S.
7)
EXTRA-TERRITORIAL
- Bishop Terry Lowe - over
b)
1)
All
need new bishops consecrated as missionary/suffragans to expand and establish
the provinces.
2)
All
need new missionary dioceses/districts established, with minimum of 3,
including original regional diocese.
3)
All
must have new bishops consecrated from priests with CEEC at least one
year-based on Title II, Canon3-A-I.
a)
The
regional bishop shall act as chief consecrator, together with two other bishops
designated by him
b)
Upon
reaching 3 total bishops involved in specific mission activities to grow
dioceses and congregations, the regional bishop shall be duly elected,
appointed, installed, and seated as archbishop of the new province.
c)
Minimum
Requirements
1)
Three
bishops shall be required to form and constitute a province - 1
regional/diocesan (originating bishop/archbishop-elect) and 2 missionary; or 1
missionary and 1 suffragan
2)
Three
dioceses required - may be in formation as missionary districts or missionary dioceses,
in addition to original diocese
3)
Minimum
of 5 congregations/missions required to form fully constituted diocese
1)
From
the point of the adoption of these guidelines as "Provisional
Canons", this requirement shall hold true. All dioceses existing previous
to the adoption of the same shall attempt to make progress to this number of
congregations/missions as soon as possible.
4)
New
missionary diocese or district may include up to 5 missions/parishes; at 5, the
new diocese/district is constituted as a full-fledged diocese.
3)
CONSTITUTION
OF PROVINCES - PRACTICES AND PROCEDURES
a)
Provincial
Dioceses - those dioceses in the process of mission expansion within a nation
or geographical region, including the provincial or regional diocesan bishop
and a number of Canon Missioners or suffragan and missionary bishops. The
"Provincial Diocese" represents new territorial expansion through the
establishment of new dioceses (at least 3 total) by means of missionary
districts or missionary dioceses.
1)
Recognition
of new prospective Provincial Diocese would be sought and given through the
International House of Bishops, in conjunction with the Presiding Bishop's
Office.
2)
Upon
application and recognition, the diocesan/regional bishop originating the new
Provincial Diocese would be recognized as the candidate for archbishop of the
newly forming province.
3)
Upon
the establishment of at least 3 dioceses (the original diocese - now Provincial
Diocese - and 2 new missionary districts or missionary dioceses) with the
appointment of appropriate Canon Missioners (representing Missionary Districts,
eventually to become dioceses) or consecration of Missionary Bishops
(representing the initial establishment of Missionary Dioceses with one or more
congregations or missions overseen by the Missionary Bishop), the Provincial
Diocese affirms and recognizes its originating diocesan bishop to the role of
archbishop. He then goes from candidate status to archbishop-elect status.
b)
The
Recognition of New of Archbishops.
1)
The
recognition shall take place by a vote of affirmation and recognition by the
clergy and any congregational/mission lay representatives through a Letter of
Affirmation presenting the Provincial Diocesan Bishop as their affirmed choice
to serve them as archbishop.
2)
The
International House of Bishops shall, upon receipt of Letter of Affirmation and
a Letter of Petition regarding the same to the IHOB, appoint at least two other
archbishop members of the IHOB to act as co-installations with the Presiding
Bishop, who shall act as chief installation for the new archbishop.
3)
As
soon as new province moves past the stage of its initial constitution and the
installation of its first archbishop, any future vacancy in the archbishop's
role shall be filled in accordance with Title III, Canon 3-B-3.b CEEC Canons.
c)
The
Installation of Archbishops
1)
At
the installation ceremony of the new archbishop, he shall receive the signs and
emblems of his office, including the gallium, and be officially and publicly
appointed and installed as archbishop for the specific new province being
recognized and constituted. (Letter of Affirmation shall be read together with
a Letter of Apostolic Benediction and Recognition from the IHOB and the
Presiding Bishop).
2)
It
is preferable, if possible, that at the installation ceremony he shall also be
enthroned or seated in his archiepiscopal chair as the official and public sign
of his rote as archbishop for the specific and newly formed province.
a)
Steps
C, 1 & 2 would apply to any future archbishops elected for any of the CEEC
provinces.
b)
All
those elected to serve as Presiding Bishops for the CEEC shall be elected from
among all the archbishops of the IHOB, as per Title III, Canon 2-A.
d)
Constitution
of New Provinces
1)
Certificates
of recognition, reception, and constitution shall be presented to the
archbishop and his provincial representatives as part of the installation
ceremonies for the new archbishop.
2)
The
certificates shall be issued and ratified by the IHOB and the Presiding Bishop
and shall represent the official and public constitution and reception of the
new province as a provincial member of the CEEC.
3)
The
provinces may designate or name themselves either after the apostles of our
Lord Jesus Christ, other great apostolic figures in the history of the Church,
or by nation; such as, "The Province of St. Andrew or St. Peter,
CEEC"; "The Province of Sts Cyril and Methodius or St: Cyril of
Jerusalem, CEEC"; "The Province of St. Columba, CEEC"; or
"The Province of Kenya, CEEC'; the Philippines;...India;...etc.
4)
For
clarity of distinction in the jurisdictional territory of the two types of
provinces, national provinces will be named after the nation of origin and
"extra-territorial" provinces after apostles of our Lord and other great
apostolic figures in the history of the Church.
e)
Annual
Census Requirement
1)
Each
bishop throughout the CEEC shall be issued diocesan and provincial census
forms, to be turned in annually to the next immediate level of jurisdiction
above them; i.e., diocesan/missionary to province; province to Presiding
Bishop's Office.
a)
The
census forms shall be submitted no later than Ash Wednesday of each year for
the previous year ending December 31st.
4)
PUBLIC
PROCEDURES FOR CLARIFICATION OF EPISCOPAL ROLES
a)
At
each stage of episcopal responsibility, the appropriate public ceremony and
certificate shall be celebrated and presented.
1)
For
new diocesan bishops - installed and seated in their dioceses
2)
For
missionary bishops being installed and seated as new diocesan bishops
3)
For
suffragan bishops consecrated and appointed for assistant diocesan service
4)
For
co-adjutor bishops serving within a diocese
5)
For
newly consecrated archbishops
6)
For
suffragan or co-adjutor bishops to the archbishop
7)
For
Presiding Bishops-Co-Adjutor
8)
For
the Presiding Bishop
9)
For
Archbishops Emeritus
b)
Any
signs of office represented in the new roles shall also be presented at the
time of consecration or appointment, installation, and seating, together with
the appropriate certificates.
5)
INITIAL
DESIGNATION OF FOUNDATIONAL PROVINCES
a)
Communion
of Evangelical Episcopal Churches -
b)
Communion
of Evangelical Episcopal Churches -
c)
The
Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches -
d)
The
Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches -
e)
The
Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches -
f)
The
Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches -
g)
The
Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches -
CANON
5. OF THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNION.
A)
International
Communion Government
The international government of the Communion of Evangelical
Episcopal Churches is comprised of all of the provinces of the CEEC. The
purpose of the international church government is to represent the whole
international world Communion, to provide direction, vision, and encouragement
for the parishes and dioceses of the church. It also has the responsibility of
providing services that will facilitate the growth, coordination and
cooperation of all the parts of the church at every level, that is, to provide
services that will build up the church at every level in the world and also to
fulfill the Great Commission, overseeing and facilitating the spread of the
gospel, the ministry of the church, and the growth of the CEEC throughout the
world. The international communion government also serves as the highest level
of accountability and that organ of overall church government which sets the
international direction and agenda, establishes church-wide standards,
establishes canon law and works to coordinate and guide, under a common vision,
the respective provinces of the church.
1)
The
International House of Bishops
The International House of Bishops is
comprised of all the elected Archbishops of the Communion. The International
House of Bishops represents each province of the entire church international.
Under the direction of the Presiding Bishop, the International House of Bishops
determines the major issues, directions, and commitment of the whole Communion.
The International House of Bishops affirms the Canons, approves the Presiding
Bishop's budget, and is the final court of appeal for bishops, or clerkly under
discipline. The International House of Bishops shall convene every two years,
or as called by the Presiding Bishop.
2)
The
Presiding Bishop
The Presiding Bishop is the primary
administrator and chief spokesperson of the CEEC. The Presiding Bishop convenes
and presides over the International House of Bishops. He is in a relationship
of mutual submission and accountability with the International House of
Bishops. (See Title III~Canon 2)
a)
International
Communion Staff
The purpose of the Office Staff of the
Presiding Bishop is to facilitate implementation of the decisions of the
International House of Bishops, to support the ministry of the Presiding
Bishop, and to provide coordination of the mission of the Communion. The
Presiding Bishop may appoint staff members to assist from time to time as
necessary.
b)
The
Executive Committees
The Executive Committees support the
responsibilities of governance of the Presiding Bishop. Such committees
include, for example, the Committee on Canons, the International Convocation Committee,
the International Communications and Development Office, etc.
The central ecclesiastical organizational structure of the CEEC is
one that places emphasis not on the administrative superstructures of the
church, but rather on the parishes and ministries of the church. It is one that
is relational in nature. The government by consensus instituted in the
executive councils of the church at each level serves as a great corrective to
many historic and modern imbalances in church government. It eliminates
tendencies at any level toward "one man rule." On the other hand, it
gives the leader or pastor their true biblical authority and prevents them from
being dominated by a church board. There is a mutual submission between pastor
and council that allows both to be used of the Lord together. It is a system of
government that is open to the Holy Spirit and, actively, not only seeks but
depends on the directing of the Holy Spirit. It is not directed by laymen, by
clergy, by politics, by powerful interests, by affluent people, or by pressure
groups, but by the Holy Spirit alone.
This form of government is designed to assure that leadership is
going to be by the Holy Spirit. It is a form of government that maximizes relationship
and provides a forum in which conflict can be resolved. As a form of government
that not only allows, but facilitates development of mature leaders in the
church, it allows the Order of Deacons to fulfill their role in the Body of
Christ, the Order of Presbyters to fulfill their role in the Body of Christ,
while at the same time allowing those not in Orders involvement, ministry, and
significant input and guidance at every level of the life of the Church. Those
in Orders and those not in Orders completely fulfill their divine calling and
capabilities without compromising each other. Ail too often church governments
have eliminated any role for the laity in order to buttress the authority of
the clergy; on the other hand, very often those called and anointed by God and
ordained in the role of government in the House of God have been subordinated
to lay boards of congregational governments that turned the pastor into little
more than a hireling retained to do the ministry; whereas in the biblical order
of things, the whole Body of Christ ministers, and the governance is exercised
by those in Orders.
Convocations are gatherings of the people of the CEEC with its
deacons, priests and bishops for prayer, preaching, inspiration, instruction,
etc. The purpose of the convocation is to feed, equip, and build up the Body.
Each convocation also provides specialized forums for all persons to offer
input, defend positions, test ideas, etc. Such forums are designed to be aids
in not only discerning the mind of the Lord, but also the mind of the church.
The Annual Convocation shall take additional action as the elective body
representing the entire CEEC within each province, as prescribed by these
Canons. (See Title HI, Canon 1)
CANON
7. OF RELIGIOUS ORDERS AND COMMUNITIES.
The CEEC recognizes the uniqueness of those called to Religious
Orders, and Communities.
The contributions of Religious Orders, and Communities to the
Church down through history has been invaluable. The CEEC offers these unique
expressions of faith a place of ministry.
The process for entrance into the CEEC of a Religious Order or
Religious Community ·
1)
All
inquiries, requests or contacts will be referred to the Diocese of St. Antony.
The bishop of that diocese will begin the process.
a)
A
letter will be sent out describing the CEEC's three levels of relating to the
Communion.
b)
Each
Order or Community will be asked to prayerfully consider what level of
relationship they are led to seek.
2)
The
decision to seek Full Communion:
a)
Each
Order or Community is asked to send all information concerning their
organization (Rule, Constitutions, By-laws, Mission Statement, Identity
Statement, etc.) to the Diocese of St. Antony.
The Canons of the CEEC will be sent to the
governing bodies or leadership of the Order/Community for their review.
b)
A
letter of consensual affirmation of the CEEC Cannons is to be sent to the
bishop of Diocese of St. Antony. The Provincial House of Bishops will be
informed of this action and intent.
c)
The
bishop of the Diocese of St. Antony will render assistance as to placement
within the Communion in respect to which bishop would be best suited to give
oversight.
d)
Upon
mutual consent, the chosen bishop will complete the entrance process into the
Communion and their particular diocese.
A letter of reception into the Communion
will be sent to the governing body or leadership of the Religious Order /
Community from their diocesan bishop.
3)
The
decision to seek Inter-communion or to Network will follow the already
prescribed Canons and be approved by the International House of Bishops.
Letters of Reception at these levels will be sent by the International House of
Bishops, via the Presiding Bishop's office.
B)
Development
of Religious Orders and Communities
The CEEC also allows for the development of Religious Orders and
Religious Communities to be formed within the CEEC. Each CEEC diocesan bishop
may develop and give oversight to Religious Orders and Communities.
At Every Level
Financial books of account shall be so kept as to provide the
basis for satisfactory accounting and audit.
All books of accounts of the congregations, diocese, provinces,
and world church shall be open for review, inspection and copying upon
reasonable notice by those having oversight of the entity. Audits shall be
provided upon request Of the appropriate CEEC authority or representative. Any
congregation, ministry, diocese, province, or agency of the Communion with an
income of more then $25,000.00 annually shall submit a Financial Review Report
every three years. If income in the same period exceed $75,000 annually, an
independent audit shall be required.