CHURCH CHARTER
Preamble:
We, the members of The Apostolic Free Celtic Church (AFCC), in order to affirm our faith, uphold our mission, and govern ourselves in accordance with our beliefs and traditions, do hereby establish this Church Charter.
Article I: Name and Geographic Scope
1.1 The name of our beloved church shall be The Apostolic Free Celtic Church (AFCC).
1.2 The AFCC operates exclusively within the national borders of the United States of America.
Article II: Mission and Purpose
2.1 The mission of The Apostolic Free Celtic Church is deeply rooted in our distinctive identity within the Convergent Movement, harmoniously combining liturgical, evangelical, and spirit-filled approaches to worshiping Christ Jesus.
2.2 Our purpose is to be an inclusive and non-papal, free Sacramental Catholic nonconformist expression, guided by Celtic Rite and traditions, welcoming individuals on diverse spiritual journeys, regardless of faith, creed, race, or ethnicity.
Article III: Membership
3.1 Membership in the AFCC is contingent upon a verbal commitment and declaration to the AFCC.
3.2 Members must endorse the amendments of the AFCC and commit to supporting the AFCC through prayers, presence, gifts, and service.
Article IV: Ministry
4.1 All members of the Church are members of the Order of the Baptized and participate in the general ministry of the Church.
4.2 The AFCC ordains women to the sacred holy order of deaconess and men to the holy order of deacon, priest, and bishop, affirming their commitment to justice and mercy in the world.
Article V: Formation for Ministry and Ordination Process
5.1 The AFCC is committed to providing comprehensive formation for both laity and clergy.
5.2 Prerequisites for ordination include demonstrating emotional, psychological, and spiritual maturity, as well as completing required education and training programs.
Article VI: Acceptance of Clergy and Congregations
6.1 Clergy ordained in other jurisdictions may apply for reception into the AFCC, following established procedures.
6.2 Congregations may also apply for affiliation, adhering to their own by-laws and procedures.
Article VII: Disaffiliation
7.1 Congregations and clergy seeking to disaffiliate from the AFCC must adhere to their respective by-laws or congregational vote.
7.2 Clergy in good standing must provide written intent to disaffiliate for the issuance of a letter dimissory by the bishop.
Article VIII: Governance
8.1 The Council of Bishops serves as the administrative body of the AFCC, overseeing day-to-day affairs, proposing initiatives, and managing legal matters.
8.2 The Council of Bishops has the authority to establish policies, standards, and committees to support the mission and purpose of the AFCC.
Article IX: Missions and Ministries
9.1 The Council of Bishops and local bishops have authority to establish or recognize missions and ministries related to the AFCC.
Article X: Property
10.1 All property acquired by congregations or ministries belongs solely to those entities.
10.2 Property acquired for shared ministries is subject to the by-laws of the larger organization.
Article XI: Amendment Process
11.1 The amendments of the AFCC may be amended by a two-thirds majority vote of the Council of Bishops.
11.2 Amendments may be conducted via email or phone.
Article XII: Policies
12.1 The AFCC shall maintain policies on various matters, including sexual harassment, disclosure, clergy support, qualifications, and formation.
Article XIII: Eucharistic Rites
13.1 Official Eucharistic resources include approved liturgical texts, with additional resources subject to local Bishop approval.
Article XIV: Parliamentary Authority
14.1 For procedural matters not covered in these amendments, decisions shall be made by consensus among the bishops, guided by Robert's Rules of Order, revised edition.
Conclusion
May this Church Charter of The Apostolic Free Celtic Church (AFCC) serve as a steadfast guide for our beloved church, rooted in tradition yet dynamically embracing the spirit of inclusivity, justice, and unity.
Soli Deo Gloria (To God Alone Be the Glory).
Preamble:
We, the members of The Apostolic Free Celtic Church (AFCC), in order to affirm our faith, uphold our mission, and govern ourselves in accordance with our beliefs and traditions, do hereby establish this Church Charter.
Article I: Name and Geographic Scope
1.1 The name of our beloved church shall be The Apostolic Free Celtic Church (AFCC).
1.2 The AFCC operates exclusively within the national borders of the United States of America.
Article II: Mission and Purpose
2.1 The mission of The Apostolic Free Celtic Church is deeply rooted in our distinctive identity within the Convergent Movement, harmoniously combining liturgical, evangelical, and spirit-filled approaches to worshiping Christ Jesus.
2.2 Our purpose is to be an inclusive and non-papal, free Sacramental Catholic nonconformist expression, guided by Celtic Rite and traditions, welcoming individuals on diverse spiritual journeys, regardless of faith, creed, race, or ethnicity.
Article III: Membership
3.1 Membership in the AFCC is contingent upon a verbal commitment and declaration to the AFCC.
3.2 Members must endorse the amendments of the AFCC and commit to supporting the AFCC through prayers, presence, gifts, and service.
Article IV: Ministry
4.1 All members of the Church are members of the Order of the Baptized and participate in the general ministry of the Church.
4.2 The AFCC ordains women to the sacred holy order of deaconess and men to the holy order of deacon, priest, and bishop, affirming their commitment to justice and mercy in the world.
Article V: Formation for Ministry and Ordination Process
5.1 The AFCC is committed to providing comprehensive formation for both laity and clergy.
5.2 Prerequisites for ordination include demonstrating emotional, psychological, and spiritual maturity, as well as completing required education and training programs.
Article VI: Acceptance of Clergy and Congregations
6.1 Clergy ordained in other jurisdictions may apply for reception into the AFCC, following established procedures.
6.2 Congregations may also apply for affiliation, adhering to their own by-laws and procedures.
Article VII: Disaffiliation
7.1 Congregations and clergy seeking to disaffiliate from the AFCC must adhere to their respective by-laws or congregational vote.
7.2 Clergy in good standing must provide written intent to disaffiliate for the issuance of a letter dimissory by the bishop.
Article VIII: Governance
8.1 The Council of Bishops serves as the administrative body of the AFCC, overseeing day-to-day affairs, proposing initiatives, and managing legal matters.
8.2 The Council of Bishops has the authority to establish policies, standards, and committees to support the mission and purpose of the AFCC.
Article IX: Missions and Ministries
9.1 The Council of Bishops and local bishops have authority to establish or recognize missions and ministries related to the AFCC.
Article X: Property
10.1 All property acquired by congregations or ministries belongs solely to those entities.
10.2 Property acquired for shared ministries is subject to the by-laws of the larger organization.
Article XI: Amendment Process
11.1 The amendments of the AFCC may be amended by a two-thirds majority vote of the Council of Bishops.
11.2 Amendments may be conducted via email or phone.
Article XII: Policies
12.1 The AFCC shall maintain policies on various matters, including sexual harassment, disclosure, clergy support, qualifications, and formation.
Article XIII: Eucharistic Rites
13.1 Official Eucharistic resources include approved liturgical texts, with additional resources subject to local Bishop approval.
Article XIV: Parliamentary Authority
14.1 For procedural matters not covered in these amendments, decisions shall be made by consensus among the bishops, guided by Robert's Rules of Order, revised edition.
Conclusion
May this Church Charter of The Apostolic Free Celtic Church (AFCC) serve as a steadfast guide for our beloved church, rooted in tradition yet dynamically embracing the spirit of inclusivity, justice, and unity.
Soli Deo Gloria (To God Alone Be the Glory).