Episcopal Free Fellowship of America Canons:
Canon 1: Leadership and Governance
The leadership of the church shall consist of the Archbishop Primus, all bishops, the Executive Council and the Advisory Council.
Section A: Archbishop Primus
1. The leader of the church, who carries the title Archbishop Primus, serves for a term of 10 years. He or she can be re-elected one time. He or she must be at least 40 years of age with valid apostolic succession with no criminal background. The archbishop is subject to mandatory retirement upon reaching the age of seventy-five.
2. The Archbishop Primus acts as the chief executive and spiritual leader who articulates the vision, mission, and purpose of the church. He presides over the Executive Council and bishops and encourages unity, communication, and collaboration among the diocese.
3. The Archbishop Primus selects the diocesan bishops in consultation with his fellow bishops and with clergy feedback. The archbishop may remove a diocesan bishop if they are not performing their duties or if they act in a manner that is in violation of the canons of the church or their ordination vows. The bishop in question can ask for a trial.
4. The Archbishop Primus is elected by a two-thirds majority vote of the Executive Council and a two-thirds majority vote of the Advisory Council. This occurs when the existing Archbishop Primus retires, completes his term, or passes away. All members of the clergy can nominate candidates. If the Executive Council or the Advisory Council cannot reach a two-thirds majority after a third vote, then a simple majority will suffice on all votes going forward in both Councils.
5. Should the Archbishop Primus become incapacitated, fail to perform his/her duties, commit criminal behavior, or loses the confidence of the clergy, then he/she may be removed from office by a vote of all clergy. This process requires an investigation by the Executive Council with a majority of bishops requesting to hold a vote of "no- confidence" along with a statement of their findings. If a vote of "no-confidence" is called, it will be sent to all clergy who will have two weeks to either vote yes, no, or abstain. If two-thirds vote to remove the Archbishop Primus, it will take effect immediately. Nominations will be accepted, and a two-week election cycle begins.
6. The Archbishop Primus may appoint suffragan bishops to assist and Abbots to lead religious orders and create other positions as needed to fulfill the mission of the church.
Section B: Executive Council
1. The Executive Council is comprised of the diocesan bishops, Archbishop Primus, and any other clergy the Archbishop Primus may ask to serve on the Executive Council; each member has one vote.
2. The role of the Executive Council is to be advisers to the Archbishop Primus and to conduct the vision, mission, and purpose of the church. They also function as an ecclesiastical court with respect to the removal of clergy from the EFFA.
3. The Executive Council shall meet no less than twice per year but can meet as frequently as needed. They shall keep a record of the minutes of their meeting. A quorum for regular or special sessions of the Executive Council shall consist of 75% of the member bishops and the current Presiding Bishop in attendance, unless otherwise specified. They will follow Robert’s Rules of Order.
4. The bylaws, canons, and statements on beliefs may be modified by a three-fourths vote of the Executive council: however, Christ's Creed as our founding statement will be a permanent fixture. If a vote is called the Executive Council shall have seven days to respond in writing (email) or online via conference call or a video call.
5. The EFFA may enter intercommunions with other Christian bodies when they feel that their vision and beliefs are in alignment to support each other’s ministry goals. They may also choose to leave an intercommunion if they agree there is just cause. This will be approved by a three-fourths vote of the executive council.
6. The first act of the Executive Council upon the Archbishop Primus' retirement, end of term, or death will be to appoint a new Archbishop Primus within fourteen days.
Section C: Bishops
1. The role of all bishops is to provide moral and spiritual support to the clergy and to develop them in their ministry as well as being peacemakers and obstacle removers. They ordain clergy, visit churches upon request, and celebrate confirmations. All bishops are to lead by an example in their words and actions.
2. All bishops may create positions as needed to perform their duties.
3. Diocesan Bishops are members who oversee a diocese of clergy and ministries.
4. Suffragan bishops are appointed for specific assignments or functions within the church and may or may not oversee clergy.
5. Abbots are bishops who oversee a religious order.
6. No consecrations may be performed without the Archbishop Primus' approval. A minimum of two and preferably three or more bishops must be present for a consecration.
Section D: Advisory Council:
1. The Advisory Council consists of four clergy: two deacons and two priests in good standing and one lay person per parish. It will be presided over by the Chairperson of the Advisory Council, who will be elected by a majority vote for a term of two years.
2. Laity must be a member in good standing of a ministry approved by the bishop and led by an EFFA clergy member.
3. Clergy will nominate laity. Members of the Advisory Council will be randomly selected by a drawing.
4. The Advisory Council’s role is to provide parish level feedback and make recommendations to the Executive Council. Any recommendations will go to the Executive Council for a vote.
5. They will also vote on the election of a new Archbishop primus.
6. The Advisory Council shall meet a minimum of two times per year and shall keep a record of the minutes of their meeting. They will follow Robert’s Rules of Order.
Canon 2: Meetings and Communication:
Section A: Synods
1. Synods are open for all members of the clergy to attend.
2. Synods will be held no less than every 5 years for the purposes of fellowship or ordination but may be held more frequently as needed.
3. Each diocese is welcome to hold their own separate events.
4. The purpose of the synod is for education, fellowship, ordination and consecration services and church planning.
Section B: Clergy Meetings
1. Quarterly meetings of all clergy will take place to discuss topics of importance, receive feedback and suggestions and to keep everyone informed. It is highly recommended that all clergy attend online.
2. Clergy are expected to maintain regular contact with their bishop.
Section C: Regional Deans for communication:
1. Provide information to the clergy from leadership to ensure they are all aware of important activities within the EFFA.
2. They will collect any information needed by leadership from clergy and ministries.
3. They will collect feedback from the clergy to provide to leadership.
Canon 3: Ordination and Incardination
Section A: Ordination
1. Ordination to the diaconate and priesthood are at each diocesan bishops’ discretion. Our main concern is that their calling is sincere, they have no criminal background, no serious mental health issues and that they receive the proper training to perform their duties. All exceptions to these requirements must be approved by the Archbishop Primus.
2. Candidates must be age 22 or older for deacon. This person must demonstrate maturity and responsibility to serve in this capacity.
3. Candidates must be age 25 or older for the priesthood. This person must demonstrate maturity and responsibility to serve in this capacity.
4. Candidates will follow standard provincial application process. This includes, as a minimum, an application, three interviews, a background investigation and psychological evaluation at their expense, and supporting
documents of their education and recommendations (written or verbal). Multiple pathways exist toward ordination, depending on candidate’s background. For a more detailed breakdown, please see our current policies and procedures for ordination.
5. Clergy are expected to go through a period of formation and mentorship along with appropriate education to be ordained. A person may be ordained a transitional deacon while preparing to become a priest.
Section B: Incardination
1. Incardination of deacons and priests are at the discretion of the diocesan bishop. They must have valid apostolic succession and no criminal history.
2. The incardination of a bishop requires prior approval of the Archbishop Primus.
3. Candidates will go through a process consisting of no less than three interviews, a background investigation, a psychological evaluation (as needed) at their expense, a written application, supporting documents of their education and ordinations.
4. Exceptions may be made in emergency circumstances with approval of Archbishop Primus.
Canon 4: Discipline
Removal of Clergy
1. Any clergy members (deacons, priests, or bishops) causing division within the church or who are in violations of the canons may be removed from the church by their diocesan bishop or the Archbishop Primus. The clergy member can request a review of the facts for a final decision to be made by the Executive Council.
2. Clergy will be suspended if criminally charged or if legitimate accusations of criminal activity are made. This will be lifted by the Executive Council, if they are found innocent in a court of law, or they will be expelled permanently if convicted. If it is found that the accusations are credible (even if the clergyperson is not prosecuted legally) they may be removed by their bishop or Archbishop Primus to protect others and the church.
3. In the case of inappropriate behavior (not criminal in nature) of a bishop, priest, deacon or lay volunteer, the Executive Council must arrange pastoral care and advice for all those involved. The person will be placed on a sabbatical. If the bishop, priest, deacon, or lay volunteer subsequently desists from the behavior in question and repents of it and conducts appropriate reparations, then they can return to their normal duties.
4. A chancellor will serve as the chief legal adviser to the Executive Council acting as a judge for any ecclesiastical court cases. He or she will interpret and settle any disputes concerning the canons.
Canon 5: Safe Church
All clergy must complete comprehensive Safe Church training for the protection of children and vulnerable adults and provide a criminal background check no less than every 3 years.
A member of the clergy shall be appointed to oversee the Safe Church program. He or she will be responsible for keeping records of training, background checks and any complaints or concerns received. It is his or her duty to report any suspected misconduct to the Executive council.
Diocesan Bishops are responsible for overseeing the Safe Church training and certification of the clergy of his or her diocese.
Laity working in an official capacity must also be safe church certified.
All persons are morally and ethically bound, and in most states required by law, to report suspected cases of abuse and/or neglect of children or vulnerable adults to the appropriate authorities.
Canon 6: Ministerial Freedom:
1. We respect differences in theological beliefs among the clergy. We believe a “Via Media” approach allows us to disagree on non-essential matters without breaking our collective bonds of affection. While we would never expect any clergy member to do anything that violates their conscience, we do expect all our clergy to honor and respect each other regardless of their differences.
2. We give free reign to practice ministry as one pleases so long as no harm is done to the parishioners or the church by engaging in illegal, immoral, or unethical behavior. All criminal activities will be immediately reported to the police. All other behavior not rising to the level of illegality will be dealt with through ecclesiastical discipline.
3. Our expectation is that all clergy will work together in a collegiate and civil manner.
4. The structure of the church is meant to maximize individual ministerial freedom with bishops acting as servant leaders rather than as traditional “overseers.” Priests and deacons are expected to follow the direction of their bishops so long as they are not being asked to do anything immoral, unethical, illegal, or any action which will violate their conscience.
Canon 7: Worship
Section A: General
1. We expect that all public services will include communion, a sermon, readings from the Old Testament, New Testament, and the Holy Gospels as well as appropriate music. Churches within the EFFA can choose to have low, broad, or high church services.
2. Any book of common prayer is acceptable in personal use. All EFFA synods and public services will use the 1979 BCP. Individual parishes and ministries can decide which book of common prayer to use.
3. The Calendar of the Christian Year is that of the Book of Common Prayer (TECUSA,1979). That of the Revised Common Lectionary is acceptable.
4. We recognize the three streams of Christianity: Catholic, with an emphasis on Creeds, Sacraments, Liturgy, and Apostolic Succession; Protestant, with an emphasis on Reformed Confessions, scriptural authority, personal conversion, and gospel proclamation; with an emphasis on mysticism and the active work of the Holy Spirit in the world today.
5. Clergy and members may use whatever Bible they wish for personal use; however, all Provincial events will utilize the New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition. Churches may use alternate Bibles, subject to Bishop’s approval.
6. Vestments: Low church attire would be a clergy shirt and stole. Broad church clergy attire would be a clergy shirt, Alb and stole. High church would be a clergy shirt, Alb, stole and chasuble.
Section B: Administration of the Holy Sacraments
1. The Dominical Sacraments, Baptism, and the Supper of the Lord, both commanded by Christ are the bare minimum for Christian practice. The form, matter and intent are all necessary elements that must be present for the sacrament to be valid.
2. There are five other covenantal rites mentioned in Holy Scripture and practiced by the Apostles that historically have been termed Sacraments or sacramental rites: The Laying on of Hands (Confirmation), Unction (the anointing with oil for healing), Reconciliation (Confession), Holy Matrimony, and Ordination.
Section C: Concerning the Holy Communion
1. Presiding at the Celebration of the Holy Communion is reserved to Bishops and Presbyters.
2. No one shall receive the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist except they be baptized, with water, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. It is the duty of all who have been baptized to receive the Holy Communion regularly, and especially at the festivals of Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost.
3. The admission of baptized young children to the Holy Communion is permitted in the EFFA.
4. Members in good standing of other branches of Christ’s Church, who have been baptized with water in the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, are welcomed to receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion.
5. The essentials that must be included in a Eucharistic Service: a) Two parts to the service, the Ministry of the Word and Holy Communion; b) The liturgical reading of the Gospel; c) The Exchange of the Peace; d) The elements of the Eucharistic Prayer; e) The unfailing use of bread and wine as ordained by Christ. Grape Juice may be added for use in appropriate contexts, or in instances where wine is not allowed.
Canon 8: Doctrine
1. The EFFA recognizes the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be inspired Word of God.
2. The Holy Scriptures serve as the final authority on all matters of faith and practice.
3. The Holy Scripture is to be interpreted, and all doctrine formulated in the light of the person, words, and work of Jesus Christ.
4. Scripture is also to be understood in the light of the apostolic tradition and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Where the Scriptures do not speak, deference is made to the apostolic tradition.
5. The Apocrypha should not be ignored but rather used.
6. We recognize and confess the Apostle’s Creed, The Nicene Creed, and the Athanasian Creed.
Canon 9: Finances:
1. A yearly budget will be prepared to plan for church expenditures.
2. Each ministry affiliated with the EFFA has sole discretion over their own finances.
3. Any funds raised and spent for the EFFA will be recorded and maintained by the treasurer.
4. Each ministry is responsible for their own incorporation as a 501c, but some ministries may be covered under the EFFA’s 501c3. Churches and non-profits will need to attain their own 501c3 status.
5. All ministries must operate in compliance with the laws of the state in which they reside.
6. Any churches that associate with us maintain their property and freedom to leave with a 30-day written notice and discernment process.
7. Parishes will determine the amount of funding they provide to the denomination and are encouraged to set aside an equal amount to be used for local community outreach.
8. Ministers are responsible for their own financial support through their individual ministry or secular work.
Canon 10 AMENDMENT OF CANONS
These canons may be amended by a special meeting or synod convened by the Archbishop Primus in consultation and approval with the Executive Council. Any considerations for additions or removals from these Canons should be sent to the Executive Council or the Archbishop Primus. A three-fourths majority vote of the Executive Council is required to amend the Canons.
A History of Amendments to the Canons:
The following changes have occurred:
· The position of Archbishop Coadjutor was added in 2016 as part of our entrance into the communion but was eliminated in 2019 when Archbishop Vaughan replaced Archbishop Seijo.
· A maximum age limit of seventy-five was added for diocesan bishops and the archbishop primus in 2019.
· A term of 10 years was added with the option to be elected to a second 10-year term for the archbishop primus in 2019. Previously Archbishop Seijo in 2013 and Archbishop Vaughan in 2016 were elected to life terms as founders.
· Archbishop Vaughan voluntarily limited his current life term to a maximum of 20 years at the 2021 synod.
· Added regional deans for communication in 2025.
· Added safe church program for 2025.
· Proposed Advisory Council in 2025 to be effective in 2026.