Composite Canons-Constitution - OFFICIAL (2014.03.30)

THE CATHOLIC APOSTOLIC NATIONAL CHURCH
Canon Law, Constitution & Statement of Faith

The Catholic Apostolic National Church Revised February AD 2010
Page 2 of 81

I do hereby attest that this is a true copy of the Code of Canon Law, Constitution,
Statement of Faith and Standard Parish By-Laws template of the
Catholic Apostolic National Church
Promulgated in Consistory, and ratified by the Patriarch as of
February 5, 2010.

________________________________________________
The Most Reverend
Andre J.W. Queen, STD, DD, SCR
Dean International College of Bishops

Page 3 of 81

CODE OF CANON LAW
Preamble: Recitations ............................................................................................. 6
Section I: The Ministry ........................................................................................... 8
A. Candidacy for Ordination ........................................................................... 8
B. The Board of Examining Chaplains ...........................................................11
C. Standing Committee on the Ministry .........................................................12
D. Of Ordinations in General ..........................................................................13
E. Of Permanent Deacons ...............................................................................14
F. Of Transitional Deacons .............................................................................14
G. Of Presbyters or Priests ..............................................................................15
H. Of Bishops ..................................................................................................16
I. Of Clerical Misconduct ...............................................................................17
J. Special Case for Bishop ..............................................................................20
K. Of Lay Ministers ........................................................................................20
L. Certain Special Lay Ministries ...................................................................21
M. Of Religious...............................................................................................22
N. Incardination or Reception of Clergy from another
Tradition/Denomination. ..................................................................................23
Section II: Governance .........................................................................................24
A. Organizational Structure ............................................................................24
B. Of Dioceses ................................................................................................25
C. Of Parishes .................................................................................................27
D. Of Mission Parishes ...................................................................................30
Section III: Administration of the Sacraments. .................................................32
A. Baptism ......................................................................................................32
B. Holy Eucharist ............................................................................................32
C. Confirmation ..............................................................................................34
D. Penance ......................................................................................................34
E. Holy Matrimony .........................................................................................35
F. Holy Orders .................................................................................................38
Page 4 of 81

G. Holy Unction ..............................................................................................39
H. Of Other Para-Sacramental Services ........................................................40
Section IV: Worship..............................................................................................40
A. Of Translations of the Bible .......................................................................40
B. Of Missals ...................................................................................................41
C. Of the Due Celebration of Sundays ...........................................................41
D. Of Music .....................................................................................................41
E. Of the Consecration of Churches ...............................................................41
Section V: Of Business Methods in Church Affairs ..........................................42
A. Fiscal Year .................................................................................................42
B. Financial Reporting ....................................................................................42
Section VI: Dissolution of the Church ................................................................43
Section VII: Amendment of Canons ...................................................................43
Section VIII: Severability .....................................................................................44
Section IX: Declaration of Intent ........................................................................44
Section X: Acknowledgement. .............................................................................44
CONSTITUTION...................................................................................................46
Article I - Of the Governance of this Church. .................................................47
Article II - Of Bishops .....................................................................................49
Article III - Of New Dioceses ..........................................................................50
Article IV - Of the Naming of Dioceses .........................................................51
Article V - Of Missionary Bishops ..................................................................51
Article VI .........................................................................................................51
Article VII - Of Ministers ................................................................................52
Article VIII - Of Ecclesiastical Courts ............................................................53
Article IX - Of Worship & Liturgy ..................................................................53
Article X - Holy Scriptures ..............................................................................54
Article XI - Of Communion With Other Churches .........................................55
Article XI - Our Statement of Faith .................................................................56
Article XII - Of Amendments To This Constitution .......................................59
Page 5 of 81

STATEMENT OF FAITH ....................................................................................61
EXAMPLE BYLAWS ...........................................................................................65
Article I - Offices .............................................................................................65
Article II - Nonprofit Purposes ........................................................................66
Article III - Directors .......................................................................................67
Article IV - Officers .........................................................................................71
Article V - Committees ....................................................................................74
Article VI - Execution of Instruments, Deposits and Funds ............................75
Article VII - Corporate Records, Reports and Seal .........................................76
Article VIII- IRC 501(c)(3) Tax Exemption Provisions..................................79
Article IX - Amendment of Bylaws .................................................................80
Article X - Construction and Terms ................................................................80
Adoption of Bylaws .........................................................................................81

Page 6 of 81

The Code of Canon Law
Of the

Declaration of the College of Bishops:

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

We, the Patriarch and the College of Bishops of the Catholic Apostolic National Church, do
hereby pass unanimously these revised Canons on this fifth day of February, in the Year of Our
Lord, 2010. To this we set our hands and seals.

Preamble: Recitations

1. This Church is directed by the Holy Spirit to the greater glory of God the Father through the
Lord Jesus Christ.

2. The Name of this Church Organization shall be: The Catholic Apostolic National Church.

3. We are organized as a 501 c (3) not-for-profit organization.

4. The jurisdiction of this Church shall be called the Patriarchate of North America. (Repealed
5/2009)

5. The Patriarchate of North America shall include the political boundaries of the United
States of America, Canada, and any Mission territories thereof. (Repealed 5/2009)

6. These Canons apply to the Patriarchate of North America. (Repealed 5/2009)

7. This Church is and is intended to be a hierarchical church structure.

8. This Church is and is intended to be a religious organization under the Establishment Clause
of the 1
st
Amendment of the United States Constitution.

9. All clergy serving in this Church are, and are intended to be, under promises or vows of
obedience to their superiors.

10. All clergy serving in this Church shall, before being permitted to serve, sign a Statement of
Faith, teaching, preaching or living in contravention to which may result in immediate dismissal
from clergy status.
Page 7 of 81

11. The structure of this Church is not intended to permit the laity or any clergy other than
Bishops to make moral, canonical, or theological decisions affecting the whole of the Church.

12. All Canons delineated herein are for the purpose of glorifying God.

13. This Church is a member of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church created by Jesus
Christ and delivered to his Apostles. Nothing in these Canons shall be construed as changing or
modifying in any way the Doctrine and Teaching of the Catholic Church.

14. Notwithstanding any other statement in these Canons, no person, regardless of position in
the Church shall have the power to:

a) Change the form, matter, ministers or intention of a Sacrament.
b) Change the ancient statements of Faith, other than, as the language spoken of the
people changes in meaning, to make changes which keep best the ancient meaning and
intention of the Creeds and other ancient statements of faith.
c) Add de fide requirements to the Faith, as stated in the Statements of Faith.
d) Subtract de fide requirements from the Faith as stated in the Statements of the Faith.
e) Change the form of government of the Church.

15. The words Church and Catholic Apostolic National Church, or any reasonable
abbreviation thereof (CANC), shall be used interchangeably in this document.

16. The words; Patriarch, Patriarch of the Catholic Apostolic National Church, and his
successors, a Corporation Sole, shall be used interchangeably in this document, and be
interpreted to be referring to the same singular office and individual.

17. The word Ordinary refers to the chief bishop of a Diocese.

18. The words Parish, parish, Congregation and congregation shall be used
interchangeably in this document, unless another meaning is clearly designated.

19. The words See and Diocese shall be used interchangeably in this document.

20. As used herein the word Minister, unless clearly designated as a Lay Minister, shall refer
to the Sacred Orders of Bishops, Presbyters and Deacons exclusively.

21. In referring to any Canon herein, there shall be quoted Section, Letter, Number &c. until
the Canon is identified without the possibility of error.

Page 8 of 81

Section I: The Ministry

A. Candidacy for Ordination
I. General Canons

1. Those wishing to be admitted to candidacy for the Ministry must be male, at least
nineteen (19) years of age, have been validly baptized in a Christian communion,
Chrismated Confirmed of good moral character, able to demonstrate an appropriate depth
of learning consistent with ministry to which he is called, celibate, abstinent if single,
faithful if married, and able to demonstrate appropriate devotion to the Lord Jesus and
His One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. (Amended 5/2009)

2. Candidates shall have been baptized as a Christian with water in the Name of the
Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and have been confirmed by a bishop of a
recognized Catholic Communion not less than two (2) years prior to application for
candidacy. De fide

3. Candidates must show mental stability either through psychological examination or
obvious stability and accomplishments in life. If there is any doubt regarding the mental
stability of any Candidate he shall, at his own expense, submit to a thorough
psychological evaluation by an individual licensed or registered to do psychological
testing and evaluation within his or her legal psychological jurisdiction. Any
Psychometrist selected must be approved by the Ordinary of the Diocese or an adviser to
the Ordinary who is familiar with psychological credentials.

4. No individual who is currently abusing substances, or has abused substances in the
last three (3) years may be admitted to Candidacy until he has completed a substance
abuse treatment program and has been substance-free for three (3) years. Substance
abuse shall mean any usage of illegal drugs whatsoever, or the excessive use of
prescription or over-the-counter drugs in a way not prescribed by the prospective
candidates physician or the excessive use of alcohol. It shall also include excessive
gambling, sexual addiction, or any other addictive behaviors which have interfered with
life, family or work.

5. Unless there is a good and sufficient pastoral reason, no individual shall be ordained
until he has been a candidate for a minimum of eighteen (18) months, regardless of
previous education.

a) A Pastoral reason shall include:

Page 9 of 81

i) The candidates current operation as a pastor or minister of the Gospel
in a mission or other denomination where the current cure of the Pastor is
joining the Catholic Apostolic National Church.
ii) The need for missionary priests in a location where there are no or an
insufficient number of priests.
iii) The need for a priest to serve a disadvantaged population and the
inability to obtain an already ordained priest to serve.
iv) Imminent death of an individual who is currently a candidate for the
ministry.
v) Terminal disease on the part of a candidate which makes it unlikely the
he would complete the eighteen (18) month candidacy period.

6. Candidates shall attend an approved theological seminary or complete a prescribed
course of reading for orders, culminating, in either case, in comprehensive examinations
as noted below.

7. All Candidates shall make a written report to the Ordinary four (4) times a year,
within one week of: The First Sunday of Advent, The First Sunday after Easter, The First
Sunday in July, and the First Sunday of October. This report shall include:

a) The Candidates progress in studies.
b) The Candidates progress with the Rule of Life.
c) Frequency of attendance at Mass and saying of the Sacred Offices.
d) The state of the Candidates health.
e) The state of the Candidates family.
f) The state of the Candidates employment.

8. Failure to make such reports may result in the Candidate being stricken from the list of
Candidates for the Ministry.

II. Steps to Ordination

1. Any man wishing to be ordained to the Sacred Ministry must first contact the priest of
his parish, or, if no priest is available, the Ordinary of the Diocese in which he resides.

2. The priest of the parish must write a recommendation to the Ordinary of the Diocese,
who shall examine the man for fitness for ministry.

3. If the Ordinary of the Diocese determines that the man is fit for ministry, he shall
admit him to Candidacy for the Diaconate.

4. Each Candidate must be educated appropriately and demonstrate proficiency on
comprehensive examinations to the Board of Examining Chaplains.

Page 10 of 81

5. Each Candidate must be approved of by the Standing Committee on the Ministry as to
fitness and appropriateness for ministry.

6. Each Candidate must show forth in his life appropriate moral and ethical behavior as
suits a member of the Sacred Ministry.

7. A prospective Candidate shall be disqualified if:

a) He has a felony conviction.
i) Such disqualification may be dispensed by agreement of the
Candidates Ordinary and the Standing Committee that the Candidate has
reformed his life to such a degree that he will be an effective witness to
the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
b) He is engaging in sexual relations with a person other than his lawful spouse.
c) He is homosexual.
d) He is divorced and remarried or intends to remarry.
i) Such disqualification may be dispensed by the Ordinary of the
Candidates Diocese if the Ordinary determines that previous marriages
were or were likely invalid due to various impediments.
ii) If nullity of previous marriages is determined by the Ordinary of the
Candidates Diocese, the Ordinary will issue a Decree of Nullity for each
previous marriage so annulled.
iii) In no case shall a Decree of Nullity be issued for more than two (2)
previous marriages.
iv) The Ordinary in these cases shall thoroughly examine both Candidate
and his wife to assure that they understand the concept of Christian
Marriage, the Sacramental Nature of Marriage, and the indissolubility of
Christian Marriage.
e) His lifestyle or secular profession are such that possible scandal would result
from ordaining him.
f) He has abandoned his financial and moral obligations to any children of
previous marriages.
g) He has been convicted of sexual abuse of children or any other sexual
perversion.
i) This disqualification does not admit of exception.

8. Each Candidate for Ordination shall be required to sign and swear adherence to the
Statement of Faith.

9. Each Candidate for Ordination shall be required to sign a waiver indemnifying and
releasing the Church from all liability in employment, examination, training, and all other
issues whatsoever. The Candidate shall agree that, as a condition of candidacy, he
waives all rights to any legal action whatsoever, agreeing to pursue any grievances
exclusively within the governance of the Church.

Page 11 of 81

10. Each Candidate for Ordination shall, prior to being examined, make submission and
swear/promise obedience to a Bishop of this Church in good standing.

11. No Candidate shall be permitted to proceed with examination unless he is under the
authority of a Bishop, or, if the see of his Bishop is vacant, under the temporary and
sponsorship of the Patriarch with a vow/promise to swear obedience to the Bishop of his
see within five (5) days of such see being filled.

B. The Board of Examining Chaplains
1. The College of Bishops shall appoint a Board of Examining Chaplains which shall
examine all persons wishing to apply for ordination to the diaconate, presbyterate or
episcopate.

2. The Board of Examining Chaplains shall consist of at least two (2) presbyters who
shall come from different Dioceses.

3. All persons wishing ordination shall be examined on, and must demonstrate
proficiency in the following subjects:

a) Holy Scripture, including the Old Testament and the New Testament.
b) Dogmatic Theology.
c) Pastoral Theology.
d) Church History.
f) Homiletics.
g) Liturgics.
h) Parish Administration.
i) Christian Education.

4. Demonstrated proficiency through a Seminary Education will not relieve the candidate
of the necessity for demonstrating proficiency through these comprehensive exams.

5. The Board of Examining Chaplains shall return exams to candidates with an
indication of passage or failure. If the candidate fails in the examination, he shall be
advised as to the reasons for failure and given ninety (90) days from the date returned
exam is postmarked to re-take the exam.

6. All exams shall be open book examinations.

7. If a candidate does not pass the examination by the third sitting, he shall be stricken
from the list of candidates for the ministry, and may not be re-admitted for two (2) years.
Re-admission shall require evidence of remedial education to remedy the candidates
educational deficiencies.

8. No Bishop shall, under any circumstances, except as noted below, ordain an individual
who is not endorsed by the Board of Examining Chaplains.
Page 12 of 81

9. Except that any candidate may petition the College of Bishops to override the
recommendation of the Board of Examining Chaplains.

10. An override by the College of Bishops shall require the following:

a) Majority agreement that the case of the candidate denied admission to
ordination be reviewed.
b) Appointment of a committee of three (3) learned persons, one of whom shall
be a Bishop who is not the candidates Ordinary, to review the examinations.
c) Majority agreement by the appointed committee that the candidates
examinations are satisfactory and that the candidate shall proceed to ordination.
d) The Candidates Ordinary may then pass the candidate on to the Standing
Committee on the Ministry for evaluation of the candidates character and fitness
for the ministry.

C. Standing Committee on the Ministry
1. The College of Bishops shall appoint a Standing Committee on the Ministry, which
shall consist of at least the following: One (1) Bishop, two (2) Priests from different
Dioceses, and not sharing a Diocese with the appointed Bishop, and two (2) learned lay-
people, from different Dioceses, and not sharing a Diocese with the appointed Bishop,
nor a parish with the appointed priests.

2. Other priests may be appointed to the Standing Committee on the Ministry, but not
more than one (1) Bishop and two (2) lay people shall be appointed.

3. The Standing Committee on the Ministry shall meet in person or by tele-conference on
a quarterly basis to review all applications for ordination to the diaconate, the
presbyterate, or the episcopate.

4. The Standing Committee shall examine the Candidate regarding his theological
orthodoxy, mode and manner of living, mental stability, financial stability, and devotion
to the Lord and the Church, and general fitness for ministry.

5. The Standing Committee may use:

a) Personal examination.
b) Letters of Reference
c) Psychological Examinations.
d) Credit Reports.
e) Priestly Recommendation.
f) Personal knowledge of Candidate.
g) Interviews with family, friends and others.
h) Any other legal and ethical method of examination.

Page 13 of 81

6. The Standing Committee shall issue a recommendation within thirty (30) days of the
quarterly meeting of the Standing Committee to the Ordinary of the Diocese regarding
the fitness of the man for the Sacred Ministry of the Church.

7. The Ordinary of any Diocese may request that the Standing Committee meet in
extraordinary session to consider any candidate for good and sufficient reason.

8. The Ordinary of the Diocese may choose to act upon the recommendation of the
Standing Committee, but is not required to do so, although the recommendations should
be ignored only for serious reasons and after serious consideration.

9. If the Ordinary does not accept the recommendation of the Standing Committee, he
shall issue a written report to the College of Bishops within thirty (30) days of ordaining
or refusing to ordain a Candidate describing the reasons why the Committees
recommendation was not followed, preferably with supporting documentation for his
decision.

D. Of Ordinations in General
1. The following shall apply to all ordained offices, notwithstanding any other canon
specific to the office.

2. Ordinations shall be performed only by a validly consecrated Bishop of the Church, in
person, after serious examination of the Candidates learning, past and devotion.

3. All Ordinations shall be performed using the Ordinal of the Old Catholic Missal &
Ritual (OCMR), the Tridentine Rite, the Knott Missal, or the current Roman Rite. No
other Rites shall be used.

4. Ordinations must be performed through a physical laying on of hands and an
invocation to the Holy Spirit.

5. Only males may be ordained to any of the three offices of the Sacred Ministry.

6. All ordained orders must sign the Statement of Faith, and swear to uphold the
doctrine and traditions of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. Any ordained
person teaching doctrine which is contrary to the Statement of Faith, Scripture, or the
Traditions of the Catholic Church shall be automatically inhibited.

7. Any man ordained must swear obedience to the Faith, the Bishop of his See and to the
Patriarch.

8. Any ordination which departs from these canons is questionable, and the man must be
ordained sub conditione under these canons.

Page 14 of 81

9. If it is discovered that the Candidate misrepresented himself in any way, the
ordination remains valid, but the individuals ministry will be inhibited until a full
investigation of the facts may be made by the Ordinary or an individual appointed by
him. If the material misrepresentation is severe enough to interfere with the conduct of
ministry, the deacon, priest or bishop making the misrepresentation shall be laicized and
prohibited from practicing his ministry with the Catholic Apostolic National Church.

10. A deacon, priest or bishop inhibited in one diocese may not practice in another
diocese in the Catholic Apostolic National Church, without a two-thirds (2/3rds) vote of
the College of Bishops. (See inhibition below.)

E. Of Permanent Deacons
1. Permanent Deacons shall be men who wish to be of service to Christs Church.

2. They shall be at least twenty-one (21) years of age, of good reputation, and members
of the Church for a minimum of one (1) year.

3. They shall perform all normal and customary tasks of Deacons, including distribution
of goods to the poor, visitation of the sick, housing the homeless, comforting the
imprisoned and infirm, preaching the Gospel, baptizing, witnessing marriages,
performing the rite of Christian Burial in the absence of a priest, proclaiming the Gospel
at Mass, preparing the Altar and Sacred Vessels for Mass and distributing the Eucharist
from the Reserved Eucharist.

4. Those who wish to be Permanent Deacons shall receive an examination, which is
lesser in scope and difficulty than that for those transitioning to the Sacred Priesthood,
but in the same areas as the examination for Candidates to the Sacred Priesthood.

5. If Permanent Deacons wish to transition to the Sacred Priesthood, they shall re-appear
before the Board of Examining Chaplains after sitting for the examinations to the
Priesthood, and shall re-appear before the Standing Committee.

6. In no case shall any man transition to the Sacred Priesthood from the Permanent
Diaconate without passing all exams ordinarily required of those transitioning to the
Sacred Priesthood.

F. Of Transitional Deacons
1. Transitional Deacons shall be men who wish to be of service to Christs Church, and
are intending to be ordained as Priests.

2. They shall be at least twenty-one (21) years of age, of good reputation, and members
of the Church for a minimum of one (1) year.

Page 15 of 81

3. They shall perform all normal and customary tasks of Deacons, including distribution
of goods to the poor, visitation of the sick, housing the homeless, comforting the
imprisoned and infirmed, preaching the Gospel, baptizing, witnessing marriages,
performing the rite of Christian Burial in the absence of a priest, proclaiming the Gospel
at Mass, preparing the Altar and Sacred Vessels for Mass, and distributing the Eucharist
from the Reserved Eucharist.

4. Those who wish to be Transitional Deacons shall first pass all of the comprehensive
examinations as noted below.

a) Except that the Ordinary may, at his discretion, dispense the Candidate from up to
three (3) of the examinations, provided that no man shall be ordained Deacon without
passing:

i) Sacred Scripture.
ii) Dogmatic Theology.
iii) Pastoral Theology.
iv) Moral Theology.

b) Any Deacon so ordained shall not be permitted to be ordained to the Sacred
Priesthood until all examinations are completed.

5. Except for extreme pastoral need, as determined by the Ordinary, no man shall be
ordained a Priest until he has been a Deacon for one (1) calendar year, during which time
his dedication to the ministry, his mode and manner of living, the state of his family, and
his fitness for ministry shall be examined.

6. A Deacon may only function in obedience to and in unity with a Bishop of Christs
One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, whether the Deacon is Permanent or
Transitory, and usually functions under the direction and supervision of a Presbyter.

G. Of Presbyters or Priests
1. Presbyters shall be men who wish to be of Service to Christs Church, and have
exceptional devotion and dedication of life.

2. They shall be at least twenty-four (24) years of age, of good reputation, and members
of the Church for a minimum of two (2) years, one of which may be the diaconate year.

3. They shall show satisfactory learning, as determined by the comprehensive
examinations, and holiness of life.

4. They shall perform all normal and customary duties of a Presbyter, including
preaching the Gospel, preaching homilies, performing the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass,
anointing the sick, absolving the penitent, witnessing marriages, performing baptisms,
and all other services of the Church not reserved to a Bishop.
Page 16 of 81

5. A presbyter may only function in obedience to, and united with, a Bishop of Christs
One, Holy and Apostolic Church. De fide

6. Should a Diocese be left vacant through death, disability, resignation or removal of the
Bishop, the Presbyter and other orders shall be deemed to be operating under the
authority of the College of Bishops.

H. Of Bishops
1. A Bishop shall be a male, aged at least thirty (30) years of age, either married or
celibate.

2. He shall have been in the order of presbyters in good standing for at least one (1) year
prior to election, except that this requirement may be waived with the agreement of at
least three (3) bishops in good standing in the Catholic Apostolic National Church.

3. He shall have been in obedience to a Bishop of this Church for at least one (1) year
prior to election, except that this requirement is waived with the agreement of at least
three (3) bishops in good standing in the Catholic Apostolic National Church.

4. Bishops shall be elected by a 2/3rds majority of the College of Bishops and appointed
to serve an existing diocese or a newly create diocese.

5. Assistant Diocesan Bishops (Auxiliary, Suffragan or Coadjutor) shall be appointed by
the Principal Bishop in each Diocese, and confirmed by a 2/3rds vote of the College of
Bishops.

6. The College of Bishops may consult the clergy of an existing diocese for advice on
potential candidates for election, but the clergy shall serve in an advisory capacity only.

7. The recommendation of a Bishop retiring in good standing regarding his successor
should be given the highest consideration.

8. He shall satisfy the Standing Committee on the Ministry as to his learning and
administrative skills through a written examination to be followed by an oral examination
on the same topics.

9. Prior to consecration, the Bishop-elect must sign the Statement of Faith wherein he
states his belief in the orthodox faith, swears to uphold it, swears to teach only the
orthodox faith, and agrees to immediate removal if he does not do so, as determined by
2/3rds vote of the College of Bishops.

10. He shall be of the highest personal and professional reputation, as attested by letters
of reference from at least two (2) presbyters, his bishop, his parish council (or
Page 17 of 81

equivalent), and at least three (3) business or professional associates, or others to whom
the candidate is well known.

11. Prior to consecration, a full report of the Bishop-elects criminal record shall be
obtained, and in no case shall a bishop convicted of a felony, embezzlement, child abuse,
or spouse abuse be consecrated.

12. If the Bishop-elect is married, his wife shall give, in writing, her assent to his
consecration.

13. Where possible, each Bishop shall be consecrated by a chief consecrator and at least
two (2) other assisting Bishops. In cases where this is not possible, a single consecrator
will serve.

14. Suffragan Bishops shall not issue any statements, nor perform any Episcopal
sacrament, except by the specific permission of the Diocesan or Patriarch.

15. The Patriarch may appoint a co-adjudicating bishop to his office. To this end, the
Patriarch may, upon full approval and consent of the College of Bishops, appoint
an Archbishop Coadjutor, who shall have the right of succession to the
Archiepiscopal office, when vacated by the sitting Patriarch, without further
process of Canon Law. (Amended 5/2009)

I. Of Clerical Misconduct
1. In the event where a minister is accused of:

a) Teaching Heresy
b) Sexual Misconduct.
c) Embezzlement.
d) Cohabiting or having sexual intercourse with an individual who is not his legal
spouse.
e) Adultery.
f) Child Abuse.
g) Spousal Abuse.
h) Substance Abuse.
i) Any act which is generally considered a public scandal which is clearly
prohibited by the Laws of God.
j) Felony or serious misdemeanor, not including traffic or municipal crimes
which do not generally affect the ability of the man to exercise the ministry.
k) Habitual neglect of the Services of the Church.
l) Any action which repudiates his ordination vows.
m) Violation of the Canons of the Church.
n) Joining of another communion or holding dual ordinations or dual cures
without the express permission of his Ordinary and the Patriarch.

Page 18 of 81

He shall be inhibited from the exercise of his ministry. During this time, he may not
celebrate the Eucharist in public settings (though he may say Mass for himself and
immediate family), preach in public settings, conduct public settings of any kind, or
speak for the Catholic Apostolic National Church in any manner whatsoever. The
accusations shall be investigated and the minister tried as soon as possible, but, in no
event, later than sixty (60) days from the time when the allegations first came forth.

2. The proper body to try each order shall be as follows:

a) Bishops: The full College of Bishops
b) Presbyters and Deacons: A tribunal made up of at least two (2) Bishops, one
of which may, at the accused election, be his Ordinary, and two (2) presbyters in
good standing.

3. Normal rules of evidence apply, as in a criminal trial. The accused shall have the right
to legal representation, to call witnesses on his own behalf, and to compel testimony from
any other minister of the Church. The prevailing rule of law shall be the Canon Law of
this Church.

4. The burden of proof shall be on the accuser.

5. No minister shall be punished on the word of one witness alone, regardless of the
charge. A minimum of two (2) credible witnesses in agreement shall be necessary for the
tribunal to proceed with punishment. (1Timothy 5:19).

6. If after a full and fair investigation there is reason to believe beyond a reasonable
doubt that the minister did, in fact, perform the illegal or immoral act of which he is
being accused, his ministry may be permanently inhibited (laicization). If a minister is
laicized he shall not:

a) Preach.
b) Celebrate Eucharist either publicly or privately.
c) Teach in public as a minister of the Church.
d) Hold any position as Pastor or any paid position or any volunteer position in
the Church whatsoever.
e) Baptize, except in an emergency (where any Christian may legitimately
baptize).
f) Witness marriages (except in cases where witnessing marriages is part of a
secular office, such as a Judge or Captain of a ship underway.)
g) Hear Confession.
h) Anoint the sick.
i) Ordain others.
j) Confirm others.
k) Counsel others as a pastoral counselor under the Catholic Apostolic National
Church.
l) Advise any Bishop, Presbyter or Deacon.
Page 19 of 81

m) Put himself out in any way as holding ministry in the Catholic Apostolic
National Church.

7. No minister in good standing in the Catholic Apostolic National Church shall
recognize the sacerdotal office of anyone laicized.

8. No minister in good standing in the Catholic Apostolic National Church shall give
letters of reference, email references, or verbal references regarding the laicized man to
any other Bishop or ecclesiastical body.

9. The penalty of contravening these prohibitions may be laicization and/or
excommunication.

10. Other punishments/remedies may include:

a) Suspension from the ministry for up to ten (10) years (at which point the
restrictions placed on laicized ministers and other ministers in the Catholic
Apostolic National Church would apply until the end of the suspension period.)
b) Remedial education.
c) Community Service.
d) Restitution to victims
e) Order to undergo psychological counseling with a counselor approved by the
Church and with regular reports to the Tribunal.
f) A period of intense supervision by another minister or the Bishop.
g) Order to attend a drug or alcohol treatment program.
h) A letter of admonition.
i) Verbal reprimand, noted in file.
j) Verbal reprimand, not noted in file.

11. The Ordinary of the minister may, at any time during this process, remove the
minister from the parish, staff position, or community he is serving on a temporary basis
if the Ordinary has good and sufficient reason to believe that the ministers continued
ministry is endangering the community in any way whatsoever.

a) No person so suspended may serve the Church in any other capacity without
the express permission in writing, of the ministers Ordinary, or if the minister be
a Bishop, without the express permission in writing, or 2/3rds of the College of
Bishops.

12. All proceedings must be concluded within one-hundred-twenty (120) days from the
time the accusation is first brought, unless the Tribunal must wait longer to receive the
results of a criminal trial or psychological evaluations.

13. No minister may be tried on charges of dual relationships, where sexual
impropriety is not involved. Merely having business, professional, or friendship relations
with parishioners is not an offense in this communion.
Page 20 of 81

14. A charge of heresy shall be substantiated by a sound recording of the minister
teaching heresy, or an example of writing from the minister which is heretical, or a
minimum of five (5) witnesses who attest to the teaching of heresy. Heresy consists of
teaching that which is directly opposed to the Creeds or the Statement of Faith in a
public setting and shall not be considered if the minister was merely speculating in a
hypothetical way or speaking in a normally private setting.

a) Any accusation of heresy must be accompanied by a clear statement from the
accuser(s) stating which statement of the Faith the accused is violating.
b) Heresy charges should be taken seriously, but with a great deal of caution.
c) The normal remedy for heresy is a letter from the Ordinary of the Diocese or,
if the accused be a Bishop, from the Patriarch, demanding an immediate
recantation.
d) If the accused will not recant his heretical position, trial shall proceed as
above.

J. Special Case for Bishop
1. If any Bishop of the Church attempts to ordain a woman, or ordains an individual who
is clearly unfit through his lifestyle (see prohibitions above) that Bishop shall be
automatically inhibited (excommunicated). No woman who has subjected herself to this
simulation of orders shall be considered to be a valid minister in the Church. De fide
(Amended 5/2009)

2. Any woman who is a member of the CANC or any member parishes thereof, who
accepts attempted ordination by a Bishop of this Church, or any other Church or religious
organization, shall be automatically excommunicated until she seeks the Sacrament of
Penance for attempting to pervert the nature of a Sacrament.

3. Trial of the Patriarch shall require 9/10ths majority of the College of Bishops,
exclusive of the Patriarch, for an adverse finding to be issued.

K. Of Lay Ministers
1. Rejoicing in the priesthood of all believers, we recognize many lay ministries within
the Church. All lay ministries shall be open to baptized and confirmed communicants in
good standing, who are living a life consistent with Catholic teaching and doctrine.

2. Lay ministry should not be open to those whose ministry might cause a scandal, such
as those who are living openly sinful lives, or whose immediate past is such that scandal
may come on the Church.

3. Lay ministers shall be licensed by the Ordinary of the Diocese or by the Pastor of the
Parish, depending on the nature of the ministry.

Page 21 of 81

4. Lay ministers shall not in any circumstances, wear garb appropriate to the clergy, such
as collars, cassocks (except those in Minor Orders and Altar Servers), habits (unless also
vowed Religious), or the like, nor put themselves out as ordained in any way.

5. Lay ministers shall not preach homilies, conduct services of public worship, or have
charge over a parish. This shall not apply to seminarians appointed as Parish
Administrators.

6. Special exceptions shall be made for mission churches/parishes, where it is
appropriate that the laity be given temporary charge during the formation of the parish.

L. Certain Special Lay Ministries
1. Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist
a) EMEs may assist the priest at Mass in the distribution of the Eucharist, and
visit those members of the parish who, for good reason, could not attend the
public celebration of Mass. In no case are EMEs to be used in the place of, or
substituting for the priests role in communicating the faithful. Only in the
extraordinary case where the number of faithful is so great as to create a hardship
in ensuring that all have received the Eucharist, are EMEs to be utilized. EMEs
are not to be regularly used.

2. Parish Visitors
a) Parish Visitors shall have the ministry of visiting members of the parish to
listen, pray, and assist with any concerns the parishioners may have.
b) Parish Visitors shall bring any serious concerns to the Pastor.
c) Unless licensed as an EME, the Parish Visitor may not distribute communion
to the parishioners.

3. Lay Readers
a) Licensed Lay Readers may conduct the Daily Offices (Matins, Vespers and
Compline) (not including the Absolution or Blessing) and the service of Christian
Burial (not including Mass, the Absolution or the Blessing) in the absence of an
ordained minister.
b) Licensed Lay Readers shall be the primary lectors at services of the Church
after ordained ministers.

4. Lectors
a) Lectors shall be licensed to read the lessons at the services of the Church, and
may be appointed to read Psalms, Sequence, and the Prayers of the People.

5. Cantors
a) Cantors shall be licensed to lead the people in the musical prayer and praise of
God under the direction of the Pastor.

6. Choir Director and Members
Page 22 of 81

a) Choir Directors shall be licensed to lead hymns and other musical responses to
the Eucharist by directing the choir under direction of the Pastor.
b) Choir members shall be licensed to sing the praises of God under the direction
of the Pastor.

7. Altar Servers
a) Altar Servers (Acolytes) shall assist the celebrant in the Eucharist and at other
services of the Church, as directed.

8. Parish Council Members
a) Each Parish shall have a Parish Council composed of at least three (3) people.
The powers and limitations of the Parish Council are stated in the Bylaws of a
Parish.

M. Of Religious
1. The Patriarch may permit the formation of Religious Orders and Intentional
Communities provided that:

a) All Religious Orders shall designate whether they shall be Intentional
Community or an External Order with members throughout the secular
community.
b) All Religious Orders shall have their Rule approved by the Patriarch whose
decision is final and without appeal.
c) All Intentional Communities shall consist of either:

i) Men or women with vows of celibacy.
ii) Men and women with vows of celibacy, separated in living quarters
and labor.
1) The meeting of the male and female sides of the community
shall be permitted weekly at Mass, and a single meal in each week.
2) Violation of vows of celibacy shall be cause for immediate
dismissal from the community.
iii) Single men/single women, without cows of celibacy, but separated as
to living quarters from the opposite gender, and with vows o chastity until
marriage.
1) Violation of such a vow shall cause the Religious to be
immediately separated from the community.
iv) Married Couples.
1) Adultery on the part of any person shall cause the Religious to
be immediately separated from the community.
v) A mixture of the above with clear separations and safe guards to avoid
scandal.
vi) The development of scandal within any Intentional Community shall
be cause for the immediate closing of the community.
Page 23 of 81

vii) The community shall, monthly, on or about the 15
th
day of the month,
report to the Patriarch on the state of the community, the progress the
community is making, obedience to the Rule of Life, and a complete
financial statement.
1) Failure to make such report for two (2) months may result in
immediate closure of the community.
viii) The Patriarch may, at any time, direct the closure of a community
which, in his sole opinion, is not conducive to the life and worship of the
Catholic Church.

N. Incardination or Reception of Clergy from another Tradition/Denomination.
1. From time to time clergy from a different tradition or other denomination may request
reception/incardination into the CANC.

2. Serving as clergy in another denomination does not automatically grant reception into
the clerical state of the Church.

3. The Patriarch, or Bishop of the See where the man requesting admission is located,
shall interview the man and determine that he meets all criteria for ordination as stated
above.

4. He shall be examined in the same manner as those seeking ordination.

5. He shall sign the Statement of Faith and make a promise/vow of obedience to the
Bishop of his See and the Patriarch. He shall subscribe and swear to the Oath of
Obedience of this Church.

6. No one holding views incompatible with the Teaching and Doctrine of this Catholic
Church shall be admitted to the clerical state of this Church, nor hold any Church Office
(amended 5/2009).

7. If the man has been ordained by a valid Bishop of a member of Christs One, Holy,
Catholic and Apostolic Church, he shall be received by the Bishop or Patriarch as a
Deacon or Presbyter, provided he have right faith and proper theological formation.

a) If he shall be a Bishop, he shall be received as a Bishop, but to serve as a
Pastor only without See, unless he be elected to a See.
b) He shall not have the right to an immediate seat in the College of Bishops.
(Amended 5/2009)
c) He shall not perform functions exclusive to a Bishop unless he be elected to a
See, or appointed by the College or the Patriarch to a role which is Episcopal in
function. Specifically, unless authorized in a special case by the Patriarch, he
shall not confirm, ordain, bless the Sacred Chrism, wear a mitre, carry a crozier,
or do anything else which is specific to the Order of Bishops.

Page 24 of 81

8. If the man has been ordained by a Bishop who may have valid orders, he shall be
conditionally ordained to assure the continuance of Apostolic Succession.
a) All Canons in the above Article, ss7 (a-c) shall apply.

9. A minister of the Gospel who is without Cure shall be ordained as Deacon and follow
the normal course for ordination to the Priesthood.

10. A minister of the Gospel who is serving, at the time of incardination, a congregation
and that congregation wishes to affiliate with the Church, may be ordained a Deacon and,
within 72 hours, be ordained a Presbyter to insure Pastoral continuity.

a) This shall require the permission of the Patriarch.

11. No minister wishing to incardinate into this communion may do so without first
having obtained letters dismissorial, excardinating him from his previous communion in
good standing. The only exception to this shall be if the minister can prove due diligence
in attempting to obtain such documentation of excardination, where the integrity of the
minister has been proven through strict scrutiny and background investigation.

12. No minister exhibiting traits that are undesirable within the communion he has
excardinated from, may be admitted to the clerical state in this church. A full
investigation and inquiry is required, and a full report made to the Ordinary and Patriarch
prior to final consideration.
Section II: Governance

A. Organizational Structure

1. There shall be formed, under the authority of the Patriarch, geographical dioceses.
Each diocese shall consist of several parishes, with a single parish serving as the See of
the Diocese. Each diocese shall come under the jurisdiction of an Apostolic
Administrator, Vicar-General or Diocesan Bishop. Each and every diocese is an integral
part of this church and fully subject to Canon Law herein. In the extraordinary instance in
which the church establishes a Mission Diocese in another country, such diocese is called
a Province and the Diocesan Bishop is called a Provincial Ordinary and shall have
the same authority in Canon Law as a Diocesan Bishop (Diocesan Ordinary) as fully
enumerated herein. (Amended 5/2009)

2. Should the Patriarch and the College of Bishops determine at any time that a Diocese
is too large to be easily managed, that Diocese will be divided in such a way that each
new Diocese has as close to an equal number of the Parishes of the old, larger Diocese as
is practicable for ease of administration and simplicity of boundaries. The Ordinary of
the old Diocese shall choose which of the new Dioceses shall remain in his See.

Page 25 of 81

3. The Chief Executive Officer of each Diocese shall be the Bishop (Diocesan Ordinary)
thereof. He shall have both temporal and spiritual oversight of the Diocese. Except as
delineated herein, the powers of the Diocesan Bishop shall be limited only by the laws of
the Catholic Church and the State. The Diocesan Bishop may appoint, with the approval
of the Patriarch, a priest as Vicar General of the Diocese, and likewise may request
Auxiliary and Suffragan Bishops as Episcopal Assistants. (Amended 5/2009)

4. The Patriarch may appoint an Archdiocesan Board whose sole purpose shall be
advisory.

5. The Church as a whole shall be governed by the College of Bishops which shall
consist of all Bishops (in good standing) who are serving a See, who are retired, who are
serving as Bishops Suffragan, Auxiliary or Coadjutor, who are serving the Patriarch in an
administrative capacity, or who have been elected to the College of Bishops by a 2/3rds
vote of the College of Bishops in the Patriarchate of North America recognized by this
Church. (Amended 5/2009)

6. A Bishop recognized by this Church shall be a Bishop which is recognized by a super-
majority vote of the College of Bishops, such super-majority being 2/3rds of all sitting
Bishops, whether in attendance at a meeting of the College or not.

7. The Bishops shall elect a Patriarch who shall serve until death, retirement, removal
if the College of Bishops deems that he is unfit for further service, and vote unanimously
for his removal, or voluntary retirement, whichever comes first. All Bishops shall swear
obedience to the Patriarch. The Patriarch shall act in concert with the College of Bishops
in all matters of Canons and Laws of the Church. He shall have the power to make all
day-to-day decisions in the running of the Church. The Patriarch shall resolve disputes
which threaten the orthodoxy and unity of the Church and his decisions, provided they
are consistent with the Statement of Faith, shall be final and with no appeal.

8. The Patriarch and the College of Bishops shall have no power to change the Doctrine
of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church as defined in the Statement of Faith.
(Amended 5/2009)

B. Of Dioceses
1. The Diocese shall be governed by a Bishop (Diocesan Ordinary) who may appoint a
Diocesan Council whose sole purpose shall be advisory.

2. The Bishop may request that the College of Bishops elect and appoint an
Auxiliary/Suffragan Bishop, who shall have no right of succession to the See, or a Bishop
Coadjutor, who shall have the right of succession to the See.
a) The Ordinary of the Diocese shall submit a list of names to the College of
Bishops. Such candidates must meet the Churches relevant standards. (Amended
5/2009)
Page 26 of 81

i) The College of Bishops shall give first consideration to those men
submitted by the Ordinary, in the order of their submission.

3. The Bishop may appoint Theological, Business, Financial and other advisors who
shall have only that authority to act under the supervision and direction of the Bishop.
Any official act by any such advisor(s) undertaken against the intentions and directions of
the Bishop shall be, on its face, null and void. The only exception to this is in the case
where a Bishop has been inhibited or otherwise removed from his See, or otherwise
denied Episcopal authority, but only by competent ecclesiastical authority of this Church,
and then, such advisors must undertake only those actions directed by the Patriarch, or
other Bishop so designated and authorized, in writing, by him.

4. The Bishop may appoint a Canon Missioner with the Bishops authority to start
Mission Parishes and assist Mission Parishes in achieving full Parish status.

5. The Bishop may appoint a Rector/Dean of his Cathedral who may have full authority
as Pastor of the Cathedral Parish under the direction of the Bishop.

6. The Bishop may appoint Rural Deans who shall be Presbyters with the authority assist
the Bishop in the visitation and governance of outlying Parishes and Missions.
a) Rural Deans shall not, thereby, have any authority to administer any
Sacrament except that which is proper to the office of Presbyter.
i) Assistance shall be administrative only.

7. If a See becomes vacant, the administration of the Diocese shall devolve on the
Patriarch or a Presbyter or a Bishop he appoints as interim Diocesan until a new may be
appointed.

8. As soon as practicable, but in not more than ninety (90) days after a See becomes
vacant, the College of Bishops shall elect a Presbyter who has been a Presbyter in good
standing good standing for at least one (1) year in the CANC as Bishop of the vacant See.

a) except that by unanimous acclaim a man who does not hold holy Orders, or
who is a Deacon, or who has not fulfilled the Canonical requirement of being a
Presbyter for one (1) year may be elected to a See, in accordance with ancient
practice.
i) He shall be at least thirty (30) years of age.
ii) He shall be a communicant in good standing (see Parish bylaws.)
iii) Notwithstanding the above statement, any exclusion for Holy Orders
shall disqualify the Candidate on the same terms as any man who stands
for Holy Orders.
b) He shall be examined as stated above
c) The Patriarch shall have the veto power over the appointment of a Bishop to a
See.
d) A 2/3rds vote on the part of the College is required to elect a Bishop.
Page 27 of 81

i) A Presbyter may be nominated for and stand for election only twice in
any one (1) year period.
1) If a Presbyter fails to be elected to a Diocese on the second
vote, his name shall be stricken from the list of candidates to fill
the vacant See.

9. No Bishop shall, without the express written authority of the Ordinary of the Diocese
or under direction from the Patriarch, perform any Episcopal duties in a See other than
his own.

10. Each Diocese shall deliver, on or about the first (1
st
) of the month, ten percent (10%)
of the income of the Diocese received in the previous month to the Archdiocese for
operation of Archdiocesan functions exclusively.
a) These shall include travel by the Patriarch, maintenance of a Cathedral, office
space and employees, and any other legitimate expenses.

11. In the formation of a new Diocese or Province the Patriarch shall appoint Bishops to
serve Sees. (Amended 5/2009)
a) While it is wise for the Bishop of a new Diocese to adhere to the Canons as
above, he may, at his sole discretion, appoint whom he will, subject only to the
normal exclusions regarding Holy Orders. (Amended 5/2009)
i) Except that no time exclusions shall apply.
b) Once the initial Bishops of the College have been appointed, the above Canons
shall apply.

C. Of Parishes
1. The Parish shall be governed according to the example Bylaws (attached) as adjusted
for State Law. Each and every parish, mission, or other religious community, shall be
subject to the constitutions, canon and bylaws of this church. A parish is subject
completely to the authority of the bishop of that diocese (Ordinary) in the manner
specified by Church constitution, canon and bylaws. The local Ordinary is and shall
always be a permanent member of the parish board of every parish within his jurisdiction,
and shall execute his privileges and rights as such, in person or by proxy.

2. Each Diocese shall be divided into Parishes, which shall be geographical in nature.

3. The geographic boundaries of a Parish shall be determined, from time to time, by the
Ordinary of the Diocese. Boundaries notwithstanding, the Bishop (Ordinary) always
holds, actually and/or constructively, all property and funds of all parishes in trust for the
Church, the Catholic Apostolic National Church, Inc. (National Church body).

4. A Parish boundary may not exceed the boundaries of a Diocese. In the event that a
Parish is on the border of a Diocese, the Diocese in which the actual location of the
Parish property resides shall determine into which jurisdiction it falls.
Page 28 of 81

a) In the event that parishioners attending the Parish live outside the Parish
boundaries, they shall, for the purposes of governance, be deemed to live within
the parish boundaries regardless of their actual physical location.

5. Parish boundaries shall be used for the sole purpose of determining the need for
missions and governance and shall not be used to compel parishioners to attend one
Parish over another.

6. A Parish shall have full responsibility for its financial obligations and shall, in no
instance, obligate the Diocese for any financial responsibility.

7. Subject to the strictures of the Bylaws, each Parish shall manager its property and
shall administer its affairs independently, subject to the strictures of the bylaws,
consistent with the Pastoral vow of obedience to the Bishop, and within the strictures of
Sacred Scripture, the Tradition of the Church, and this document. No parish shall
formulate or so amend any Parish Bylaws in such a manner that conflicts with these
canons or the Church constitution.

Parish property shall be held, actually and constructively, in trust by the proper Bishop
(Ordinary) of the parish and diocese, for the Catholic Apostolic National Church. Parish
property and funds are the property of the National Church Body, held in trust by the
local Bishop. No excardinating group or community, formerly members of this Church,
may assume, take, sell, transfer, deed, quit claim or otherwise dispose of, alienate or
otherwise convey any parish property, real or otherwise, or spend or withdraw any parish
funds of the parish they are departing from. All such property shall remain in the
possession and ownership of the Catholic Apostolic National Church, Inc. (an Illinois
Corporation) to be held in trust by the local bishop on behalf of the Church.
Excardinating individuals, clergy or laity immediately lose the ability to legally access
and control such property or funds. Any affirmative act to contravene this subsection
shall be void, and the responsible parties shall be liable to this church for such losses.

8. A Parish shall have a Pastor who shall be at least an ordained Transitory Deacon,
expecting ordination to the Sacred Priesthood in not more than twelve (12) months.

9. A Mission shall attain Parish status when it is able to pay at salary equaling at least
two point five (2.5) times the prevailing hourly wage per hour for fast food workers in
that area (as determined by the Chamber of Commerce, State Labor Board or other
independent body), and all applicable payroll taxes, and employee health insurance for
the Pastor, with a minimum of twenty (20) hours a week of work, and a reasonable
expectation, as confirmed by Parish Financial Statements delivered to the Patriarch of
continuing payment of the Pastor for the foreseeable future. This does not bar a mission
from being described generically as a parish.
a) Alternatively, a Parish may hire a Pastor full-time at a minimum of 2.5 times
the prevailing hourly wage as stated above, multiplied by forty (40) hours per
week, multiplied by twelve (12), for an annual salary.
Page 29 of 81

i) It is understood that Pastors so hired may work more or less than forty
(40) hours per week.
ii) Pastors are, and are intended to be, under IRS Code, exempt employees
due to the management nature of their employment.
iii) Any Pastor so hired must be a member of this Church.

10. The Parish shall be the employer for purposes of payroll taxes, insurance, and all
other withholding.

11. The relationship of Pastor to the Parish and the Diocese is clearly stated in the Parish
bylaws, subject completely to these canons and the constitutions of this church body.

12. The financial provisions of this section shall not apply to any existing congregation
of another denomination choosing to place themselves under our jurisdiction, until it
becomes a full fledged parish, as decided by written agreement with the Patriarch.
a) In this event, the terms of reception of the congregation shall be negotiated by
the congregation, and the Ordinary, consistent with the hierarchical structure and
requirements of obedience of this Church.

13. At the time a Mission becomes a Parish, it shall be chartered such by the Patriarch
and the Ordinary of the Diocese.

14. At the time a congregation of another denomination is received into our jurisdiction,
it shall be chartered as a Mission Parish of this Church by the Patriarch and the Ordinary
of the Diocese. It shall become a full Parish by written agreement with the Archbishop
Patriarch, and at that time shall become fully subject to the financial provisions of this
section, and shall transfer real property to the proper Ordinary to be held in trust for the
Church at large.

15. All Parishes shall deliver, on a monthly basis, on or about the first (1
st
) day of the
month, in person, by United States Mail, or by electronic transfer, 1/10
th
of the previous
months tithe and offering income to the office of the Diocese under whose jurisdiction
they operate.
a) Failure or refusal to do so, without the express permission of the Diocesan,
may result in church disciplinary action against the Pastor of the Parish or
suspension and or revocation of their Charter.
b) The Parish shall deliver, quarterly, (by the 15
th
of: January, April, July and
October) to the Diocese, a financial report listing all income for the previous
quarter.

16. The Parish shall deliver quarterly (as above) to the Diocese records of all Sunday and
Holy Day Services performed, including the number attending and approximate number
communicating. The Parish shall also deliver to the Diocese annually on or before
January 15
th
of each year, a full listing of all Parish Members, their status, and a listing of
all auxiliary services (Weddings, Funerals, Baptisms, etc.) performed in the previous
year, ending December of the previous year.
Page 30 of 81

17. Parishes shall also utilize a portion of the offering income to perform works of
charity.

18. The Bishop may order an audit of the Parish Books at any time.
a) If any Pastor has mishandled funds or appropriated funds for his own use, he
may be inhibited immediately by the Bishop, and church disciplinary proceedings
may begin.
b) Neither the Parish nor the Diocese shall engage civil authorities in the affairs
of the Church.
c) The Ordinary of the Diocese may, upon counsel with the Vicar-General of the
Church, engage civil authorities in the secular affairs of the local Church, as a last
resort.

D. Of Mission Parishes
1. A group of Christians who wish to become part of the CANC may do so either by
joining an existing Parish, or, if none conveniently exist, may form a Mission Parish.

2. A Mission Parish may also be defined as a congregation which cannot employ a
Presbyter or Transitional Deacon for sufficient hours to qualify as a Parish.

3. The group of Christians shall contact the Ordinary of the Diocese and request Mission
Status.

4. The Ordinary, if he perceives that the individuals petitioning for Mission Status are of
good character, shall send the Canon Missioner, himself, or some other person he
appoints to contact the group petitioning.

5. The Ordinary or his representative shall meet with the group in person.

6. If he persists In his belief that the group is of good character and would make a
positive addition to the Church, he shall require the signature of every group member on
the Statement of Faith, and require that the group form a corporation with Articles of
Incorporation and bylaws consistent with the Parish Articles and Bylaws which are
required of every Parish, beholden and subject to canons, constitution and bylaws of the
Catholic Apostolic National Church, Inc. (National Church body).

7. The group shall choose the name of a Saint or other appropriate name for their
Mission Parish.

8. The group shall elect a pro tem Parish Board which shall, under the direction of the
Ordinary, administer all functions of the Mission Parish.

9. The group shall elect one of their number of proven piety and reverence, to serve
Licensed Lay Reader.
Page 31 of 81

a) The Licensed Lay Reader shall be empowered to hold non-Eucharistic Prayer
Services and read Homilies from the Bishop or from another source appointed by
the Bishop.
i) The Prayer Services shall conform to Prayer Services authorized by the
Church for performance by laity.
1. The Licensed Lay Reader shall not, in any way, represent
himself as clergy, give homilies of his own composition, attempt to
celebrate the Eucharist, wear clerical garb, or lead anyone to
believe in any way that he is a member of the clergy.
2. The Licensed Lay Reader may, after at least two (2) months of
licensure, be licensed as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist
for the purpose of distributing the pre-sanctified Eucharist to the
Mission Congregation.
a) Due reverence and preparations for reservation of the
Blessed Sacrament shall be confirmed by the Ordinary or
his representative prior to the Licensed Lay Reader
reserving the Sacrament.
b) The Licensed Lay Reader shall be trained and examined
by the Ordinary or his representative to assure that he
understands the gravity of his responsibility, and the rite
which accompanies the administration of the Sacrament by
laity.
c) This accommodation should be made in serious pastoral
need, as when a supply priest of our Church or one in
communion with us cannot celebrate the Eucharist on a
regular basis for the Mission.
d) It must not be made for the mere convenience of the
congregation.

10. As often as possible, but at least every six (6) weeks a presbyter of the CANC, or a
Presbyter of a Church recognized as being in communion with us shall visit the Mission
and celebrate the Holy Eucharist/Mass.

11. Missions shall comply with all Parish reporting regulations as cited in ssII:C:15 &
15.

12. As soon as practicable the Mission shall seek a Pastor.

13. Any Mission Parish which remains a Mission Parish for two (2) or more years past
the date of organization shall be dissolved unless arrangements are made with the
Ordinary.

Page 32 of 81

Section III: Administration of the Sacraments.

A. Baptism
1. The normal minister for Holy Baptism is the Deacon or Parish Priest.
a) In an emergency, any baptized Christian may validly perform the Sacrament of
Baptism.

2. Baptism shall be administered through the pouring, sprinkling or immersion with
water, using the following form:

a) I baptize you (thee) in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy
Spirit (Ghost).
i) Appropriate adjustments shall be made for that primary language is not
English.
ii) Baptism which is not performed in the Name of the Father and of the
Son and of the Holy Spirit shall not be considered valid in this Church.
1) Example: One shall not baptize in the Name of the Creator,
Redeemer and Sanctifier. So-called inclusive language is
prohibited.
iii) In accordance with the ancient tradition, water shall be poured on the
head at the mention of each Person of the Trinity.

3. Infants may be baptized provided that parents and godparents are communicants in
good standing in this Church or a Church body with whom we are in inter-communion,
and the minister of Baptism is satisfied after inquiry that the sponsors and parents will
assure the raising of the child in the Catholic Faith, and the parents have been instructed
in their responsibilities to the child and the Church.
a) Except in an emergency, no member of this Church shall baptize any infant in
contravention of this Canon.

B. Holy Eucharist
1. The only valid ministers of this Sacrament are Bishops and Presbyters in union with a
Bishop of this Church.

2. The Holy Eucharist it the principal Service of the Church, and shall be the primary
form of Worship of the Church.

3. If a Bishop or Presbyter be available, Mass shall be celebrated at least every Sunday
and Holy Day in all Parishes and Missions in this Church.

4. If there are several services on Sunday Morning, all principal services shall be the
Eucharist
Page 33 of 81

a) The Daily Office may be said on Sunday Morning, but shall not be considered
by either clergy or laity as a substitute for the Holy Eucharist.

5. The Eucharist shall be celebrated with a valid Order of Service and the Canon of the
Mass, as promulgated, from time to time, by the College of Bishops.
a) Each Order of Service shall conform to the ancient Order of the Mass in form
and intention.
b) Only those Orders which are approved by the College of Bishops and the
Patriarch may be used.

6. Bread made of wheat and wine which contains alcohol through the fermentation
process must be used at all celebrations of the Eucharist. These are the sole acceptable
elements. In the case of a priest who is unable, due to health reasons, to drink even a
small amount of wine, mustum, that is, grape juice in which the natural fermentation
process has been naturally suspended, which is free of any additives or foreign
substances, may be used by that priest only. However, consecrated wine must be present
for the laity. Mustum may only be used in very extreme circumstances, and only with the
approval of the Patriarch.

7. All Masses shall be conducted in attire with vessels prescribed by the Ordinary, the
College of Bishops and the Patriarch.

8. All celebrants shall be instructed by the Ordinary of the Diocese, from time to time, in
appropriate celebration of the Eucharist. The Liturgical Rites of the Church are the only
licit Rites to be used, and may not be modified or changed from the given form and
format. The rubrics, prayers, and reading cycles of each rite are to be strictly observed,
and are not to be locally revised, nor shall local custom replace ancient liturgical rites.

9. The Sacrament, if reserved, must be reserved in a Tabernacle set aside exclusively for
that use, or in a Pyx set aside exclusively for that use.

a) It must be in a place safe from unauthorized access.
b) A sign of Presence should be set up, such as an altar lamp, presence candle, or
the like.
c) All Eucharist which is not reserved, or cannot be reserved (such as leavened
bread which would become stale) shall be either:
i) Consumed reverently by the Priest and communicants or
ii) Dissolved in water which shall be poured into the ground, and the
vessel holding the water washed and once again poured into the ground.
d) If the Precious Blood spills it shall be blotted with a clean purificator, and the
purificator washed as above in water which shall go only into the ground.
i) If the Precious Blood spills on carpet, upholstery, or garments which
cannot be washed, it shall be considered sufficient to blot up as much as possible
with the purificator. We believe that our Lord departs the creature of wine at such
moment.

Page 34 of 81

10. Only those who recognize the Real Presence of Our Lord in the Eucharist, have been
validly baptized, and who have:

a) Been confirmed by a valid Bishop of the Catholic Church, or
b) Are about to be confirmed by a valid Bishop of the Catholic Church (have
taken catechism classes), or
c) Have gone through Holy First Communion class, AND
d) Are not in a state of mortal sin, may receive the Sacrament.

No one who rejects the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, may receive at the Altar.

C. Confirmation
1. The sole minister of Confirmation is the Bishop.

2. The outward and visible sign of Confirmation is the laying on of hands.

3. The form of Confirmation shall be under the direction of the Patriarch.

4. No one may be confirmed until he or she has reached the age of at least twelve (12)
years and is able, under examination from the Bishop, to demonstrate an understanding
of:

a) The Eucharist
i) The Doctrine of the Real Presence of our Lord in the Blessed
Sacrament.
ii) The shape of the Liturgy -- what happens when and why.
b) The Creeds
c) The Lords Prayer
d) A general outline of the History of the Catholic Church
e) The matter, form, ministers and intention of each of the Seven Sacraments.

5. No one shall be confirmed until after he or she has made First Confession.

D. Penance
1. The sole ministers for the Sacrament of Penance are Priests and Bishops.

2. The outward and visible sign of Penance is Absolution given by the Priest or Bishop
with the authority conveyed in Apostolic Succession by our Lord Jesus Christ.

3. General Penance performed as part of community worship is sufficient for the
absolution of venial sins.

4. Auricular Confession is required for the Absolution of mortal sin.

Page 35 of 81

5. All Pastors shall instruct congregations in the necessity of Auricular Confession and
shall make themselves available frequently to hear Auricular Confession.

6. Refusal to hear Auricular Confession shall be deemed neglect of sacerdotal duties and
may subject the Priest or Bishop to inhibition and laicization. An extremely rare
exception shall exist if the penitent shown no sign of repentance or it is clear that the sin
shall be sinfully and defiantly repeated.

7. All information given in the Confessional is sacred and must not be revealed for any
reason whatsoever, regardless of the consequences to the Confessor.
a) This is ancient Catholic Doctrine.

8. Revealing of information obtained in Confession shall subject the Confessor to
immediate inhibition and church disciplinary proceedings which may result in laicization.

E. Holy Matrimony
1. The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony is to be performed only between one male and one
female, both of whom are free to marry, choose to do so of their own free wills, and free
from canonical impediments. (Amended 5/2009)

2. The ministers of the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony are the couple themselves.

3. A Deacon, Priest or Bishop shall witness the joining of the couple in Sacramental
Union.

4. It is extremely desirable that the Sacrament of Matrimony be performed with a Nuptial
Mass, especially if both parties are Catholic.

5. Ministers of this Church shall exercise due diligence to assure that all is reverent,
seemly and in order, including the selection of music, attire for the wedding party,
readings, and all other aspects of the wedding service.

a) The Marriage Service shall be chosen form a service authorized by the
Patriarch.
b) In no event shall a couple write their own service.
c) Music must be of a nature which reflects the sacred nature of the event.
Generally, music must be Christian, seemly, and in accord with Catholic
Doctrine.
d) Attire must be dignified. No Costumes, vulgar attire, or extremely revealing
attire shall be permitted.

6. Ministers of this Church shall be careful to observe the law of the State governing the
civil contract of marriage in the place where the service shall be performed, and they
shall conform to the laws of this Church governing the solemnization of Holy
Matrimony.
Page 36 of 81

7. No minister, knowingly after due inquiry, shall solemnize the marriage of any person
who has been or is the husband or wife of any other person then living whose marriage
been annulled or dissolved in any way by the civil court for any cause arising after
marriage; Provided, however, in any case of a person who has been a husband or wife of
any other person then living, whose marriage has been first annulled or dissolved by a
civil court, followed by ecclesiastical determination of nullity, who shall apply to a
Minister of this Church for solemnization of his or her marriage, the Minister shall
ascertain all pertinent facts concerning the dissolution, including matters of record, and
the actual causes for dissolution, and forward these facts, in writing, to the Ordinary with
his recommendations, and letters from both parties indicating their understanding of
marriage, and by their agreement to abide by ssIII:E:7:f:I of this Canon, at least thirty
(30) days before the proposed date of marriage. In every case, the Minister shall deliver
his personal opinion to the Ordinary. Such application shall not be made until a period of
not less that one (1) year shall have elapsed since the civil dissolution of the previous
marriage. The Ordinary shall consider Godly discipline, justice, Christian mercy and
charity, and shall deliver his judgment on the petition within thirty (30) days of receiving
the same. Should he not deliver his judgment within the stated time, the proposed shall
be considered valid. In every case, the proceedings shall be held confidential.

8. No Minister, knowingly after due inquiry, shall solemnize any marriage unless the
following conditions are met:

a) He shall have ascertained the right of the parties to marry not in violation of
any of the following impediments:

i) Consanguinity within the degrees generally considered unacceptable by
the Church;
ii) Mistake as to identity of either party;
iii) Mental incompetence of deficiency of either party sufficient to
prevent the exercise of intelligent choice;
iv) Mental illness or psychological impairment sufficient to prevent the
exercise of free choice;
v) Impotence, sexual perversion, or the existence of sexually transmitted
disease undisclosed to either party;
vi) Facts which would make the marriage bigamous;
vii) Concurrent contract inconsistent with the covenant of Holy
Matrimony according to Holy Scriptures and the Canons of the Church;
viii) Fraud, coercion, or duress; or
ix) The failure of either or both parties to be baptized;

b) There shall be thirty (30) days notice of intention to marry unless waived for weighty
reasons, in which case the Ordinary shall be notified immediately and I writing;
c) The Minister shall counsel both parties on the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony with
respect to theological and social implications and responsibilities;
d) There shall be at least two (2) witnesses present; and
Page 37 of 81

e) The Minister shall record in the Parish Register the name, age, and residence of each
party. Such record shall be signed by the Minister, the married parties, and at least two
(2) witnesses.
f) The Minister shall require the parties to sign the following declaration:

i) We, A.B. and C.D., desiring to receive the blessing of Holy Matrimony in the
Church, do solemnly declare that we hold marriage to be a lifelong union of
husband and wife as it is set forth in the Teaching and Doctrine of Christs One,
Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. We believe it is for the purpose of the
procreation (if it may be) of children, and their spiritual and physical nurture, for
mutual fellowship, encouragement, and understanding, and for the safeguarding
and benefit of society, and we do engage ourselves, so far as in us lies, to make
our utmost effort to establish this relationship and to seek Gods help to do so.
We, further agree to seek the counsel of one of the Priests of Gods Holy Church
if, in the changes and chances of this life, our union is endangered in any way.
We make these statements in the Name of the +Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit. Amen.
ii) No minister of the Church shall join in Matrimony any couple who refuses to
sign this declaration.

9. It shall be within the discretion of any Minister to decline to solemnize any marriage.

10. It shall be the responsibility of any Minister to decline to solemnize any marriage
where there are clear indications that a life-long union is unlikely, until he has satisfied
himself through pre-marital counseling that the couple has resolved the issues involved.
Some of these issues are:

a) Obvious extreme conflict between man and woman.
b) Tender age on the part of either or both.
c) Gross immaturity on the part of either or both.
d) Inability of the couple to sustain a domicile financially.
e) Extreme opposition on the part of the family of either or both, combined with a
lack of obvious maturity or years to deal with such.
f) Recent divorce or death of the partner of one of the persons desiring to be
married.
i) The Minister shall ascertain through pre-marital counseling the depth of
understanding of the issues involved.
g) Obvious hostility toward the opposite gender on the part of one or both of the
parties.
h) A history of sexual, verbal or physical abuse.
i) A history of mental illness.
j) A clear disparity in cultures, intelligence, understanding, social class or
spirituality on part of the couple.

11. The threat of a civil ceremony, or loss of a parishioner to the Church, or actual
joining in a civil ceremony or by a minister of the Gospel in a Protestant denomination
Page 38 of 81

shall not influence the responsibility of the Minister of this Church to assure that the
Sacrament of Holy Matrimony is solemnized responsibly, with a clear understanding of
its life-long nature.

12. No minister of this Church shall charge a set fee for weddings, nor shall he suggest a
donation amount in literature, counseling or wedding contracts. If asked specifically, he
shall state that the service is a Sacrament and it cannot be sold. Donations are, however,
permitted in whatever amount is comfortable to the couple.

F. Holy Orders
1. Ordinations shall be performed only by a validly consecrated Bishop of this Church,
in person, after serious examination of the Candidates learning, past and devotion.

2. All ordinations shall be performed using either the Old Catholic Ritual & Missal, the
Tridentine Rite, (for Eastern Rite Churches: The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom,
The Divine Liturgy of St. Basil) or the current Roman Rite. No other Rite shall be used.

3. Ordinations must be performed through a physical laying on of hands, and an
invocation of the Holy Spirit.

4. Only males may be ordained to any of the three offices of the Sacred Ministry. This
requirement cannot be changed or deleted.

5. All ordained orders must sign the Statement of Faith, and swear to uphold the
doctrine and traditions of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. Any ordained
person teaching doctrine which is contrary to the Statement of Faith, Scripture, or the
Traditions of the Catholic Church shall be automatically inhibited.

6. Any man ordained must swear obedience to the Bishop of his See and to the Patriarch.

7. Any ordination which departs from these Canons is questionable, and the man must be
ordained sub conditione under these Canons. Any man obtaining ordination or
consecration sub rosa shall incur automatic excommunication and released from the
clerical state if he had been previously. Any member of this church which furthers or in
any way assists in such sub rosa ordination or consecration shall also incur immediate
and automatic excommunication as well.

8. If it is discovered that the Candidate misrepresented himself in any way, the
ordination remains valid, but the individuals ministry will be inhibited until a full
investigation of the facts may be made by the Ordinary or an individual appointed by
him. If the material misrepresentation is severe enough to interfere with the effective
conduct of ministry, the deacon, priest or bishop making the misrepresentation shall be
laicized and prohibited from practicing his ministry within the CANC.

Page 39 of 81

9. A deacon, priest or bishop inhibited in one diocese may not practice in another diocese
of the CANC without a 2/3rds vote of the College of Bishops.

10. Each man ordained or consecrated in any office shall sign the following statement:

a) I, A.B., a (communicant/deacon/priest) in good standing within the Catholic
Apostolic National Church, hereby solemnly promise and swear obedience to the
Bishop (Patriarch) who has authority over me, the Most Reverend C.D. I
solemnly swear to uphold the Statement of Faith of the Catholic Apostolic
National Church, and to teach nothing which is contrary to the Statement of Faith
in any manner whatsoever. I swear to practice the Sacraments of my Order with
the Matter, Form, Intention and Ministers decreed by Scripture and Tradition.
(Bishops only: I swear not to ordain nor attempt to ordain any woman for any
reason whatsoever, nor any person whose life and witness is not consistent with
the moral and ethical teachings of Christianity. I swear not to ordain any person
who is practicing extramarital sex.) I swear not to attempt to join in Sacramental
or Para-Sacramental union any persons of the same gender, nor to recognize such
unions as the equivalent of marriage. I will con-celebrate the Sacraments only
with those with those whom we are in inter-communion, or with the express
permission of my Ordinary (Bishops: Express permission of the Patriarch.) I
swear not to attempt to con-celebrate a Sacrament with a woman who is
pretending to Holy Orders within the Catholic Church, nor with any person I
know is in habitual mortal sin. I swear to uphold my life as it befits a priest of the
One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, and recognize that I may be laicized,
inhibited or excommunicated for living a scandalous lifestyle.

Signed this_____ day _________, in the Year of Our Lord, ___________.

Witnesses:

_________________________ _________________________

G. Holy Unction
1. The Sacrament of Holy Unction shall be performed on any who are ill, infirm or close
to death. The Ministers if the Sacrament of Holy Unction are to make themselves
available to administer this Sacrament, most urgently, when so requested.

2. The Ministers of the Sacrament of Holy Unction are a Priest or a Bishop.

3. Oil blessed by a Priest or a Bishop shall be used.

Page 40 of 81

H. Of Other Para-Sacramental Services
1. No Minister shall perform any union of persons of the same gender in mockery of
Holy Matrimony.
a) Any Minister doing so shall be automatically and immediately laicized and
excommunicated for perverting the intention of a Sacrament. Such laicization and
excommunication is automatic and requires no process to be in effect.

2. No Minister of this Church shall concelebrate a Eucharistic celebration with a
female priest, bishop or minister of the Gospel.

a) Any Minister doing so shall be subject to excommunication for perverting the
matter and intention of the Most Holy Sacrament, and making a mockery thereof.

3. No Minister of this Church shall concelebrate a Eucharistic celebration with a
minister of the Gospel, or any other person whose orders are questionable.

4. No Minister of this Church shall ordain or consecrate a person for another
ecclesiastical body, nor participate in the ordination or consecration for another
ecclesiastical body without the express permission of the Patriarch, delivered in writing.
No Minister of this Church shall agree to do so until and unless such permission is
received. No minister of this Church shall ordain or consecrate an individual for another
ecclesiastical body whose theology is not identical in nature to this Churchs.

5. This Church shall not enter into communion agreements with any other ecclesiastical
body whose Bishops ordain women to the Sacred Ministry, or whose ministers perform
unions of those of the same gender, or whose Bishops ordain those who are openly living
in sin, or whose orders are questionable.

6. No Church Building which is under the exclusive control of a Parish, Mission or
Diocese of this Church shall permit the above cited prohibited activities to take place
within the Church Building.
Section IV: Worship

A. Of Translations of the Bible
1. Any modern translation of the Bible may be used, with strong preference given to
those Bibles containing all of the books of the Old Testament as of old, rather than
merely the Hebrew Old Testament, as approved by most Protestant denominations.
Approved for use is the Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition, and the New
American Bible.

2. The Patriarch may, at his discretion, prohibit the use of any particular form of the
Bible.
Page 41 of 81

B. Of Missals
1. Only Missals authorized by the Patriarch and the College of Bishops may be used for
public worship.

2. The following Missals and Rites are authorized.
a) The Old Catholic Ritual & Missal (Gul-Matthew 1908).
b) The Traditional Tridentine Mass, in Latin or English
c) The Knott English Missal (Tridentine Mass translated into poetic English.)
d) The current Roman Rite. (by permission)
e) The Brazilian Rite (In Portuguese or English)
f) The Anglican Use (RC) Rite (by permission)

C. Of the Due Celebration of Sundays
1. All persons within this Church shall celebrate and keep the Lords Day, commonly
called Sunday, by regular participation in the public worship of the Church, by hearing
the Word of God read and taught, by participation in the Holy Eucharist, and by giving of
time, talents and treasures to the Holy Church of God.

D. Of Music
1. It is the duty of the Pastor to assure that all music used in worship is reverent and
conducive to worship.

2. He shall not permit music in the Church which does not conform to Catholic Doctrine
and Teaching.
a) This Canon shall remain in full force and effect even in Youth Mass and the
like. The Pastor is instructed to utilize appropriate Christian Music.

3. He may appoint such persons as are skilled in musical instruments and vocal music to
conduct the musical portion of worship.

4. The Pastor remains the final authority on the music within the Church, subject to the
directives of the Church as a whole, the Patriarch and the local Ordinary.

E. Of the Consecration of Churches
1. No Church or Chapel shall be consecrated until the Bishop shall have been sufficiently
certified that the building and ground on which it is erected have been fully paid for, and
are free from lien or other encumbrance.

2. No consecrated Church or Chapel shall be removed, taken down, or otherwise
disposed of for any worldly or common use, without the previous consent of the Bishop
or Patriarch.
Page 42 of 81

3. A Church or Chapel that has been consecrated shall not be used for a worldly use,
encumbered, hypothecated or otherwise alienated.

Section V: Of Business Methods in Church Affairs

A. Fiscal Year
1. The Fiscal Year shall be the Calendar Year, beginning of January 1
st
and ending on
December 31
st
.

B. Financial Reporting
1. Each Diocese shall deliver quarterly (15
th
of January, April, July and October) a full
financial disclosure.
a) If the income of any Diocese for a year exceeds $20,000.00, the financial
disclosure shall be made by an accountant or bookkeeper who is not an employee
of the Diocese or a member of this Church.
b) If the income of any Diocese exceeds $100,000.00 in a year, the financial
report shall be made by a Certified Public Accountant who is not an employee of
the Diocese or a member of this Church.
c) The Patriarch may order an audit of any Diocese or Parish at any time.

2. The Archdiocese shall, to the College of Bishops, deliver annually a complete
financial report on the income and expenditures of the Archdiocese.
a) If the income of the Archdiocese for a year exceeds $20,000.00, the financial
disclosure shall be made by an accountant or bookkeeper who is not an employee
of the Archdiocese or a member of this Church.
b) If the income of the Archdiocese exceeds $100,000.00 in a year, the financial
report shall be made by a Certified Public Accountant who is not any employee of
the Archdiocese or a member of this Church.

3. The College of Bishops may order an audit of the Archdiocesan books by a 4/5ths
vote.

4. If it is found that the Patriarch has misappropriated funds, he may be inhibited and
church disciplinary action may be taken.

Page 43 of 81

Section VI: Dissolution of the Church

1. Should disputes be unable to be resolved in the College of Bishops, the Bishops in
union with the Patriarch shall be considered to be the continuing body of the Church.

a) Except that the Patriarch may be removed, only for cause, by the unanimous
vote of the College of Bishops, less one.

i) The Patriarch shall not have a vote at a question of his removal.
ii) If the Patriarch is removed for cause, the College of Bishops shall
immediately elect a new Patriarch and the College of Bishops shall be
considered to be the continuing body of the Church.
iii) If the Patriarch is not removed, all of those who vote against the
Patriarch shall, at once, resign their Sees through the breaking of their vow
of obedience. They may continue in the Church as Parish Priests.
iv) Promises or threats made by any Bishop or on behalf of any Bishop to
influence this election shall cause that Bishop to be unseated at once and
laicized.

2. All Property, Dioceses, Parishes, Missions, Seminaries, Real and Intellectual Property
and Bank Accounts shall remain with the continuing body of the Church.

3. Any Bishops leaving the structure of the Church shall not retain the right to their
Parishes and Missions, and must return any Church property within five (5) days intact as
it was as of the day of their separation from the body of the Church. No Bishop of this
Church shall alienate any real property given, titled, bequested or otherwise obtained by
the Church, held in trust for the Church by the Bishop without the express written consent
of the Patriarch, in which said documentation specifically identifies the item(s) to be
alienated and in what manner and for what purpose.

4. The Patriarch shall, at once, hold elections for new Bishops to fill any vacant Sees.

5. The College of Bishops may elect, by unanimous vote, to give the Patriarch the right
to appoint and consecrate new Bishops of his choosing in this situation.

Section VII: Amendment of Canons

1. Amendment of these Canons may take place by a unanimous vote of the College of
Bishops.

2. Except that Canons referring to Form, Matter, Intent and Administration of the
Sacraments may not be altered for any reason whatsoever. De fide

Page 44 of 81

3. In general, any attempt to alter the ancient, received teaching of the One, Holy,
Catholic and Apostolic Church shall be prima facie null and void.

4. This section (Section VII) is a permanent part of these canons indefinitely, and not be
subject to revocation, annulment or amendment of any kind.

Section VIII: Severability

1. If any of these Canons shall be found to violate Federal, State or Local Law, and they
cannot be successfully defended, the Canon shall remain in effect to the degree and scope
that is permissible.

2. The nullity of one section of these Canons does not affect the other sections of these
Canons.
Section IX: Declaration of Intent

1. It is our intention to form and administer this branch of the Holy Tree of Christs One,
Holy, Catholic and Apostolic church in unity, constancy and peace.

2. Discord does not permit the Church to grow.

3. These Canons, together with the Statement of Faith, are intended to explicate the
essentials of Church Polity, Doctrine and Teaching.

4. It is our belief that, by explicating clearly the essentials of Church Polity, Doctrine and
Teaching, we can ameliorate the discord which exists in much of the Lords Body today,
and make disciples of all nations. We believe that this is the command of the Lord.

Signed:

In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Section X: Acknowledgement.

I have read the Code of Canon Law of the Catholic Apostolic National Church completely, and I
fully agree to be bound by it and agree to be legally bound to the canon laws herein. Revised;
April 29, 2009.

Page 45 of 81

[Each Bishop of this Church shall sign, and have witnessed, their assent to these Canons, on the
attached pages]

Page 46 of 81

CONSTITUTION

We, the duly consecrated and appointed Bishops of the Old Catholic Church of the
United States, Inc. publicly known, as of August 1, 2005, as the Catholic Apostolic National
Church, make the following solemn declaration.

We declare this Church to be, and desire that it shall continue in full communion with all
Catholic Churches throughout the world who hold the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Faith,
as delivered to us through the Ages, believed by the Saints, Apostles and Martyrs, and held
Always, Everywhere, and by Everyone. We are in fellowship with all Churches who hold the
same Catholic Faith revealed in Holy Writ, confirmed by the Fathers of the Church, who
celebrate the traditional Divinely ordained Seven Sacraments, receive the Canonical Old and
New Testaments of Holy Scripture, minister through the same Apostolic Orders, and worship
One God and Father through the same Lord Jesus Christ, by the same Holy and Divine Spirit
who is given those who believe, to guide them into all truth.

We hold the Faith as given to our Fathers through the Ages to be incapable of alteration.
While, at diverse times the rites surrounding the administration of the Sacraments may vary,
according to local usage, language and custom, yet we hold that the Matter, Form, Ministers and
intention of the Sacraments is inalterable and appointed by the Divine Decree through our Lord
and Master, Jesus Christ.

That which we hold to be the Catholic Faith is only that which we have received. We
solemnly promise to deliver that, unimpaired, to posterity, God being our helper, until the Lord
shall return in Glory.

We, therefore, that all things may be done seemly and in order, set forth this Constitution,
these Canons, and this Statement of Faith.

In the Name of the + Father, and of the + Son, and of the + Holy Spirit, Amen.

Page 47 of 81

Article I - Of the Governance of this Church.
Section 1: This Church is, and is intended to be, a hierarchical body. The basic unit of
Church organization is the parish community. Each parish community shall have as its pastoral
head, a validly and licitly ordained priest of this Church, aided by a validly and licitly ordained
deacon of this Church. Every such parish must be a part of a larger unit, known as a Diocese,
which is an organization of parishes, missions and other localized Church functions and
functionaries. A diocese has, for its pastoral head, a validly and licitly consecrated Bishop of this
Church, validly installed as the Ordinary of that particular Diocese, with his cathedra at the
primary parish, being the See of that Diocese. The Bishop of a particular Diocese (Ordinary)
shall, by right and virtue of his office, having been installed as such by the Patriarch, as
evidenced by a declaration of installation signed and sealed by the Patriarch, have all temporal,
spiritual and juridical rights specified and historically possessed by an Ordinary of a Diocese, as
commonly understood within the Catholic Church, specified herein. The Bishop of a particular
Diocese shall, by the authority of his office, upon taking possession of his See by reading the
declaration of installation, signed and sealed by the Patriarch, aloud at the first available Mass,
take possession of all Church property and funds of the Diocese and hold it, in trust, for the
Church (the National Body), and shall be wholly responsible for its care and proper stewardship,
although he may designate certain person(s) to aid in the stewardship and care of such, as are
necessary due to their peculiar skills, certifications and education. No individual may aid in the
care and stewardship of any Church owned or Church related property or funds who has been
convicted of a felony or misdemeanor offense, or who has been dismissed from any employment
as a result of some inconsistency regarding property or funds which that person had a duty to
care for. (This section may not be amended.)

Section 2: There shall be a College of Bishops in this Church, consisting of every Bishop
consecrated as a Bishop in this Church, or incardinated as a Bishop in this Church, including (but
not limited to) those serving as Patriarch, Patriarch, Vicar-General, Provincial Ordinary,
Diocesan Ordinary, Assistant to a Diocesan Ordinary, Assistant to the Patriarch, Episcopal or
Patriarchal Staff, or who the College of Bishops elects and appoints to have a seat in this
College. The Patriarch alone may effect Agreements of Communion on behalf of this Church,
authorize the consecration of a bishop, authorize Church Statements on issues of Faith and
Morals, authorize the formation of a diocese or province, call a National or Worldwide Synod of
the College of Bishops, incardinate or excardinate a bishop, inhibit a bishop (after determination
by Investigation) or execute agreements on behalf of the Church (unless authority is given in
writing, for a particular purpose to a member of this Church, by the Patriarch). All property and
funds owned or controlled by the Church are, directly or indirectly, actually or constructively, de
facto held and possessed by the sitting Patriarch, in trust, for The Catholic Apostolic National
Church (the National Church body), and only the Patriarch can legitimately authorize the sale or
disposition of any Church property or funds, although lesser value property and lesser value
amounts may be cared for or disposed of by on behalf of the Patriarch by and through the local
Bishop of a particular Diocese (Ordinary), provided that Bishop has the expressed written
approval of the Patriarch to do so, and to what degree. (This section may not be amended.)

Page 48 of 81

Section 3: No individual consecrated in another jurisdiction, until and unless elected and
appointed in an Episcopal capacity within the Church, shall hold a seat in the College of Bishops.
(This section may not be amended.)

Section 4: The Patriarch of the Worldwide Communion shall preside over all meetings of the
College of Bishops. He may designate a duly authorized Bishop to represent him and carry his
vote or veto. Such Bishop must be a member of this Church in good standing. The Patriarch is,
and shall always be, the visible head of this Church, and shall speak on behalf of the Church as a
whole. The Diocese under the Episcopal care of the Patriarch shall be known as the
Patriarchate, and all other Dioceses of this Church shall be subject to its governance, and shall
make regular reports as to operations, membership and church financing to the Patriarch by and
through the organization of the Patriarchate. (This section may not be amended.)

Section 5: The Patriarch shall be the Bishop elected by a 75%. majority vote of the College
of Bishops to serve as Patriarch. He shall serve until death, retirement, or unless removed
according to Canon. (This section may not be amended.)

Section 6: The Patriarch shall preside over all meetings of the College of Bishops. (This section
may not be amended.)

Section 7: Save that if he be prevented from presiding for any reason other than death,
resignation, retirement, or removal, the Vicar-General of the Church shall preside, or if none
exists at the time, then the Bishop most senior in date of consecration or incardination within this
Church body shall preside at the College of Bishops. (This section may not be amended.)

Section 8: The College of Bishops shall be deemed to have a quorum if three-fourths (3/4) of
the members thereof and the Patriarch are present. A Provincial or National College of Bishops
may affect only governmental changes by themselves, the Worldwide College of Bishops is
required to respond to issues of Faith or Dogma, and in such cases, when the issues are known
beforehand, a Bishop unable to travel to the location of the Synod of the College of Bishops
may, by his signature and seal, vote his determination in such matters by certified or otherwise
registered mail, and upon verification of such signature and seal, such vote shall be counted as
though he were present. A Worldwide College of Bishops includes all bishops of this Church
Worldwide. The College of Bishops shall, by and through the Vicar-General, make every effort
to advise the College of the specific issues to be decided and voted upon beforehand, so that due
consideration and deep prayer can be brought to bear on said issues early on, and that diligent
and thorough care might be given to such matters. (This section may not be amended.)

Section 9: The College of Bishops shall be deemed to have a quorum if three-fourths (3/4) of
the members thereof are present, and the Patriarch is unable to attend, but has appointed the most
senior Bishop to preside. (This section may not be amended.)

Section 10: In the event of severe disability of the Patriarch, rendering him incapable
temporarily or permanently to preside, at least 51% of members of the College (exclusive of the
Patriarch) must issue a decree to that effect, and, until the death of the Patriarch the Vicar-
Page 49 of 81

General, or if none exist, the most senior Bishop, as stated above, shall serve as Patriarch pro-
tem. (This section may not be amended.)

Section 11: If a temporary disability of the Patriarch shall exceed twelve (12) months, or the
Patriarch pro tem is notified that the disability shall be permanent, or shall last longer than
twelve (12) months, the Patriarch shall be deemed no longer capable of carrying out his office,
and shall be considered to have honorably resigned, and an election shall be held, as according to
Article I, s5, above. (This section may not be amended.)

Section 12: It is expressly designed that only Bishops shall have any voting power in the
administration of this Church. Each individual Bishop is, and shall be, the primary juridical
authority of his respective Diocese, Province or Archdiocese, and is the Chief Presbyter of that
Diocese. (This section may not be amended.)

Section 13: The College shall meet at least once annually, at a time and place specified by the
Patriarch.

Article II - Of Bishops
Section 1: All Ordained Ministers in this Church shall be male, according to the dictates of
Sacred Scripture, Tradition, and the clear mandate of the Church of God. De Fide (This section

Section 2: All Bishops shall be appointed by the Patriarch after election by the College of
Bishops, to the position in which he is needed. (This section may not be amended.)

Section 3: No one shall be ordained and consecrated Bishop until he has attained the age of
thirty (30) years. (This section may not be amended.)

Section 4: He shall be elected by a 2/3rds. Vote of the College of Bishops. (This section may
not be amended.)

Section 5: The College of Bishops may elect, with the consent of the Bishop of the Diocese,
a Suffragan Bishop, without the right of succession. He shall be eligible for appointment as
Ordinary of any Diocese, as Assistant to the Patriarch, as Coadjutor Bishop in the Diocese in
which he is serving, or in another Diocese, or Patriarchal Staff, at the pleasure of the Patriarch.

Section 6: The College of Bishops may elect, with the consent of the Bishop of the Diocese,
a Bishop Coadjutor, with right of succession. He shall, upon the death, disability, retirement,
resignation or removal of the Ordinary of the Diocese, automatically succeeded as Ordinary of
the Diocese to which he was appointed. (This section may not be amended.)

Section 7: Except that no Bishop Coadjutor shall have rights of succession to the Patriarchal
Seat. (This section may not be amended.)
Page 50 of 81

Section 8: All Bishops shall reside within the jurisdiction of their See, and shall confine their
Episcopal activities to their jurisdiction, unless invited by the Ordinary of a Diocese, or
appointed by the Patriarch to do otherwise. (This section may not be amended.)

Section 9: The College of Bishops may appoint a Bishop to be in charge of the work of those
chaplains in the Armed Forces of the United States or Canada who are ordained Ministers of this
Church. This Bishop shall have jurisdiction over all Military Chaplains, regardless of the
temporary or permanent geographical location of such chaplains.

Article III - Of New Dioceses
Section 1: From time to time, with sensitivity to the Pastoral need, the Patriarch, in consultation
with the College of Bishops, shall create new Dioceses out of existing Dioceses. (This section

Section 2: The Patriarch, in consultation with the College of Bishops, shall designate a See
City for the new Diocese. (This section may not be amended.)

Section 3: If the new Diocese is created out of an existing Diocese, the Bishop of the
existing Diocese shall have the right to elect which of the new dioceses he shall administer, and
any Bishop Coadjutor or suffragan may be appointed to serve the new Diocese, or the Patriarch
may, at his sole discretion, call for the election of a Bishop for the new diocese, for which the
Coadjutor or suffragan may stand.

Section 4: If a new Diocese is created out of two or more existing Dioceses, the Bishop most
senior in consecration or incardination into this Church shall have first choice of Diocese, the
one next senior next choice, and so on. The new Diocese or Dioceses shall be apportioned by
appointment of the Patriarch, or election, if no already consecrated Bishop can be found to serve.

Section 5: Nothing in this Article shall be interpreted to permit any Bishop to reside outside
his jurisdiction. However, should a Bishop be impeded, by an individual or other entity, from
physically taking possession of his See, upon notification to the Vicar-General and notation of
the Patriarch, he shall be deemed to have constructive possession thereof, and have all full and
proper ecclesiastical, temporal, spiritual and juridical authority and rights proper to that office.
When able to do so, said Bishop shall take actual possession of his See when physically able to
do so. (This section may not be amended.)

Section 6: All Bishops shall take an Oath of Obedience to the Patriarch, and duly sign the
Statement of Faith of this Church. (This section may not be amended.)

Page 51 of 81

Article IV - Of the Naming of Dioceses
Section 1: Dioceses shall be named after the See City wherein the Cathedra of the Bishop
resided, according to the ancient practice, except for the Diocese of the Armed Services, which
shall be named the Diocese of the Armed Services.

Section 2: All Dioceses, except for the Diocese of the Armed Services, shall be geographical
and have well defined boundaries. These boundaries may be delineated by reference to political
boundaries, or by any other generally accepted reference.

Article V - Of Missionary Bishops
Section 1: The College of Bishops may elect a Bishop to oversee all ministers and
missionaries in any parts of the World where a province or missionary parish of the Church has
not yet been established.

Article VI
Section 1: Nothing in this Constitution, the National Church Bylaws, or the National Canons
of this Church or the Canons of any subordinate jurisdiction of this Church, shall defeat, entail,
or encumber the title or right of any parish, mission, school, or religious community, which
existed previously as an entity separate and independent of this Church, in any of its real
property or funds, which have not been commingled with, donated or otherwise made a
permanent part thereof, of accounts and possessions of the subdivisions of this Church. However,
upon becoming full members of this Church, and such previously existing community who freely
gives deed, title or otherwise confers ownership of real property, interest in any real property, or
funds to this Church, does so in perpetuity, and without the right of revocation of the conferring
of such ownership rights upon this Church (The Old Catholic Church of the United States, Inc.
DBA the Catholic Apostolic National Church). Nothing in this Constitution or the National
Canons of this Church or in the Canons of any subordinate jurisdiction of this Church, shall
defeat, burden, or delay the right of any Bishop, Priest, Deacon, or employee of this Church to
the full enjoyment of any vested portion of pension funds accrued to his account, or of any
contractual right belonging to such person,

a) Except that any property (real, financial, intellectual or otherwise) owned, operated,
financed or held in trust for a parish, by the Diocese or Archdiocese shall return
remain the in the possession of that Diocese or Archdiocese, upon the secession of
any individual or group of individuals, or former parishioners, from the jurisdiction of
this church. Any property purchased from funds raised, tithed to, deeded or willed to,
or otherwise donated to the Church (including parishes, missions, dioceses, provinces
or archdiocese thereof) shall, at all times, remain and be the property of The Catholic
Apostolic National Church (the National Church body). Any funds donated to the
Church shall, at all times, remain and be the property of Catholic Apostolic National
Church (the National Church Body), and shall return immediately to The Catholic
Page 52 of 81

Apostolic National Church. (the National Church Body) upon the secession or
dissolution of any parish or community described herein from the jurisdiction of this
church. (This section may not be amended.)
b) This Church shall not be held responsible for properties owned or held privately by an
incardinating parish, in which the Church (the National Church Body) has no interest
in the real property. Likewise the Church shall not be liable for any such locally and
privately held property, with respect to any liability arising therefrom, and local
parishes are instructed and directed to obtain and maintain the proper and necessary
insurance, in sufficient amount. (This section may not be amended.)

Article VII - Of Ministers
Section 1: No person shall be ordained a Priest or Deacon, or consecrated a Bishop, nor any
type of minister in this Church, until he shall have been examined by the Board of Examining
Chaplains and the Standing Committee on the Ministry, and have exhibited such testimonials and
other requisites of the Ministry, and shall have exhibited such testimonials and other requisites as
the Canons in that case provided may direct. No person shall be consecrated a Bishop, or
ordained a Priest or Deacon to minister in this Church, unless at the time, in the presence of the
ordaining Bishop or Bishops, he shall sign and swear to uphold, support, defend and be bound in
fealty and fidelity to their proper bishop, the Patriarch and to this churchs Statement of Faith.

Section 2: No person shall be Pastor, Pastor Pro Tem or regular supply clergy for any parish
of this Church unless they have first been approved, and validly and licitly ordained by a Bishop
of this Church and/or received into Ministry in this Church by the appropriate Bishop. (This section

Section 3: No Minister of this Church shall officiate regularly in the parish or congregation
of any Church other than this Church without specific permission of their Bishop, and if a
Bishop, then the Patriarch. (This section may not be amended.)

Section 4: No Minister of this Church shall hold dual allegiance or membership with this
Church and another ecclesiastical body. Likewise no Minister of this Church shall participate in
any undertaking, which is contrary to the faith, dogma, morals, canon law, Statement of Faith
or constitution of this Church. (This section may not be amended.)

Section 5: No Minister of this Church shall be a participant in the administration of the
Sacraments with any Minister whose ecclesiastical body is not in Communion with this Church
through a signed Agreement of Communion. (This section may not be amended.)

Page 53 of 81

Article VIII - Of Ecclesiastical Courts
Section 1: The Canons provide for the establishment of Ecclesiastical Courts wherein there
shall be due process in the trial of any Minister of the Church. No member of this Church shall
be in peril of loss, except upon oath and affirmation of witnesses, production of reliable and
verified evidentiary documentation and that good cause be shown, and produced in proper form
to the proper Ecclesiastical Courts, all within the due and proper time. (This section may not be amended.)

Section 2: By entering into the Ministry of this Church every Minister agrees to make
himself subject to the Canonical Discipline of the Church, and is bound by the decisions of the
College of Bishops and his superiors. (This section may not be amended.)

Section 3: No Minister of this Church shall, for any reason whatsoever, seek recourse to the
civil courts for any dispute with his peers, superiors or subordinates, or with the Parish, Mission,
or Diocese to which he assigned with respect to any aspect of Church business, polity or
theology. (This section may not be amended.)

Article IX - Of Worship & Liturgy
Section 1: The primary form of Worship of this Church is the Holy Eucharist, or Mass of the
People. (This section may not be amended.)

Section 2: The Patriarch and the College of Bishops authorize the following liturgies and
rites to be used by all of the faithful of the Church: For the Western Rite Churches; The Old
Catholic Missal & Ritual (1909) Gul-Matthew, The Roman Catholic Tridentine Mass and
Roman Pontifical (In the Vernacular and Latin), and the Current Roman Catholic Rite (Novus
Ordo), and for Eastern Rite Churches; The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, and The
Divine Liturgy of St. Basil. Unauthorized rites and liturgies are not to be used, likewise
unauthorized variations of the words, rubrics, calendars, vestments or method of worship specific
and proper to the specified liturgies and rites are expressly forbidden.

Section 3: Only authorized Liturgies may be used. (This section may not be amended.)

Section 4: The Patriarch and College of Bishops may, from time to time, issue rules
regarding the music to be used at Worship. (This section may not be amended.)

Section 5: The Latin Vulgate is the primary translation of Holy Scripture for this Church. In
the English vernacular, within the continental United States, the Revised Standard Version-
Catholic Edition is the currently approved version for study, instruction and vocational training.
Both the Revised Standard Version-Catholic Edition and the New International Version-
Catholic Edition are approved for use in liturgies in the vernacular. For the Eastern Rite
Churches of this jurisdiction, the traditional and widely accepted version of Greek Text is
permitted, as well as the specified ones for the vernacular. The Patriarch and College of Bishops
Page 54 of 81

shall designate, from time to time, other approved translations of Scripture, which are permitted
to be read in Churches. (This section may not be amended.)

Section 6: The Patriarch and College of Bishops shall designate appropriate Liturgical Attire
for the Ministers of the Church in the performance of their duties. Said liturgical attire and
vestments shall be proper to the type and kind of liturgy being used, and the mixing of vestment
styles and types is not to be allowed. Ill-fitting or otherwise improper vestments are not to be
used, likewise no item is to be used as a vestment or any part of liturgical attire, nor altar clothe,
or any other items used during liturgical worship, that espouses or is understood to espouse, any
concept of life that is contrary to the Catholic faith that this Church espouses. (This section may not be
amended.)

Section 7: The Patriarch and College of Bishops shall issue, from time to time, a liturgical
calendar designating Feasts, Fasts, Holy Days, and the like, as well as prescribing Liturgical
Attire, particular to their Rite, to be worn by Ministers in the performance of their duties on those
days. (This section may not be amended.)

Article X - Holy Scriptures
Section 1: The Books of the Bible are:
Old Testament New Testament

Genesis Exodus Matthew Mark
Leviticus Numbers Luke John
Deuteronomy Joshua Acts Romans
Judges Ruth I Corninthians II Corinthians
I Samuel II Samuel Galatians Ephesians
I Kings II Kings Philippians Colossians
I Chronicles II Chronicles I Thessalonians II Thessalonians
Ezra Nehemiah I Timothy II Timothy
Tobit Judith Titus Philemon
Esther Job Hebrews James
Psalms Proverbs I Peter II Peter
Ecclesiastes Solomon I John II John
Wisdom (of Solomon) Sirach III John Jude
Isaiah Jeremiah Revelation
Lamentations Baruch
Ezekiel Daniel
Hosea Joel
Amos Obadiah
Jonah Micah
Nahum Habakkuk
Zephaniah Haggai
Zechariah Malachi
I Maccabees II Maccabees

Page 55 of 81

We affirm that these are the ancient books of the Bible, received by the Early Church. De Fide (This
section may not be amended.)

Article XI - Of Communion With Other Churches
Section 1: This Church may enter into Communion only with those Churches who hold to the
One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Faith, as described above. De Fide (This section may not be amended.)

Section 2: This Church may not enter into Communion with any Church which attempts to
ordain women to any level of the sacerdotal ministry (Bishop, Priest or Deacon). De fide (This section

Section 3: This Church may not enter into Communion with any Church which knowingly
ordains those who are openly practicing homosexuals, or those who are cohabiting with a
member of either gender in a sexual relationship other than ones legitimate and legal spouse of
the opposite gender. De Fide (This section may not be amended.)

Section 4: This Church may not enter into Communion with any Church which performs
ceremonies joining the lives of homosexuals into any relationship in imitation of marriage. De Fide

Page 56 of 81

Article XI - Our Statement of Faith
Section 1: Our Statement of Faith is as follows; De Fide (This section may not be amended.)

We Hereby Make This Statement Of Our Faith And Practice;
We believe Sacred Scripture as interpreted by the Church, together with the Seven Undisputed
General Councils of the Whole Church, together with doctrines believed by the Church as a
whole prior to the Great Schism of 1054, as defining the belief of the Whole Church. Every
person wishing to become a member of this Church must affirm this Faith as contained in the
articles below.
We affirm the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as interpreted by the Church, as
containing everything that is necessary for salvation, and as being the rule and ultimate statement
of the Faith of the Church.
We accept the Canon of Scripture as handed down from of Old.
We affirm the Nicene Creed as the principal creed of the Faith of the Church. We also recognize
the Western Baptismal Creed, commonly called the "Apostles Creed," and the hymn commonly
called the "Athanasian Creed" as representing statements of the Nicene Faith.
We believe that the Nicene Creed is a literal statement of the belief of the Church and is not
subject to interpretation which dismisses as merely allegorical or merely mythological any
portion thereof.
We affirm the Seven Sacraments Baptism, Holy Eucharist, Confirmation, Holy Order, Holy
Matrimony, Penance and Holy Unction administered with the unfailing use of the traditional
outward and visible signs, and the form, matter, ministers and intention received of old.
We affirm the Historic three-fold ministry of Bishops, priests and deacons, and the traditional
rights and powers thereof, locally adapted in the methods of its administration according to the
needs of the nations in which the Church resides, but historic in form, matter, ministers and
intention.
We affirm that, in accordance with Sacred Scripture and ancient Tradition, only males may be
ordained to the Diaconate, Priesthood, or Episcopate.
We affirm the Real Presence of Our Lord in the Eucharist when the Eucharist is performed by a
validly ordained Priest of the Holy Catholic Church, with the elements ordained by Christ, and a
valid Canon of the Mass including Christs Words of Institution and the Epiklesis.
We affirm that those who receive the Sacraments unworthily do so to their detriment, but do so
without effecting the nature or efficacy of the Sacrament itself.
Page 57 of 81

We affirm that the unworthiness of a minister of a Sacrament does not invalidate the Sacrament,
but, rather, that a Sacrament performed with the proper matter and form, and with the intention
of the Church to make such action a Sacrament, remains valid, whether or not the minister is
worthy to administer that Sacrament.
We affirm that marriage, conducted as a Sacrament, with the full understanding and intention of
both parties to make a marriage, is indissoluble except by death. However, we believe that the
Church may annul "marriages" which have taken place without full understanding and intention
of the parties involved, and counsel that error be made on the side of compassion for those
seeking to make marriages after divorce.
We affirm an openness to all of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, including the so-called "Charismata,"
but finding it unscriptural to require that anyone exercise any particular Charism to be considered
a full, believing member of this body. (I Corinthians 12:21) Those who exercise the Charismata
are welcome and encouraged to exercise their gifts to the edification of the Church in an orderly,
Biblical manner, subject to the godly discipline of the Pastor of the Parish to which they have
allegiance.
We believe in an intermediate state wherein all persons, after death and individual (particular)
judgment, will have an opportunity to repent their sins, acknowledge Jesus as the only Way,
Truth and Life, and grow "from strength to strength." We deny that this intermediate state is a
place of torture and fear, but affirm that any pains endured in this state are gladly embraced, as
they are the pains of releasing our earthly bondage and conforming to the Will of God in all
things.
We believe that there is a possibility that some will reject grace, no matter how often it is
offered, and these people freely choose to remain in a state of separation from God. This state of
spirit we call "Hell." It is a freely chosen state of the damned to be damned. It is not the will of
the Father that any be lost.
We believe that humans are truly endowed with free-will and can freely choose Life in Christ
Jesus or death through the rejection of grace.
We believe that the Holy Scriptures are inerrant on all matters of faith and morals.
We believe that people are justified by faith, which is demonstrated in good works and obedient
practice. Both faith and works are necessary to the living of a Christian life.
We believe that there is a "cloud of witnesses," the Saints, whom we may ask to pray for us as
one would ask any other member of the Church. It is an idolatrous practice, however, to ask
Saints to give us any material or physical blessing of their own. For, while the prayer of the
righteous is very effective (James 5:16), yet every good thing comes from the Father (James
1:17).
We believe that the "Sacrifice of the Mass" is a "making present" of Jesus One Sacrifice, once
offered, forever. Jesus Sacrifice is made present on the altar, and, as such, the Mass may be
Page 58 of 81

spoken of as a Sacrifice. Therefore, it is appropriate that Masses be offered for the living and the
dead, making present to the Church now the One Sacrifice once offered, and making very
present the benefits of Christs Holy Sacrifice to the benefit of those present at the offering.
We believe that Mary, mother of Jesus, was truly the Theotokos, or bearer of the Incarnation of
the Second Person of the Trinity. When Mary is called "Mother of God" we truly honor her who
gave everything of herself to secure our Salvation. However, the Theotokos is called "Mother of
God" in the sense that she bore Jesus, who was and is the Incarnation of the Son, not in the sense
that she generated, in any way, the Godhead.
We believe that the prayers of the Blessed Virgin are effective because of her great and unique
faith, and because she has a relationship which is unique with God from having been the bearer
of the Son. The relationship, which exists between Jesus and His mother, is the same relationship
Jesus wants to have with all believers. Mary is unique because of her great faith, and it is this
which gives special power to her prayers, and her maternal relationship with the Lord.
We believe that all Bishops who have valid orders and remain in the orthodox faith, are
successors of the Apostles, and, while we accord to the Bishop of Rome great respect, and
primacy of position, we see him as first among equals, however completely reject the Papal
Claims of Universal Jurisdiction and Infallibility.
We believe that faithful Christian Marriage between a male and a female, free of impediments, is
the only legitimate state for sexual expression between individuals.
We believe that whatsoever is not repugnant to the Catholic Faith, but which aids in belief and
devotion, may be believed as pious opinion, but may not be taught as doctrine of the Church.
We affirm that the Eucharist is the principal service of the Church; that its celebration is
commanded by the Lord, and that it shall be the regularly celebrated Sunday Worship whenever
possible.

I, (name), having read the above Statement of Faith of the Catholic Apostolic National
Church, do affirm that I agree with and will conform myself to the faith of Christians throughout
ages as expressed herein. In affirmation, I bind myself, with the help of Almighty God, to living
my life in accordance with the Catholic Faith, by my signature below:

Name: _________________________________________________ Date: __________________

Section 2: This Statement of Faith is grounded in the understanding of Catholic Faith as
understood through Divine Revelation in Holy Scripture and Sacred Tradition, which is taught to
us through the Magisterium of the Church. Sacred Tradition is the living expression of Catholic
Faith, taught us by the Apostles and the Early Church Fathers, and as such, guides our
understanding of Faith. De Fide (This section may not be amended.)
Page 59 of 81

Article XII - Of Amendments To This Constitution
Section 1: This Constitution may be amended only by unanimous vote of the College of
Bishops. Only those areas or sections, which are not specified as unalterable, may be changed.

Section 2: Any amendment must be approved over two annual meetings of the College of
Bishops.

Section 3: Any Bishop wishing to propose an amendment must first receive the approval of
the Patriarch to propose an amendment, which approval must be sought no later than three (3)
weeks prior to the meeting of the College of Bishops, and must be submitted in person or in
writing to the office of the Patriarch.

Section 4: If the Patriarch fails to act upon the request of a Bishop to propose an amendment,
it shall be deemed that the proposed amendment has failed. (This section may not be amended.)

Section 5: If the amendment passes, it must be voted upon at the next annual meeting of the
College of Bishops. If it passes at the second annual meeting of the College of Bishops, it shall
be instituted immediately.

Section 6: The College of Bishops does not (and shall never) have the power to change the
Form, Ministers, Matter or Intention of any Sacrament, nor to alter, in any way, the received
Catholic Faith. Any amendment put forth which seeks to do such, shall be, on its face, invalid
and illicit. De Fide (This section may not be amended.)

Section 7: Certain sections and articles, as noted, may not be amended for any reason
whatsoever. Matters of theology which are unalterable, foundational parts of the Catholic Faith
are De Fide, and as such, unchangeable. (This section may not be amended.)

Section 8: This Constitution is governed under the Laws of the State of Illinois.

Page 60 of 81

Acknowledgement and Signature:

I, ____________________________________, having read the above Constitution of the
Catholic Apostolic National Church, including the enclosed Statement of Faith, do hereby state
and acknowledge that I understand, consent to, and agree to be bound by, all of the provisions
stated herein. In oath and affirmation, I bind myself, with the help, guidance and blessing of
Almighty God, to support, defend, and abide by these Constitutions of this Holy Church. I will
place the needs of the Church first, and will follow the directions of this Constitution, and
properly will care for the Church members and property placed in my control.

Signature:________________________________________ Date: ________________________

This ________ day of ______________ , 20______

I, _________________________________, having first duly sworn and deposed the above
individual under oath, set my seal upon this document. My commission end on:
_________________________________ , 20_____

[NOTARY SEAL]
__________________________________________
Notary Signature

Page 61 of 81

The Catholic Apostolic National Church
STATEMENT OF FAITH

We Hereby Make This Statement of Our Faith And Practice;

We believe Sacred Scripture as interpreted by the Church, together with the Seven Undisputed
General Councils of the Whole Church, together with doctrines believed by the Church as a
whole prior to the Great Schism of 1054, as defining the belief of the Whole Church. Every
person wishing to become a member of this Church must affirm this Faith as contained in the
articles below.

We affirm the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as interpreted by the Church, as
containing everything that is necessary for salvation, and as being the rule and ultimate statement
of the Faith of the Church.

We accept the Canon of Scripture as handed down from of Old.

We affirm the Nicene Creed as the principal creed of the Faith of the Church. We also recognize
the Western Baptismal Creed, commonly called the "Apostles Creed," and the hymn commonly
called the "Athanasian Creed" as representing statements of the Nicene Faith.

We believe that the Nicene Creed is a literal statement of the belief of the Church and is not
subject to interpretation which dismisses as merely allegorical or merely mythological any
portion thereof.

We affirm the Seven Sacraments Baptism, Holy Eucharist, Confirmation, Holy Order, Holy
Matrimony, Penance and Holy Unction administered with the unfailing use of the traditional
outward and visible signs, and the form, matter, ministers and intention received of old.

We affirm the Historic three-fold ministry of Bishops, priests and deacons, and the traditional
rights and powers thereof, locally adapted in the methods of its administration according to the
needs of the nations in which the Church resides, but historic in form, matter, ministers and
intention.

We affirm that, in accordance with Sacred Scripture and ancient Tradition, only males may be
ordained to the Diaconate, Priesthood, or Episcopate.

We affirm the Real Presence of Our Lord in the Eucharist when the Eucharist is performed by a
validly ordained Priest of the Holy Catholic Church, with the elements ordained by Christ, and a
valid Canon of the Mass including Christs Words of Institution and the Epiklesis.

Page 62 of 81

We affirm that those who receive the Sacraments unworthily do so to their detriment, but do so
without effecting the nature or efficacy of the Sacrament itself.

We affirm that the unworthiness of a minister of a Sacrament does not invalidate the Sacrament,
but, rather, that a Sacrament performed with the proper matter and form, and with the intention
of the Church to make such action a Sacrament, remains valid, whether or not the minister is
worthy to administer that Sacrament.

We affirm that marriage, conducted as a Sacrament, with the full understanding and intention of
both parties to make a marriage, is indissoluble except by death. However, we believe that the
Church may annul "marriages" which have taken place without full understanding and intention
of the parties involved, and counsel that error be made on the side of compassion for those
seeking to make marriages after divorce.

We affirm an openness to all of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, including the so-called "Charismata,"
but finding it unscriptural to require that anyone exercise any particular Charism to be considered
a full, believing member of this body. (I Corinthians 12:21) Those who exercise the Charismata
are welcome and encouraged to exercise their gifts to the edification of the Church in an orderly,
Biblical manner, subject to the godly discipline of the Pastor of the Parish to which they have
allegiance.

We believe in an intermediate state wherein, after death, those who do not die in a state of grace
but are destined for salvation, will be purged of the last stains of sin. We deny that this
intermediate state is a place of torture and fear, but affirm that any pains endured in this state are
gladly embraced, as they are the pains of releasing our earthly bondage and conforming to the
Will of God in all things.

We believe that there is a possibility that some will reject grace, no matter how often it is
offered, and these people freely choose to remain in a state of separation from God. This state of
spirit we call "Hell." It is a freely chosen state of the damned to be damned. It is not the will of
the Father that any be lost.

We believe that humans are truly endowed with free-will and can freely choose Life in Christ
Jesus or death through the rejection of grace.

We believe that the Holy Scriptures are inerrant on all matters of faith and morals.

We believe that people are justified by faith, which is demonstrated in good works and obedient
practice. Both faith and works are necessary to the living of a Christian life.

We believe that there is a "cloud of witnesses," the Saints, whom we may ask to pray for us as
one would ask any other member of the Church. It is an idolatrous practice, however, to ask
Saints to give us any material or physical blessing of their own. For, while the prayer of the
righteous is very effective (James 5:16), yet every good thing comes from the Father (James
1:17).

Page 63 of 81

We believe that the "Sacrifice of the Mass" is a "making present" of Jesus One Sacrifice, once
offered, forever. Jesus Sacrifice is made present on the altar, and, as such, the Mass may be
spoken of as a Sacrifice. Therefore, it is appropriate that Masses be offered for the living and the
dead, making present to the Church now the One Sacrifice once offered, and making very
present the benefits of Christs Holy Sacrifice to the benefit of those present at the offering.

We believe that Mary, mother of Jesus, was truly the Theotokos, or bearer of the Incarnation of
the Second Person of the Trinity. When Mary is called "Mother of God" we truly honor her who
gave everything of herself to secure our Salvation. However, the Theotokos is called "Mother of
God" in the sense that she bore Jesus, who was and is the Incarnation of the Son, not in the sense
that she generated, in any way, the Godhead.

We believe that the prayers of the Blessed Virgin are effective because of her great and unique
faith, and because she has a relationship which is unique with God from having been the bearer
of the Son. The relationship, which exists between Jesus and His mother, is the same relationship
Jesus wants to have with all believers. Mary is unique because of her great faith, and it is this
which gives special power to her prayers, and her maternal relationship with the Lord.

We believe that all Bishops who have valid orders and remain in the orthodox faith, are
successors of the Apostles, and, while we accord to the Bishop of Rome great respect, and
primacy of position, we see him as first among equals, however completely reject the Papal
Claims of Universal Jurisdiction and Infallibility.

We believe that faithful Christian Marriage between a male and a female, free of impediments, is
the only legitimate state for sexual expression between individuals.

We believe that whatsoever is not repugnant to the Catholic Faith, but which aids in belief and
devotion, may be believed as pious opinion, but may not be taught as doctrine of the Church.

We affirm that the Eucharist is the principal service of the Church; that its celebration is
commanded by the Lord, and that it shall be the regularly celebrated Sunday Worship whenever
possible.
Page 64 of 81

Acknowledgement and Signature

I, ___________________________________, having read the Statement of Faith and
the Code of Canon Law of the Catholic Apostolic National Church, do hereby state and
acknowledge that I understand, consent to, and agree to be bound by, all of the provisions,
professions, and theological tenets stated herein. In oath and affirmation, I bind myself, with the
help, guidance and blessing of Almighty God, to support, defend, and abide by the Statement of
Faith and the Code of Canon Law, of the Catholic Apostolic National Church. I will always
place the needs of the Church first, and will follow the directions of the Constitution, the Canon
Law of this Church, the theological standards of the Statement of Faith, and properly will care
for the Church members and property placed in my control.

Signature: _______________________________________________ Date: _______________

This ________ day of ________________, 200___

I, ________________________________, having
first duly sworn and deposed the above individual
under oath, set my seal upon this document. My
commission end on:_________________ , 200___

[NOTARY SEAL] _________________________________________

Page 65 of 81

St. Example Catholic Apostolic National Church
EXAMPLE BYLAWS
Article I - Offices
SECTION 1. PRINCIPAL OFFICE
The principal office of the corporation (also referred to herein as Parish) shall be the principal
worship location of the corporation, and shall be located in the 123 Main Street, Town, County,
in the State of.
SECTION 2. CHANGE OF ADDRESS
The designation of the county or state of the corporation's principal office may be changed by
amendment of these Bylaws. The Board of Directors may change the principal office from one
location to another within the named county by noting the changed address and effective date
below, and such changes of address shall not be deemed, nor require, an amendment of these
Bylaws:
____________________ Dated: ________, 19__
____________________ Dated: ________, 19__
____________________ Dated: ________, 19__
SECTION 3. OTHER OFFICES
The corporation may also have offices at such other places, within or without its state of
incorporation, where it is qualified to do business, as its business and activities may require, and
as the board of directors may, from time to time, designate.
Page 66 of 81

Article II - Nonprofit Purposes
SECTION 1. IRC SECTION 501(C)(3) PURPOSES
This corporation is organized exclusively for one or more of the purposes as specified in Section
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, including, for such purposes, the making of distributions
to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal
Revenue Code.
SECTION 2. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES AND PURPOSES
The specific objectives and purposes of this corporation shall be: To carry on any and all such
business and religious activities that may be legally carried on by a religious church
organization.
Specifically; To promulgate the religious beliefs espoused by The Catholic Apostolic National
Church, Inc., an Illinois Non-Profit Corporation, (hereinafter also sometimes referred to as the
National Church Body) to raise funds, to build church buildings and other properties for
religious purposes, to educate, train and ordain ministers, to operate a parish, monasteries,
convents, congregations, seminaries, schools, and missions as determined by the duly appointed
and validly consecrated Bishop of the Diocese, under The Patriarch of The Catholic Apostolic
National Church and his successors, a Corporation Sole, specifically His Eminence, the Most
Reverend Robert Matthew Gubala, SCR, Patriarch of The Catholic Apostolic National Church,
Inc., and his successors in office, as an authorized and chartered subordinate religious church
organization of The Catholic Apostolic National Church, Inc.
In addition; this religious church organization shall operate so as to be considered for
approval for the IRS 501 (c)(3) recognition as a tax-exempt organization, based upon its
operation as a religious church organization. This parish is to operate so as to be qualified to be
added to an IRS group exemption under the National Church Body.
This corporation is established as an authorized and chartered subordinate religious
organization (Parish) of The Catholic Apostolic National Church, Inc. otherwise known as The
Catholic Apostolic National Church, and of the Diocese of Chicago; and this corporation, its
Pastor, clergy and Board of Directors shall at all times adhere to and observe the doctrine,
worship and discipline of the same, as set forth in its creeds, articles, liturgy, constitution and
canons. This corporation shall at all times be subject to the spiritual jurisdiction and authority of
the respective Bishop of the particular Diocese, of The Catholic Apostolic National Church, Inc.

Page 67 of 81

Article III - Directors
SECTION 1. NUMBER
The corporation shall have three or more directors and collectively they shall be known as the Board
of Directors.
SECTION 2. QUALIFICATIONS
Directors shall be of the age of majority in this state. Other qualifications for directors of
this corporation shall be as follows:
(a) One of the directors of this corporation must be the Bishop of the Diocese, who may
appoint a representative as proxy.
(b) One or more of the directors of this corporation may be a member of the local business
community, as a disinterested party, to give objective business counsel to this
corporation.
(c) The Ordinary (Bishop) of the Diocese is always the Chairman of the Board of Directors,
without exception.
(d) The Pastor of the Parish is always the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors.
(e) Any Bishop of this Church having, at least, suffrage episcopal authority in the Diocese,
is eligible for membership as a Director, with the approval of the Bishop of the Diocese.
(f) Any Communicant Member in Good Standing may be made a member of the Board of
Directors, and be a Director, first having been approved as such by a vote of the full
Board of Directors, and having no less than 75% of the vote in favor of directorship,
provided that the individuals membership be subject to final approval of the Pastor of
this Parish.
(g) With respect to the above subparts (e) through (g) of this section, nothing shall be
construed to infer that the individuals in these subparts may assume the role and/or
duties of a Director without the express written approval and consent of the Ordinary
(Bishop) of the Diocese.

SECTION 3. POWERS
Subject to the provisions of the laws of this state and any limitations in the Articles of
Incorporation and these Bylaws relating to action required or permitted to be taken or approved
by the members, if any, of this corporation, the activities and affairs of this corporation shall be
conducted and all corporate powers shall be exercised by or under the direction of the Board of
Directors.
Page 68 of 81

SECTION 4. DUTIES
It shall be the duty of the directors to:
(a) Perform any and all duties imposed on them collectively or individually by law, by the
Articles of Incorporation, or by these Bylaws;
(b) Appoint and remove, employ and discharge, and, except as otherwise provided in these
Bylaws, prescribe the duties and fix the compensation, if any, of all officers, agents and
employees of the corporation;
(c) Supervise all officers, agents and employees of the corporation to assure that their duties
are performed properly;
(d) Meet at such times and places as required by these Bylaws;
(e) Register their addresses with the Secretary of the corporation, and notices of meetings
mailed or telegraphed to them at such addresses shall be valid notices thereof.
SECTION 5. TERM OF OFFICE
Each director, except the Ordinary of the Diocese and the Pastor of the Parish, shall be appointed
and shall serve at the pleasure and call of the Ordinary of the Diocese. Both the Ordinary of the
Diocese and the Pastor of the Parish serve as directors concurrently, with their positions as
Ordinary and Pastor respectively.
SECTION 6. COMPENSATION
Directors shall serve without compensation except that a reasonable fee may be paid to directors
for attending regular and special meetings of the board. In addition, they shall be allowed
reasonable advancement or reimbursement of expenses incurred in the performance of their
duties.
SECTION 7. PLACE OF MEETINGS
Meetings shall be held at the principal office of the corporation unless otherwise provided by the
board or at such other place as may be designated from time to time by resolution of the Board of
Directors.
SECTION 8. ANNUAL MEETINGS
Annual meetings of Directors shall be held on August 1st at 2:00 PM, unless such day falls on a
legal holiday, in which event the annual meeting shall be held at the same hour and place on the
next business day.
If this corporation makes no provision for members, then, at the annual meeting of directors held
on August 1st, directors shall be elected by the Board of Directors. Voting for the election of
directors shall be by written ballot. Each director shall cast one vote per candidate, and may vote
Page 69 of 81

for as many candidates as the number of candidates to be elected to the board. The candidates
receiving the highest number of votes up to the number of directors to be elected shall be elected
to serve on the board.
Regular meetings of the Directors may occur on a regular monthly schedule, with the Pastor of
the Parish presiding over the monthly meetings, unless the Ordinary of the Diocese is present, or
represented by representative or proxy.
SECTION 9. SPECIAL MEETINGS
Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the President, the Vice President,
the Secretary, by any three directors, or, if different, by the persons specifically authorized under
the laws of this state to call special meetings of the board. Such meetings shall be held at the
principal office of the corporation or, if different, at the place designated by the person or
persons calling the special meeting.
SECTION 10. NOTICE OF MEETINGS
Unless otherwise provided by the Articles of Incorporation, these Bylaws, or provisions of law,
the following provisions shall govern the giving of notice for meetings of the board of directors:
(a) Regular Meetings. No notice need be given of any regular meeting of the board of
directors.
(b) Special Meetings. At least one week prior notice shall be given by the Secretary of the
corporation to each director of each special meeting of the board. Such notice may be oral or
written, may be given personally, by first class mail, by telephone, or by facsimile machine, and
shall state the place, date and time of the meeting and the matters proposed to be acted upon at
the meeting. In the case of facsimile notification, the director to be contacted shall acknowledge
personal receipt of the facsimile notice by a return message or telephone call within twenty four
hours of the first facsimile transmission.
(c) Waiver of Notice. Whenever any notice of a meeting is required to be given to any
director of this corporation under provisions of the Articles of Incorporation, these Bylaws, or
the law of this state, a waiver of notice in writing signed by the director, whether before or after
the time of the meeting, shall be equivalent to the giving of such notice.
SECTION 11. QUORUM FOR MEETINGS
A quorum shall consist of 3/4th of the members of the Board of Directors.
Except as otherwise provided under the Articles of Incorporation, these Bylaws, or provisions of
the Churchs Code of Canon Law, no business shall be considered by the board at any meeting at
which the required quorum is not present, and the only motion which the Chair shall entertain at
such meeting is a motion to adjourn.

Page 70 of 81

SECTION 12. MAJORITY ACTION AS BOARD ACTION
Every act or decision done or made by a majority of the directors present at a meeting duly held
at which a quorum is present is the act of the Board of Directors, unless the Articles of
Incorporation, these Bylaws, or provisions of law require a greater percentage or different voting
rules for approval of a matter by the board.
SECTION 13. CONDUCT OF MEETINGS
Meetings of the Board of Directors shall be presided over by the Chairperson of the Board, or, if
no such person has been so designated or, in his or her absence, the President of the corporation
or, in his or her absence, by the Vice President of the corporation or, in the absence of each of
these persons, by a Chairperson chosen by a majority of the directors present at the meeting. The
Secretary of the corporation shall act as secretary of all meetings of the board, provided that, in
his or her absence, the presiding officer shall appoint another person to act as Secretary of the
Meeting.
Meetings shall be governed by Roberts Rules of Order (modified), insofar as such rules are
not inconsistent with or in conflict with the Articles of Incorporation, these Bylaws, or with
provisions of law.
SECTION 14. VACANCIES
Vacancies on the Board of Directors shall exist (1) on the death, resignation or removal of any
director, and (2) whenever the number of authorized directors is increased.
Any director may resign effective upon giving written notice to the President, the Secretary, or
the Board of Directors, unless the notice specifies a later time for the effectiveness of such
resignation. No director may resign if the corporation would then be left without a duly elected
director or directors in charge of its affairs, except upon notice to the Office of the Attorney
General or other appropriate agency of this state.
Directors may be removed from office, with or without cause, as permitted by and in accordance
with the laws of this state. Notwithstanding this section, the Ordinary (Bishop) of the Diocese
may not be removed from the office of director, except by the Archbishop-Metropolitan of the
Catholic Apostolic National Church, in accordance with church (National Church Body) canon
law and constitutions.
Unless otherwise prohibited by the Articles of Incorporation, these Bylaws or provisions of law,
vacancies on the board may be filled by approval of the board of directors. If the number of
directors then in office is less than a quorum, a vacancy on the board may be filled by approval
of a majority of the directors then in office or by a sole remaining director. A person elected to
fill a vacancy on the board shall hold office until the next election of the Board of Directors or
until his or her death, resignation or removal from office.

Page 71 of 81

SECTION 15. NONLIABILITY OF DIRECTORS
The directors shall not be personally liable for the debts, liabilities, or other obligations of the
corporation.
SECTION 16. INDEMNIFICATION BY CORPORATION OF DIRECTORS AND
OFFICERS
The directors and officers of the corporation shall, at all times, be indemnified by the corporation
to the fullest extent permissible under the laws of this state.
SECTION 17. INSURANCE FOR CORPORATE AGENTS
Except as may be otherwise provided under provisions of law, the Board of Directors may adopt
a resolution authorizing the purchase and maintenance of insurance on behalf of any agent of the
corporation (including a director, officer, employee or other agent of the corporation) against
liabilities asserted against or incurred by the agent in such capacity or arising out of the agent's
status as such, whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify the agent
against such liability under the Articles of Incorporation, these Bylaws or provisions of law.

Article IV - Officers
SECTION 1. DESIGNATION OF OFFICERS
The officers of the corporation shall be a President, a Vice President, a Secretary, and a
Treasurer. The corporation may also have one or more Vice Presidents, Assistant Secretaries,
Assistant Treasurers, and other such officers with such titles as may be determined from time to
time by the Board of Directors.
SECTION 2. QUALIFICATIONS
Any person specified within Article 3, Section 2, of these Bylaws may serve as officer of this
corporation.
SECTION 3. ELECTION AND TERM OF OFFICE
Officers shall be elected by the Board of Directors, at any time, and each officer shall hold office
until he or she resigns or is removed or is otherwise disqualified to serve, or until his or her
successor shall be elected and qualified, whichever occurs first.
SECTION 4. REMOVAL AND RESIGNATION
Any officer, except the President or Vice President, may be removed, either with or without
cause, by the Board of Directors, at any time. Any officer may resign at any time by giving
written notice to the Board of Directors or to the President or Secretary of the corporation. Any
such resignation shall take effect at the date of receipt of such notice or at any later date specified
Page 72 of 81

therein, and, unless otherwise specified therein, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be
necessary to make it effective. The above provisions of this Section shall be superseded by any
conflicting terms of a contract which has been approved or ratified by the Board of Directors
relating to the employment of any officer of the corporation.
SECTION 5. VACANCIES
Any vacancy caused by the death, resignation, removal, disqualification, or otherwise, of any
officer shall be filled by the Board of Directors. In the event of a vacancy in any office other than
that of President, such vacancy may be filled temporarily by appointment by the President until
such time as the Board shall fill the vacancy. Vacancies occurring in offices of officers appointed
at the discretion of the board may or may not be filled as the board shall determine.
SECTION 6. DUTIES OF PRESIDENT
The President (Ordinary of the Diocese) shall be the chief executive officer of the corporation
(Parish) and shall, subject to the control of the Board of Directors, supervise and control the
affairs of the corporation and the activities of the officers. He shall perform all duties incident to
his office and such other duties as may be required by law, by the Articles of Incorporation, or by
these Bylaws, or which may be prescribed from time to time by the Board of Directors. Unless
another person is specifically appointed as Chairperson of the Board of Directors, the President
shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors and, if this corporation has members, at all
meetings of the members. Except as otherwise expressly provided by law, by the Articles of
Incorporation, or by these Bylaws, he shall, in the name of the corporation, execute such deeds,
mortgages, bonds, contracts, checks, or other instruments which may from time to time be
authorized by the Board of Directors.
SECTION 7. DUTIES OF VICE PRESIDENT
In the absence of the President, or in the event of his inability or refusal to act, the Vice President
(Pastor of the Parish) shall perform all the duties of the President, and when so acting shall have
all the powers of, and be subject to all the restrictions on, the President. The Vice President shall
have other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by law, by the Articles of
Incorporation, or by these Bylaws, or as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors.
SECTION 8. DUTIES OF SECRETARY
The Secretary shall:
Certify and keep at the principal office of the corporation (Parish) the original, or a copy, of
these Bylaws as amended or otherwise altered to date.
Keep at the principal office of the corporation or at such other place as the board may determine,
a book of minutes of all meetings of the directors, and, if applicable, meetings of committees of
directors and of members, recording therein the time and place of holding, whether regular or
special, how called, how notice thereof was given, the names of those present or represented at
the meeting, and the proceedings thereof.
Page 73 of 81

See that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws or as
required by law.
Be custodian of the records and of the seal of the corporation and affix the seal, as authorized by
law or the provisions of these Bylaws, to duly executed documents of the corporation.
Keep at the principal office of the corporation a membership book (Parish Register) containing
the name and address of each and any members, and, in the case where any membership has
been terminated, he or she shall record such fact in the membership book (Parish Register)
together with the date on which such membership ceased.
Exhibit at all reasonable times to any director of the corporation, or to his or her agent or
attorney, on request therefore, the Bylaws, the membership book (Parish Register), and the
minutes of the proceedings of the directors of the corporation.
In general, perform all duties incident to the office of Secretary and such other duties as may be
required by law, by the Articles of Incorporation, or by these Bylaws, or which may be assigned
to him or her from time to time by the Board of Directors.
SECTION 9. DUTIES OF TREASURER
The Treasurer shall:
Have charge and custody of, and be responsible for, all funds and securities of the corporation,
and deposit all such funds in the name of the corporation in such banks, trust companies, or other
depositories as shall be selected by the Board of Directors.
Receive, and give receipt for, monies due and payable to the corporation from any source
whatsoever.
Disburse, or cause to be disbursed, the funds of the corporation as may be directed by the Board
of Directors, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements.
Keep and maintain adequate and correct accounts of the corporation's properties and business
transactions, including accounts of its assets, liabilities, receipts, disbursements, gains and losses.
Exhibit at all reasonable times the books of account and financial records to any director of the
corporation, or to his or her agent or attorney, on request therefor.
Render to the President and directors, whenever requested, an account of any or all of his or her
transactions as Treasurer and of the financial condition of the corporation.
Prepare, or cause to be prepared, and certify, or cause to be certified, the financial statements to
be included in any required reports.
In general, perform all duties incident to the office of Treasurer and such other duties as may be
required by law, by the Articles of Incorporation of the corporation, or by these Bylaws, or
which may be assigned to him or her from time to time by the Board of Directors.
Page 74 of 81

SECTION 10. COMPENSATION
The salaries of the officers, if any, shall be fixed from time to time by resolution of the Board of
Directors. In all cases, any salaries received by officers of this corporation shall be reasonable
and given in return for services actually rendered to or for the corporation.
Article V - Committees
SECTION 1. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
The Board of Directors may, by a majority vote of its members, designate an Executive
Committee consisting of three board members and may delegate to such committee the powers
and authority of the board in the management of the business and affairs of the corporation, to
the extent permitted, and except as may otherwise be provided, by provisions of law.
By a majority vote of its members, the board may at any time revoke or modify any or all of the
Executive Committee authority so delegated, increase or decrease but not below two (2) the
number of the members of the Executive Committee, and fill vacancies on the Executive
Committee from the members of the board. The Executive Committee shall keep regular minutes
of its proceedings, cause them to be filed with the corporate records, and report the same to the
board from time to time as the board may require.
SECTION 2. OTHER COMMITTEES
The corporation shall have such other committees as may from time to time be designated by
resolution of the Board of Directors. These committees may consist of persons who are not also
members of the board and shall act in an advisory capacity to the board. The corporation shall be
subject to committees of the National Church Body, specifically authorized to have jurisdiction
over parishes, in their respective areas.
SECTION 3. MEETINGS AND ACTION OF COMMITTEES
Meetings and action of committees shall be governed by, noticed, held and taken in accordance
with the provisions of these Bylaws concerning meetings of the Board of Directors, with such
changes in the context of such Bylaw provisions as are necessary to substitute the committee and
its members for the Board of Directors and its members, except that the time for regular and
special meetings of committees may be fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors or by the
committee. The Board of Directors may also adopt rules and regulations pertaining to the
conduct of meetings of committees to the extent that such rules and regulations are not
inconsistent with the provisions of these Bylaws.
Page 75 of 81

Article VI - Execution of Instruments, Deposits and Funds
SECTION 1. EXECUTION OF INSTRUMENTS
The Board of Directors, except as otherwise provided in these Bylaws, may by resolution
authorize any officer or agent of the corporation to enter into any contract or execute and deliver
any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the corporation, and such authority may be
general or confined to specific instances. Unless so authorized, no officer, agent, or employee
shall have any power or authority to bind the corporation by any contract or engagement or to
pledge its credit or to render it liable monetarily for any purpose or in any amount.
SECTION 2. CHECKS AND NOTES
Except as otherwise specifically determined by resolution of the Board of Directors, or as
otherwise required by law, checks, drafts, promissory notes, orders for the payment of money,
and other evidence of indebtedness of the corporation shall be signed by the Treasurer and
countersigned by the President of the corporation.
SECTION 3. DEPOSITS
All funds of the corporation shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of the corporation
in such banks, trust companies, or other depositories as the Board of Directors may select.
SECTION 4. GIFTS The Board of Directors may accept on behalf of the corporation any
contribution, gift, bequest, or devise for the nonprofit purposes of this corporation. No ordained
clergy, nor other class of member, nor any director shall have any claim to any property, money or
other valuable consideration given by any individual, company, church or entity, as donation, gift,
endowment or grant, to this corporation (Parish), upon termination of said persons membership
and membership rights of this corporation. Any and all gifts donated to this corporation (Parish) by
any person, business, corporation or other entity, whether a member or not, shall be the property of
this corporation, held in trust for this corporation by The Catholic Apostolic National Church, Inc.
(National Church Body) through the Ordinary of the Diocese having jurisdiction over this
corporation (parish).

Page 76 of 81

Article VII - Corporate Records, Reports and Seal
SECTION 1. MAINTENANCE OF CORPORATE RECORDS
The corporation shall keep at its principal office:
(a) Minutes of all meetings of directors, committees of the board and, if this corporation has
members, of all meetings of members, indicating the time and place of holding such meetings,
whether regular or special, how called, the notice given, and the names of those present and the
proceedings thereof;
(b) Adequate and correct books and records of account, including accounts of its properties
and business transactions and accounts of its assets, liabilities, receipts, disbursements, gains and
losses;
(c) A record of its members, if any, indicating their names and addresses and, if applicable,
the class of membership held by each member and the termination date of any membership;
(d) A copy of the corporation's Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws as amended to date,
which shall be open to inspection by the members, if any, of the corporation at all reasonable
times during office hours.
SECTION 2. CORPORATE SEAL
The Board of Directors may adopt, use, and at will alter, a corporate seal. Such seal shall be kept
at the principal office of the corporation. Failure to affix the seal to corporate instruments,
however, shall not affect the validity of any such instrument.
SECTION 3. DIRECTORS' INSPECTION RIGHTS
Every director shall have the absolute right at any reasonable time to inspect and copy all books,
records and documents of every kind and to inspect the physical properties of the corporation
and shall have such other rights to inspect the books, records and properties of this corporation as
may be required under the Articles of Incorporation, other provisions of these Bylaws, and
provisions of law.
SECTION 4. MEMBERS' INSPECTION RIGHTS
If this corporation has any members, then each and every member shall have the following
inspection rights, for a purpose reasonably related to such person's interest as a member:
(a) To inspect and copy the record of all members' names, addresses and voting rights, at
reasonable times, upon written demand on the Secretary of the corporation, which demand shall
state the purpose for which the inspection rights are requested.
(b) To obtain from the Secretary of the corporation, upon written demand on, and payment
of a reasonable charge to, the Secretary of the corporation, a list of the names, addresses and
Page 77 of 81

voting rights of those members entitled to vote for the election of directors as of the most recent
record date for which the list has been compiled or as of the date specified by the member
subsequent to the date of demand. The demand shall state the purpose for which the list is
requested. The membership list shall be made within a reasonable time after the demand is received
by the Secretary of the corporation or after the date specified therein as of which the list is to be compiled.
(c) To inspect at any reasonable time the books, records, or minutes of proceedings of the members
or of the board or committees of the board, upon written demand on the Secretary of the corporation by
the member, for a purpose reasonably related to such person's interests as a member.
Members shall have such other rights to inspect the books, records and properties of this corporation
as may be required under the Articles of Incorporation, other provisions of these Bylaws, and provisions
of law.
SECTION 4b. MEMBERS' RIGHTS
SUBSECTION 1. Classification of Members.
a. Members. All persons who have received the Sacrament of Holy Baptism with water in
the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, whether in The Catholic
Apostolic National Church or in another Christian Church, and whose Baptisms have been duly
recorded in the Register of the corporation, are Members of the corporation.
b. Adult Members. Members sixteen years of age and over are to be considered Adult
Members.
c. Confirmed Members. Any Member who has received the laying on of hands by a Bishop
of The Catholic Apostolic National Church at Confirmation or Reception is to be considered as
both baptized and confirmed; and any Member who received the laying on of hands at
Confirmation (by any Bishop in apostolic succession) and is received into The Catholic
Apostolic National Church by a Bishop of the Catholic Apostolic National Church is to be
considered as both baptized and confirmed.
d. Communicant Members. All Members who have received Holy Communion in the
Church at least three times during the preceding year are to be considered Communicant
Members of The Catholic Apostolic National Church.
e. Communicant Members in Good Standing. All Adult Members who are also
Communicant Members and who, for the previous year, have been faithful in corporate worship,
unless for good cause prevented, and have been faithful in working, praying, and giving for the
spread of the Kingdom of God, and who contribute to the operating budget of the Religious
Corporation, are to be considered Communicant Members in Good Standing.
f. Ordained Clergy. All duly ordained, authorized and incardinated deacons, priests and
bishops assigned to pastoral duties at this corporation (Parish), by the Ordinary (Bishop) of the
Diocese and/or the Archbishop-Metropolitan, either in person or by a duly authorized
representative.
Page 78 of 81

SUBSECTION 2. Transferal of Membership.
a. Except as may otherwise be provided in the Canons of the Catholic Apostolic National
Church and of the Diocese, a member of any other Parish of this Church, or any other Christian
Church, leaving the congregation in which that person's membership is recorded, and desiring to
become a Member in this Parish shall procure a certificate of membership indicating that that
person is recorded as a member (or adult member) of the other Parish of The Catholic Apostolic
National Church, or other Christian Church and whether or not such a member:
(i) is a communicant in such church;
(ii) is recorded as being in good standing in such church; and,
(iii) has been confirmed or received by a Bishop in communion with The Catholic Apostolic
National Church.
b. The President or Secretary to which such certificate is surrendered shall record in the
Parish Register of the corporation the information contained on the presented certificate of
membership. If a member of another Diocese of this Church, not having such a certificate,
desires to become a Member, that person shall be directed by the President or Secretary to
procure a certificate from the former congregation, although on failure to produce such a
certificate through no fault of the person applying, appropriate entry may be made in the Parish
Register upon the evidence of membership status sufficient in the judgment of the President or
Secretary.
c. Any communicant of any Christian Church in communion with The Catholic Apostolic
National Church shall be entitled to the benefit of this section so far as the same can be made
applicable.
SECTION 5. RIGHT TO COPY AND MAKE EXTRACTS
Any inspection under the provisions of this Article may be made in person or by agent or
attorney and the right to inspection shall include the right to copy and make extracts.
SECTION 6. PERIODIC REPORT
The board shall cause any annual or periodic report required under law to be prepared and
delivered to an office of this state or to the members, if any, of this corporation, to be so prepared
and delivered within the time limits set by law.

Page 79 of 81

Article VIII- IRC 501(c)(3) Tax Exemption Provisions
SECTION 1. LIMITATIONS ON ACTIVITIES
No substantial part of the activities of this corporation shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or
otherwise attempting to influence legislation [except as otherwise provided by Section 501(h) of
the Internal Revenue Code], and this corporation shall not participate in, or intervene in
(including the publishing or distribution of statements), any political campaign on behalf of, or in
opposition to, any candidate for public office.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of these Bylaws, this corporation shall not carry on any
activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by a corporation exempt from federal income tax
under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or (b) by a corporation, contributions to
which are deductible under Section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code.
SECTION 2. PROHIBITION AGAINST PRIVATE INUREMENT
No part of the net earnings of this corporation shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to,
its members, directors or trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the corporation
shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to
make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes of this corporation.
SECTION 3. DISTRIBUTION OF ASSETS
Upon the dissolution of this corporation, its assets remaining after payment, or provision for
payment, of all debts and liabilities of this corporation shall be distributed for one or more
exempt purposes within the meaning of Section 510(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or shall
be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose.
Such distribution shall be made in accordance with all applicable provisions of the laws of this
state.
SECTION 4. PRIVATE FOUNDATION REQUIREMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS
In any taxable year in which this corporation is a private foundation as described in Section
509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, the corporation: 1) shall distribute its income for said
period at such time and manner as not to subject it to tax under Section 4942 of the Internal
Revenue Code; 2) shall not engage in any act of self-dealing as defined in Section 4941(d) of the
Internal Revenue Code; 3) shall not retain any excess business holdings as defined in Section
4943(c) of the Internal Revenue Code; 4) shall not make any investments in such manner as to
subject the corporation to tax under Section 4944 of the Internal Revenue Code; and 5) shall not
make any taxable expenditures as defined in Section 4945(d) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Page 80 of 81

Article IX - Amendment of Bylaws
SECTION 1. AMENDMENT
Subject to the canon law, constitutions and bylaws of the Catholic Apostolic National Church,
Inc., no director nor incorporator, nor any successor in office, may amend or repeal the Bylaws
of this corporation and except as may otherwise be specified under provisions of law, none of
these Bylaws may be altered, amended, or repealed and new Bylaws adopted by approval of the
Board of Directors.

Article X - Construction and Terms
If there is any conflict between the provisions of these Bylaws and the Articles of
Incorporation of this corporation, the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation shall govern.
Should any of the provisions or portions of these Bylaws be held unenforceable or invalid
for any reason, the remaining sentences, sections, paragraphs, provisions and portions of these
Bylaws shall be unaffected by such holding.
All references in these Bylaws to the Articles of Incorporation shall be to the Articles of
Incorporation, Articles of Organization, Certificate of Incorporation, Organizational Charter,
Corporate Charter, or other founding document of this corporation filed with the Secretary of
State, and used to establish the legal existence of this corporation.
All references in these Bylaws to a section or sections of the Internal Revenue Code shall be
to such sections of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as amended from time to time, or to
corresponding provisions of any future federal tax code.

Page 81 of 81

Adoption of Bylaws
We, the undersigned, are all of the initial directors or incorporators of this corporation, and we
consent to, and hereby do, adopt, both for us and our successors in office, the foregoing Bylaws,
consisting of seventeen preceding pages, as the complete, permanent and unalterable Bylaws of this
corporation.
Dated: ______________________________

_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

Composite Canons-Constitution - OFFICIAL (2014.03.30)

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Composite Canons-Constitution - OFFICIAL (2014.03.30)

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

THE CATHOLIC APOSTOLIC NATIONAL CHURCH

Canon Law, Constitution & Statement of Faith

You might also like