American Apostolic Catholic Church
Diocese of Michigan-Georgia-Minnesota
An Independent Old Catholic Church

Book of Common Life
(an Adobe pdf document will be included in the near future for easier reading)

Mission Statement

Canon III – Membership

1. This church shall consist at its organization of the congregations and clergy who
    subscribe to these Canons and Bylaws. The word "clergy" is understood to mean
    persons ordained in one of the three forms of ordained ministry: bishop,
    presbyter (pastor, priest), and deacon. The clergy and the congregations are
    constituent to this church.
2. Additional congregations and clergy may be received as set forth elsewhere in
    these Canons and Bylaws.
3. Congregations and clergy, when organized into a diocese, may through such
    diocese unite with this church upon application for membership, subscription
    to these Canons including the Confession of Faith, and acceptance by a
    two-thirds vote of the delegates present and voting at an assembly of this
    church.

Canon IV – Nature of the Church

1. All power in the Church belongs to our Sovereign, our Lord Jesus Christ, its
    head. All actions of this church are to be carried out under Christ’s rule and
    authority.
2. The Church exists both as an inclusive communion and as local congregations
    and ministries gathered for worship and Christian mission. Congregations find
    their fulfillment in the universal community of the Church and the universal
   Church exists in and through congregations. This church derives its character
    and powers from the sanction and representation of its congregations and from
    its inherent nature as an expression of the broader communion of the faithful.
    In length, it acknowledges itself to be in the historic continuity of the
    communion of saints; in breadth, it expresses the community of believers and
    congregations in this our day.
3. The Church is the community of believers in which Jesus Christ presently
    works in the Word and Sacraments through the Holy Spirit. With the Church's
    faith and obedience, with the Church's message as well as her ordinances, the
   Church has to witness, in the midst of the world of sin, as the Church of forgiven
   sinners, that the Church belongs to Christ alone and lives and wishes to live only
   by Christ's comfort and Christ's counsel in expectation of Christ's appearance.
4. The Church is one because it belongs to Jesus Christ. The Church is holy
    because the Holy Spirit dwells in it, consecrates its members, and guides them
    to do God's work. The Church is catholic because it proclaims the whole faith to
    all people to the end of time. The Church is apostolic because it continues in the
    teaching and community of the apostles and is sent to carry Christ's mission to
    all people. The mission of the Church is to restore all people to unity with God
    and each other in Christ. The Church pursues its mission as it prays and
   worships, proclaims the Gospel and celebrates the Sacraments, and promotes
    justice, peace, and love. The Church carries out its mission through the
    ministry of all of its members.
5. The Church is called to make the Gospel real in human history. The Church
    does not exist for itself; the Church exists for the sake of its mission to incarnate
    justice, mercy, liberation, reconciliation, and healing, to feed the hungry, to act
    with and on behalf of the poor and dispossessed, and to proclaim the prophetic
    word of God.
6. The Church possesses the right to call, elect, and ordain individuals to the offices
    of the ordained ministry, which are instituted for the sake of good order in the
    Church. This right includes the practice of requiring each of its actively serving
    ordained clergy to be under a call to service. This is a gift given exclusively to
    the Church and is attested to by Scripture and tradition. This right is vested in
    the whole Church for all who are baptized are a chosen people, a royal
    priesthood, and a holy nation. (I Peter 2:9) Thus the ministry of the Church is
    vested in all of the baptized members of the Church, for it is they who comprise
    the royal priesthood, the priesthood of all believers. The offices of ordained
    ministry are for service of and not to the Church; there is no rule of one office of
    ordained ministry over the other, nor of those who are ordained over the laity.
    The ministry of all the baptized is the essential and real ministry of the Church,
    for the baptized have been called to live out their baptismal covenants in the
    doing of the mission of the Church.

Canon V – Objects and Powers

1. This church lives to be the instrument of the Holy Spirit in obedience to the commission of Jesus Christ, its Sovereign, and specifically:
   a. to proclaim the Gospel through Word and Sacrament, to relate the Gospel to
       human need in every situation, and to extend the ministry of the Gospel to
       all people.
   b. to gather into the household of God through the congregations, missions, and
       ministries of this church those who respond in faith to the call of the Gospel
       and to nurture them in the faith.
   c. to affirm its unity in the true faith and to give outward expression of that
       unity.
   d. to safeguard the pure preaching of the Word of God and the right
       administration of the Sacraments by its bishops and presbyters and in all
       congregations, missions, and ministries in conformity with its Confession
       of Faith.
   e. to strive for the unification of all with whom we are one in faith and doctrine
      within the boundaries of one church body and to take constructive measures
      leading toward that goal when such action will extend the mission of Christ's
      reconciling love.
   f. to foster Christian unity and to serve humanity by participating in ecumenical
      Christian activities, contributing its witness and work and cooperating with
      other church bodies which confess the Trinity as we understand it in the
      ecumenical creeds.
   g. to develop relationships with communities of other faiths for dialogue and
      common action.
   h. to lift its voice in concord and to work in concert with forces for good,
      cooperating with religious and other groups participating in activities that
      seek justice, promote justice, liberate the oppressed, relieve misery, and
      reconcile the estranged.

2. To achieve these ends, this church shall:
   a. establish and receive congregations, missions, and ministries.
   b. further missions in America and throughout the world.
   c. prepare and ordain deacons for service to this church and its people and be
       responsible for the discipline of the deacons in its membership.
   d. prepare and ordain presbyters of the Gospel, for the office of Word and
      Sacrament and be responsible for the discipline of the presbyters in its
      membership.
   e. discern and elect bishops for the dioceses and this church, consecrate bishops
      with episcopal hands, for the humble ministry in service to this church in
      shepherding the faithful, exhorting its members to greater faithfulness and
      fidelity to the Gospel, and preserving the true faith in accordance with this
      church’s Confession of Faith; and this church shall be responsible for the
      discipline of the bishops in its membership.
   f. to establish missions for chaplaincy service, to serve the spiritual needs of
      people including but not limited to students in schools of higher learning,
      hospital patients, residents of care facilities, those who are imprisoned.
   g. provide institutions and agencies to minister to human need in the name of
      Christ our Sovereign.
   h. study contemporary society in the light of the Gospel and witness to the
      truth of God in relation thereto.
   i. issue study materials setting forth Christian truth and disseminate knowledge
      concerning the teachings, practices, history, and life of this church.
   j. establish and be responsible for the discipline of religious orders and
      monasteries.
   k. cultivate edifying practices of worship and prepare and publish books of
      worship for congregational, family, and personal use.
   l. decide all questions of doctrine and life on the basis of the Holy Scriptures,
      with reference to the ecumenical tradition and reason in accordance with the
      Confession of Faith of this church.
  m. act in and through the dioceses for the proper administration of this church's
      work entrusted to them.
  n. establish such church wide structures and agencies as are deemed appropriate
      to carry out assigned responsibilities.
  o. estimate financial needs for support of the approved work of this church and
      solicit and disburse funds for such work.

Canon VI – The Holy Sacraments

1. Baptism means participating in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
    Baptism is the sign of new life through Jesus Christ. It unites the one baptized
    with Christ and with Christ's people. The Christian Covenant (New Testament),
    scriptures and the liturgy of the Church unfold the meaning of baptism in
    various images which express the riches of Christ and the gifts of salvation.
   Baptism is participation in Christ's death and resurrection (Romans 6:3-5,
   Colossians 2:12); a washing away of sin (I Corinthians 6:11); a new birth
   (John 3:5); an enlightenment by Christ (Ephesians 5:14); a re-clothing in Christ
   (Galatians 3:27); a renewal by the Spirit (Titus 3:5); the experience of salvation
   from the flood (I Peter 3:20-21); an exodus from bondage (I Corinthians 10L1-2),
   a liberation into a new humanity in which barriers of division whether of sex or
   race or social status are transcended (Galatians 3:27-28; I Corinthians 12:13).
   The images are many but the reality is one.
2. The Eucharist is the gift which God makes to us in Christ through the power of
    the Holy Spirit. Every Christian receives this gift of salvation through
    communion in the Body and Blood of Christ. In the Eucharistic meal, in the
    eating and drinking of the bread and wine, Christ grants communion with
    Christ's own self. God acts, giving life to the body of Christ and renewing each
    member. In accordance with Christ's promise, each baptized member of the body
    of Christ receives in the Eucharist the assurance of the forgiveness of sins
    (Matthew 26:28) and the pledge of eternal life (John 6:51-58). The true Body and
    Blood of Christ are really present in the Supper of our Lord under the form of
    bread and wine and are there distributed and received.
3. This church body recognizes Christian baptisms performed with water in the
    Name of the Trinity in accordance with Matthew 28:19. To knowingly rebaptize
    a person who has been baptized in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and
    of the Holy Spirit is an act of unfaith and a denial of God's infinite grace.
4. The reception of the Eucharist is open to all baptized believers. It is the practice
    of this church to commune all who are baptized.
5. This church recognizes seven sacraments, the chief of which are Baptism and
    Eucharist. The other sacraments of this church are confirmation, ordination,
    holy matrimony, reconciliation of a penitent, and anointing of the sick. These
    sacraments are means of grace but not necessary for all persons in the same
    way that Baptism and the Eucharist are.
    a Confirmation is the sacrament in which a person expresses a mature
       commitment to Christ by affirming the vows made in Baptism, and receives
       strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by
       a bishop or presbyter.
   b. Ordination is the sacrament in which God gives authority and the grace of
       the Holy Spirit to those being made bishops, presbyters, and deacons, through
       prayer and the laying on of episcopal hands.
   c. Holy Matrimony is the sacrament of Christian marriage in which two people
       make their vows before God and the Church to enter in a life-long union and
       receive the grace and blessing of God to help them fulfill their vows.
   d. Reconciliation of a Penitent, or penance, is the sacrament in which those who
       repent of their sins may confess them to God in the presence of a presbyter
       and receive the assurance of pardon and the grace of absolution,spoken in
       God's stead and by God's command. This is the power of the keys, and is
       comforting and necessary for the relief of troubled consciences.
   e. The sacrament of Anointing of the Sick with oil by a bishop or presbyter is
       the means by which God's grace is given for the healing of spirit, body, and
       mind.

Canon VII - Mission Imperative of this Church

This church, its dioceses, parishes, agencies, missions, orders, and other expressions understand that the call of God to do mission is upon us, and that the time to do mission is now, for the eschatological expectation of the Gospel does not allow for us to know the end-time of our ministry. Therefore, this church forsakes spending precious time or resources on that which is peripheral to the Gospel and the labor we have been called to do.

Canon VIII – Reception Into This Church

Congregations and clergy may be received into this church as congregations or as individual clergy through the dioceses in accordance with adherence to the Confession of Faith of this church and acceptance of the Canons and Bylaws of this church.

Canon IX – Congregations

1. A congregation of this church is a worshiping, learning, witnessing, and serving
    community of baptized persons among whom the Word is proclaimed and the
    Sacraments are celebrated according to the Gospel, and whose corporate
    existence is recognized by this church.
2. Congregations of this church retain authority in matters that have not been
    committed to the American Apostolic Catholic Church or its dioceses in these
    Canons and Bylaws or by subsequent enactments.
3. After the organization of this church, admission of a congregation into this
    church's membership shall be by action of the diocese on whose territory it is
    located. Each congregation shall, in application for admission to this church,
    covenant to abide loyally by the enactments of this church and of the diocese of
    which it becomes constituent.
4. The lay delegates who represent congregations in diocesan assemblies shall be
    chosen by the congregations themselves. Each diocese shall act for its member
    congregations in electing delegates to represent them in assemblies of this
    church.
5. Congregations shall have the right to petition this church by petitions addressed
    to the diocese or the annual assembly of this church.
6. The bishop of the diocese is the chief pastor, advisor, shepherd, servant, and
    teacher of the congregation. The presbyter of the congregation is the spiritual
    leader, and the professional-in-residence in matters pertaining to the life of the
    local Christian community, including such areas as worship, theology,
    evangelism, and Christian education.
7. Authority to call a presbyter shall be in the congregation by at least a two-thirds
    majority ballot vote of members present and voting at a meeting regularly called
    for that purpose. Before a call is issued, the offers or a committee elected by the
    Parish Council shall seek the advice and help of the bishop of the diocese, and
    interview only those candidates recommended by the bishop.
8. The presbyter of the congregation may be known as pastor or as priest as local
    custom and the presbyter's preference coincide. A congregation may have a
    pastor or a pastoral team.
9. The powers of the congregation are those necessary to fulfill its purpose and are
    vested in the Congregational Meeting called and conducted as provided in the
    congregation's constitution and bylaws.
10. Each congregation shall be incorporated and adopt a constitution and bylaws
    which shall affirm specifically the Confession of Faith of these Canons and those
    portions of this church's Canons and Bylaws as designated by the Church
   Council and ratified by the national assembly.
11. Each congregation shall keep its own financial records, control its receipts and
    expenditures, and conduct an annual audit, all of which shall be fully reported to
    the congregation at the Congregational Meeting and copies of which shall be
    forwarded to the Secretary of the diocese for publication in the annual reports of
    the diocese to be available at the diocesan assembly.
12.Each congregation is authorized to approve its annual budget; acquire real and
    personal property by gift, devise, purchase, or other lawful means; hold title to
    and use its property for any and all activities consistent with its purpose; sell,
    mortgage, lease, transfer, or otherwise dispose of its property by any lawful
    means; and elect its officers, Parish Council, boards and committees, and
    require them to carry out their duties in accordance with the constitution and
    bylaws of the congregation.
13.Each congregation shall support the wider work of the Church through, among
    other means, financial support ("benevolence") to the diocese, and thus by
    extension, this church and the wider Church through this church's ecumenical,
    evangelical, and relief activities. The amount of each congregation’s benevolence
    will be locally and individually determined, taking into account the financial
    situation of the congregation, and set in consultation between the presbyter and
    Parish Council and the bishop of the diocese. Benevolence is a goal for which a
    congregation strives; it is not a legalistic requirement. The diocese will assist
    the congregation with benevolence by educational and stewardship program
    support.
14. Other duties, powers, and mission responsibilities of the congregation are
    described in other portions of these Canons and Bylaws.

Canon X – Additional Matters Regarding Congregations

1. Congregations shall by ballot extend a call to a presbyter on the roster of this
    church to serve as its priest/pastor. The call-ballot shall require a majority of
    those members of the congregation present and voting at a call meeting.
    Congregations shall be given by its diocesan bishop the name of a single
    presbyter or a list of names of several presbyters to be considered when a
    vacancy in the pastoral/priestly office occurs in the congregation, as the various
    dioceses choose to operate. If the congregation does not want to pursue a
    relationship with the presbyter(s) recommended by its bishop, it shall so notify
    the bishop and request further recommendations. A congregation shall not seek
    a presbyter outside the recommendations of its bishop, nor call a presbyter who
    is not on the roster of this church.
2. The Congregational Meeting shall be held once a year at a time and place set by
    the congregation's constitution and bylaws and the Parish Council, with notice
    to all members of the congregation at least 60 days in advance.
3. Members of a congregation shall be those baptized persons on the roll of this
    congregation at the time when these Canons and Bylaws are adopted and those
    who are admitted thereafter and who have declared and maintained their
    membership in accordance with the provisions of these Canons and Bylaws.
4. Members shall be classified as follows:
    a. Baptized members: those persons who have been received by Baptism in this
        congregation or having been previously baptized have been received by letter
        of transfer or by affirmation of faith.
    b. Confirmed members: those persons who have been confirmed in this
        congregation or having been previously baptized and confirmed have been
        received by letter of transfer or by affirmation of faith.
    c. Voting members: those confirmed members who have communed and made
       a contribution of record during the current or preceding year.
5. A presbyter who is called to the pastoral/priestly office of a congregation shall,
    upon taking up that call, be a member of that congregation.
6. Membership in a congregation shall be terminated by: a. death; b. resignation;
    c. transfer; d. disciplinary action by the Parish Council; e. removal from the
    congregational role due to inactivity; f. a presbyter taking a call at another
    congregation.
7. Inactivity as grounds for removal from a congregation's roll is defined as a
    member's failure to commune and make a contribution of record in a five-year
    time period.
8. Disciplinary action shall be defined as a member's denial of the Christian faith
    as described in the Confession of Faith of this church, conduct grossly
    unbecoming of a member of the Church of Christ, or persistent trouble-making
    in the congregation to which a member belongs. Prior to disciplinary action,
    reconciliation will be attempted following Matthew 18:15-17, including a) private
    admonition by the pastor/priest; b) admonition by the pastor in the presence of
    two or three witnesses; c) citation to appear before the Parish Council; and,
    d) consultation and approval of the diocesan bishop.
9. Each congregation at its annual Congregational Meeting shall approve an
    annual budget for the congregation and elect a Parish Council of at least five lay
    members, according to the congregation's constitution and bylaws; the
    priest/pastor shall by virtue of the office be a voting member of the Parish
    Council. Any voting member of the congregation shall be eligible. The Parish
    Council shall have general oversight of the life and activities of the congregation
    to the end that everything done be in accordance with the Gospel and the
    Canons and Bylaws of this church. The tasks of the Parish Council shall
    include:
    a. lead the congregation in stating its missions, doing long-range planning,
        setting goals and priorities, and evaluating its activities in light of its mission
        and goals;
    b. seek to involve all members of the congregation in worship, learning,
       witnessing, service, and support;
    c. overseeing and providing for the administration of the congregation to enable
        it to fulfill its functions and perform its mission;
    d. maintain supportive relationships with the pastor/priest;
    e. be examples individually and corporately of the style of life and ministry
        expected of all baptized people;
    f. promote a climate of congregation peace and good-will, and, as differences
       and conflicts arise, endeavor to foster mutual understanding;
    g. emphasize partnership with the diocese and this church as well as cooperation
       with other congregations of other churches, consistent with the polices of the
       diocese and this church;
    h. recommend and encourage use of program resources produced by this church
        or approved by this church;
    i. be responsible for the financial and property matters of this congregation
       under the laws of this state in which the congregation is located and
       incorporated, and in overseeing the financial and property matters of the
       congregation. The Parish Council shall not have the authority to buy, sell, or
       encumber real estate unless specifically authorized to do so at a meeting of the
       congregation, in consultation with the diocesan bishop. The Parish Council
       shall prepare and submit the proposed annual congregational budget to the
       annual Congregational Meeting for adoption, supervise the expenditure of
      funds in accordance with the approved budget; the Parish Council shall
      include in the proposed annual budget the congregation's benevolence goal for
      the year to support the mission of the diocese and this church; and not incur
      obligations of more than 25% of the anticipated receipts unless specifically
      authorized to do so at a meeting of the congregation;
   j. be responsible for the employment and supervision of salaried lay workers of
      the congregation;
  k. submit a comprehensive report to the annual Congregational Meeting;
   l. elect a president of the Parish Council, who may be ordained or lay;
  m. normally meet once a month, and meet when a special meeting is called, with
       notice given to all Parish Council members at least 48 hours in advance, such
       special meeting being called by the pastor/priest or Parish Council president;
  n. have a quorum of a majority of the members of the Parish Council, expect that
      the Parish Council shall not meet without the presence of the priest/pastor of
      the congregation unless the priest/pastor consents in advance in writing to be
      absent, and in that situation, the only business to be transacted shall be as on
      the printed agenda that the pastor/priest has approved prior to giving consent
      to be absent.
10. A congregation is but a part of this church, which is but a portion of the
    Church. A congregation shall use the term "Parish"; or "Congregation" in its
    incorporated name and refrain from using the word "Church" other than in
    reference to this church. (For example: St. Michael's Parish of the American
    Apostolic Catholic Church; the Congregation of St. Barbara, American Apostolic
    Catholic Church.)
11. A congregation's membership in this church may be terminated if the
    congregation takes action to dissolve, ceases to exist, is removed from
    membership in this church by the procedures of this church's Canons and
    Bylaws, or, by a resolution approved by two-thirds majority of the voting
    members present at a specially, legally called meeting for the purpose of
    considering terminating membership. The latter action shall happen only after
    consultation with the diocesan bishop at least ninety days prior to the scheduled
    vote.
12. If a congregation takes action to dissolve or ceases to exist, its property shall
    pass to the diocese to which it belonged.
13. If a congregation is removed from membership in this church by the procedures
    of this church's Canons and Bylaws, title to the congregation's property shall
    continue to reside in the congregation.
14. If a congregation desires to consider termination of membership in this church,
    it shall consult with the Presiding Bishop and diocesan bishop at every step in
    its considerations. A congregation may vote on a resolution to terminate
    membership at a special, legally-called meeting for that purpose, such a meeting
    only being valid with the presence of the Presiding Bishop and one other
    member of the Church Council. Such a resolution terminating membership
    shall be approved only by a two-thirds majority of the voting members present
    at such a special, legally-called meeting. The Presiding Bishop and member of
    the Church Council shall attend such a meeting so as not to frustrate the
    purpose of such a meeting by not attending. If a resolution to terminate a
    congregation's membership in this church is approved at a special, legally-called
    meeting which is held in accordance with the Canons and Bylaws of this church,
    title to the congregation's property shall pass to the departing congregation only
    with the consent of the diocesan board; without such consent, title shall continue
    with the congregation that remains and who wish to retain membership in this
    church. The diocesan board shall be guided in its decision by the practical
    considerations of the viability of the congregation that remains and what is good
    for the departing congregation, this church, and for the whole Church.
15. Each congregation of this church shall adopt the required portions of this
    church's Canons and Bylaws as stated in Canon IX.10. Failure to adopt this
    church's Cannons and Bylaws in accordance with Canon IX.10 shall constitute
    cause for discipline and removal of the congregation from the membership of
   this church, such discipline and removal to be acted upon by the diocese to
   which the congregation belongs.
16. The provisions or portions thereof in these bylaws for an annual congregational
    meeting and an elected parish council may be waved by an individual parish
    upon annual application to and approval of the diocesan board if the size or style
    of the parish lends itself to the parish having a regularly-established monthly
    parish meeting open to all members of the parish for the sake of conducting
    parish business and fulfilling the mandates for the parish council and the
    annual meeting.

Canon XI – Clergy

1.The word "clergy" in these Canons and Bylaws is understood to be persons
    ordained in one of the three forms of ordained ministry: bishop, presbyter
    (pastor, priest), and deacon.
2. The various offices of ordained ministry in this church establish no rule of one
    over the other or over the laity but do establish the exercise of the service
    entrusted and commanded to the whole Church.
3. Ordination to one or more of the three forms of ordained ministry is indelible.
4. Presbyters and bishops shall preach and teach and administer the Sacraments
    in conformity with the Confession of Faith of this church and shall lead lives
    worthy of the holy offices of the ordained ministry.Deacons shall assist in the life
    of congregations and ministries and this church’s mission in conformity with
    the Confession of Faith of this church and shall lead lives worthy of the holy
    offices of the ordained ministry.
5. Clergy shall exhibit commitment, fidelity and faithfulness in their entire lives
    by demonstrating commitment, faithfulness and fidelity to the Church and this
    church, to the specific ministry to which they are called, in their relations with
    others in this church, and with those with whom clergy minister, and in their
    personal lives and relationships.
6. Clergy are subject to the discipline of this church, exercised through the diocese,
    with appeal to the national assembly, in accordance with these Canons and
    Bylaws. Clergy shall be responsible to the bishop and diocese in which their
    congregational membership resides.
7. Each member of the clergy shall be a member of this church. Failure to retain
    membership in this church shall constitute resignation from this church by that
    member of the clergy.
8. Each member of the clergy has the right to petition this church by petitions
    addressed to the diocese of which that member of the clergy belongs, for response
    by the diocese or, at the discretion of the diocese, for forwarding to the assembly
    of this church.
9. Deacons represent to the Church its calling as servant in the world. By
    struggling in Christ’s name with the myriad needs of societies and persons,
    deacons exemplify the interdependence of worship and service in the Church’s
    life. They exercise responsibility in the worship of the congregation, for example
    by reading the Scriptures, preaching, and leading the people in prayer. They
    exercise a ministry of love within the community. They fulfill certain
    administrative tasks and may be elected to responsibilities for governance. They
    may serve in the educational and social ministry life of the congregation and
    this church.
10. A candidate for ordination as a deacon shall have the recommendation of that
    candidate’s diocesan Commission on Vocations and the approval of that diocese
    in assembly, or if the diocesan assembly so chooses in the case of certain
    candidates, by that diocese’s diocesan Council.
    a. A candidate for ordination as a permanent deacon shall be required to
        complete suitable theological training of at least two years duration as
        approved by the diocesan Commission on Vocations following mandates and
        guidelines established by this church in assembly.
   b. A candidate for ordination as a transitional deacon shall meet the
       requirements for the ordination as a presbyter. The minimal time-period for
       services as a transitional deacon shall be six months and normally not exceed
       eighteen months except with the approval of the diocesan bishop and diocesan
      Council.
11. The ordination of a deacon shall normally take place at a congregation but may
    take place elsewhere if circumstances obtain and the bishop of the diocese
    consents. The ordination shall be performed by the bishop of the diocese, with a
    presbyter, deacon, and secretary of the diocesan council assisting in the
    ordination services. If circumstances obtain and the candidate’s bishop consents,
    another bishop of this church may serve as the ordinator.

Specifics for Presbyters
12. Presbyters serve as pastoral ministers of Word and Sacraments in a local
    eucharistic congregation or in a mission, order, monastery, chaplaincy,
    institution, agency, or other work of this church as provided in these Canons or
    approved by the diocesan bishop and the diocesan board of the diocese to whom
    the presbyter is responsible. They are preachers and teachers of the faith,
    preside at the Sacraments, exercise pastoral care, and, if called by a
    congregation, bear responsibility for the task of discipline within that
    congregation to the end that the world may believe and that the entire
    membership of the Church may be renewed, strengthened, and equipped in
    ministry. The presbyter is shepherd and servant of the parish or the mission.
    Presbyters have particular responsibility for the preparation of members for life
    and ministry.
13. A candidate for ordination as a presbyter (pastor, priest) shall have the
    recommendation of that candidate’s diocesan Commission on Vocations and the
    approval of that diocesan assembly. A candidate for ordination as a presbyter
    shall be required to possess a Masters of Divinity degree from an accredited
    seminary, or two years of an approved theological course of study and a
    bachelors degree.
14. Ordinations of presbyters shall normally take place at an annual diocesan
    assembly but may take place elsewhere if circumstances obtain and the bishop
    of the diocese consents. The ordination shall be performed by the bishop of the
    diocese, with a presbyter, deacon, and secretary of the diocesan board assisting
    in the ordination services. If circumstances obtain and the candidate’s bishop
    consents, another bishop of this church may serve as ordinator.

Specifics for the Episcopacy
15. Bishops preach the Word, preside at the Sacraments, and exercise leadership in
    such a way as to be representative pastoral ministers of oversight, community,
    and unity in this church and in the Church. Bishops are shepherds and
    servants of this church and to their respective dioceses. Bishops have pastoral
    oversight of the area to which they have been called. They serve the apostolicity
    and unity of the Church’s preaching, worship, and sacramental life. They have
    responsibility for leadership in the Church’s mission. They, in communion with
    the presbyters and deacons and the whole community, are responsible for the
    orderly exercise of and orderly transfer of ministerial authority in this church.
16. A candidate for ordination and consecration as a diocesan bishop shall have
    been elected by the diocese that bishop shall serve as provided in the Bylaws to
    these Canons and the Bylaws of the diocese and shall be approved by this church
    in assembly in order to be consecrated and take office. A candidate for election as
    a diocesan bishop or presiding bishop shall normally possess (1) a Masters of
    Divinity degree from an accredited seminary, and (2) one-quarter of Clinical
    Pastoral Education or a Masters degree in counseling, clinical psychology or
    related field, but in all cases shall be a presbyter or bishop of this church, and
    have served a minimum of three years in ordained ministry in this church or in
    another Christian church body prior to this church’s ratification of these
   Canons.
17. Ordinations and consecrations of bishops shall normally take place on Sundays
    or on feasts of Jesus Christ or on feasts of apostles and evangelists. The
    Presiding Bishop of this church, or a diocesan bishop appointed by the Presiding
    Bishop, shall serve as ordinator, with at least two other bishops serving as
    co-consecrators. Representatives of the bishops, presbyters, deacons, and laity
    shall serve in appropriate roles in this service.
18. The installation of a Presiding Bishop of this church shall normally take place
    on a Sunday or on a liturgical feast day of Christ or apostles or evangelists.
    Representatives of the bishops, presbyters, deacons, and laity shall serve in
    appropriate roles in this service.
19. A Presiding Bishop may serve as a diocesan bishop until the number of dioceses
    in this church reaches ten, or a lesser number if determined by a 75% vote of all
    delegates attending a national assembly of this church.
20. The Presiding Bishop convenes and chairs the Council of Bishops. The
    Presiding Bishop shall be this church’s leader and counselor in matters spiritual
    and temporal. The Presiding Bishop is shepherd and servant of this church. The
    Presiding Bishop shall make policy recommendations to the national assemblies
    of this church and is charged with seeing that these Canons and Bylaws are
    observed and the enactments of this church are carried out. The Presiding
    Bishop shall coordinate the work of the church-wide agencies; nominate
    executive directors subject to election by the Church Council; consult with chief
    staff officers regarding individual staff appointments; appoint committees for
    which no other provision has been made; and perform other such duties as are
    delegated to the Presiding Bishop by the assembly or the Church Council.

Canon XII – Additional Matters Regarding Bishops

1. The 1996 assembly of this church, serving as the organizational assembly of this
    church, shall elect a Presiding Bishop at the conclusion of the assembly in
    accordance with these Canons and Bylaws. The initial term for the Presiding
    Bishop will be for two years, ending with the conclusion of the assembly of this
    church in 1998. Beginning with the 1998 church assembly, the term of office
    shall be for four years in accordance with these Canons. Retention and/or
    election balloting for the office of Presiding Bishop shall occur every four years
    thereafter at an assembly of this church.
2. The Presiding Bishop will be the chief spokesperson for this church and shall
    participate with the leaders of other church bodies in such forums, dialogues,
    and colloquies as are appropriate. The Presiding Bishop shall articulate the faith
    and theological and other understandings of this church as are delineated in the
   Confession of Faith of this church, these Canons and Bylaws, the social
    statements, and other positions of this church which may from time to time be
    adopted by the assemblies of this church.
3. If the Presiding Bishop is unable to serve due to death, disability, resignation, or
    other cause as defined in the Canons and Bylaws of this church, the president of
    this church shall assume temporary leadership of this church and call a special
    assembly of this church to convene within 120 days following the vacancy in the
    office of the Presiding Bishop, such assembly to elect a successor to complete the
    current term.
4. At the conclusion of any assembly of this church in which a diocese is formed,
    the members of that diocese present shall elect a bishop, officers, and diocesan
    board for their respective dioceses in accordance with these canons and Bylaws.
5. A diocesan bishop will be the chief spokesperson for the diocese and shall
    participate with the leaders of judicatories of other church bodies in such
    forums, dialogues, and colloquies as are appropriate. A diocesan bishop shall
    articulate the faith and theological and other understandings of this church as
    are delineated in the Confession of Faith of this church, these Canons and
    Bylaws, the social statements, and other positions of this church which may
    from time to time be adopted by the assemblies of this church.
6. If a diocesan bishop is unable to serve due to death, disability, resignation, or
    other cause as defined in the Canons and Bylaws of this church, the president
    of the diocese shall assume temporary leadership of the diocese and call a special
    assembly of the diocese to convene within 120 days following the vacancy in the
    office of the diocesan bishop, such assembly to elect a successor to complete the
    current term.
7. A diocesan bishop is expected to visit each congregation in the diocese at least
    annually.

Canon XIII – Additional Matters Regarding Presbyters

1. The pastor/priest of a congregation shall keep accurate parochial records of all
    baptisms, confirmations, marriages, burials, communicants, members received,
    members dismissed, and shall submit a summary of such statistics annually to
    the secretary of the diocese for publication as part of the annual reports for the
    annual diocesan assembly. Such reports shall be submitted by the following
    March 31st
2. Each presbyter shall submit to the diocesan bishop a written report of the
    presbyter’s ministry in the prior calendar year. Such reports shall be submitted
    by the following March 31st.
3. The call of a congregation to a presbyter to serve as its priest/pastor shall
    constitute a continuing mutual relationship and commitment, which, except in
    the case of the death of the presbyter, shall be terminated only following
    consultation with the diocesan bishop and for the following reasons:
    a. resignation of the presbyter, which shall become effective, unless otherwise
        agreed, 30 days after the date on which it was submitted;
    b. inability to conduct the pastoral, priestly, office effectively in the congregation
        in view of local conditions, without reflection on the competence or the moral
        and spiritual character of the presbyter;
    c. the physical or mental incapacity of the presbyter;
    d. disqualification of the presbyter through discipline on grounds of doctrine,
        morality, or continued neglect of duty;
    e. the dissolution of the congregation;
    f. suspension of the congregation as a result of discipline proceedings.
4. When allegations of physical or mental incapacity of the presbyter or ineffective
    conduct of the pastoral/priestly office have come to the attention of the diocesan
    bishop, the bishop, with discretion, may investigate such conditions personally
    in company with a committee of two members of the clergy and one layperson.
    The bishop shall initiate such an investigation following an official recital of
    allegations by the Parish Council or a petition signed by one-third of the voting
    members of the congregation.
5. In the case of alleged physical or mental incapacity, competent medical
    testimony shall be obtained. When such disability is evident, the diocesan bishop
    with the advice of the committee shall declare the pastorate vacant. Upon the
    restoration of a disabled presbyter to health, the diocesan bishop shall act to
    enable the presbyter to resume active service, either in the congregation last
    served or in another field of labor.
6. In case of it becoming apparent to the diocesan bishop and the committee that
    the pastoral/priestly office cannot be conducted effectively in the congregation
    due to local conditions, the diocesan bishop may temporarily suspend the
    presbyter from service without prejudice. The bishop and committee shall decide
    on the course of action to be recommended to the presbyter and the congregation.
    If either party fails to assent, the bishop may declare the pastorate vacant
    without prejudice to the presbyter; the diocesan bishop shall act to enable the
    pastor to resume active service.
7. In case of the diocesan bishop and the committee concluding that there may be
    grounds for disciplinary action, the bishop may bring charges in accordance
    with the Canons and Bylaws of this church.
8. At the time of a pastoral vacancy, an interim pastor/priest shall be appointed by
    the diocesan bishop until the vacancy is filled. During interim service, the
    presbyter shall have all the rights and duties in the congregation of a regularly
    called pastor. The presbyter performing interim service shall refrain from
    exerting influence in the selection of the new pastor/priest.
9. A congregation shall make satisfactory settlement of all financial obligations to
    a former pastor/priest before calling a successor.
10. Presbyters who are not called by congregations and serving in other work of
    this church as defined in these Canons and Bylaws or as approved by the
    diocesan bishop and diocesan board shall be members of a congregation of this
    church.
11. Presbyters may request the status of "on leave from service" of the bishop and
    diocesan board; when on leave, they continue to share in the duties and
    privileges of the presbyteral office (including voice and vote at diocesan and
    church assemblies) and are responsible for complying with all applicable
    portions of these Canons and Bylaws, including being a member of a
    congregation of this church and submitting annual reports to the diocesan
    bishop. A presbyter on leave shall keep the diocesan bishop informed of
    activities, address, and future plans, and receive counsel from the bishop.
12. Presbyters shall not serve a full-time call after attaining the age of seventy.
    Presbyters who retire for reasons of age or disability continue to share in the
    duties and privileges of the presbyteral office (including voice and vote at
    diocesan and church assemblies) and are responsible for complying with all
    applicable portions of these Canons and Bylaws, including being a member of a
    congregation of this church and submitting annual reports to the diocesan
    bishop. A retired presbyter shall keep the diocesan bishop informed of activities,
    address, and well-being.
13. Presbyters may resign from this church by written letter to the diocesan bishop
    or, in accordance with these Canons and Bylaws, be considered to have resigned
    by reason of not having membership in a congregation of this church.
14. For the purpose of Canon XIII.3(d), examples of continued neglect of duty by a
    presbyter which make a presbyter subject to discipline shall include but not be
    limited to the failure of a presbyter to abide by any of the directives and
    mandates of these Canons and Bylaws.

1. The annual assembly of this church shall constitute its highest legislative
    authority.  Congregations, clergy, dioceses, the Church Council, and church
    wide agencies shall be bound by all actions pertaining to them taken by an
    assembly in conformity with these Canons.
2. Assemblies of this church shall be held annually at such time and place as
    determined by the Church Council.
3. Congregations and clergy of each diocese are entitled to representation with
    voice and vote through the diocese at assemblies of this church, by the clergy of
    the dioceses, and lay delegates of the diocese elected in proportion to the number
    of congregations in the diocese as determined by the Bylaws; each diocese is
    entitled to a minimum of five lay delegates. The total voting membership of the
    assembly shall consist of the delegates elected by the dioceses, the clergy of the
    dioceses, and the constitutional officers of this church who shall serve as
    delegates ex officio.
4. A majority of the delegates of the dioceses shall constitute a quorum.
5. Special assemblies shall be called for specified purposes by the Presiding Bishop
    or the president of the Church Council of this church at the request in writing of
    two-thirds of the members of the Church Council or of the bishops of a majority
    of the dioceses.
6. The delegates at a special assembly shall be those who were seated in the
    preceding regular assembly provided they have not been disqualified by
    termination of membership in the diocese or its congregations or removal from
    the clergy roster of this church. Vacancies in delegations shall be filled according
    to the rules of the various dioceses.
7. a. The President of this church shall convene and chair the assemblies of this
         church and the Church Council/Board of Directors.
    b. The Vice President of this church shall appoint chairpersons and committees
        for elections, resolutions, reference and counsel, nominations, minutes,
        memorials from the dioceses, report of the bishop, arrangements, and other
        such functions as may be needed for the assembly. These appointments shall
        be ratified by the assembly.
8. This church in assembly shall elect its Presiding Bishop from the roll of eligible
    presbyters and bishops as described elsewhere in these Canons and Bylaws,
    except that the first and second assemblies of this church may adopt another
    procedure. Eligible presbyters and bishops must be members of this church
    through membership in a congregation of this church. The election of the
    Presiding Bishop shall be by secret ecclesiastical ballot: each delegate shall have
    one vote in each round of balloting. The first ballot shall constitute a nominating
    ballot. Every eligible candidate who has received at least one vote shall be listed
    on the second ballot, except if on the first ballot one eligible candidate received
    three-fourths of the votes cast, and shall be declared elected. On the second
    ballot, two-thirds of the votes cast shall be required for election. On the third
    ballot, the voting shall be limited to the four persons receiving the highest vote
    totals on the second ballot, and a majority of votes cast shall be needed to elect.
    On the fourth ballot, the voting shall be limited to the three persons receiving
    the highest vote totals on the third ballot, and a majority of the votes cast shall
    be needed to elect. On the fifth ballot, the voting shall be limited to the two
    persons receiving the highest vote totals on the fourth ballot, and a majority of
    votes cast shall elect.
9. This church in assembly shall elect the following officers: a president, a
    secretary, and an at-large members, all of whom may be either a presbyter,
    deacon, or layperson, each to serve a one year term. These three shall constitute
    the Board of Directors of this church and the corporation and serve as the
    Church Council. A treasurer will be elected by the Church Council, but does not
    have to be a member of the Church Council or the American Apostolic Catholic
    Church.
10. This church in assembly, by a minimum vote of 60% of the delegates present
    and voting, may issue social statements on matters where this church feels that
    it must speak in fulfillment of its mission and in accordance with these Canons.
    A social statement will reflect the policy and understanding of this church and
    be used for teaching and pastoral purposes; it will not obligate the binding of the
    consciences of all members of this church.

Canon XIX – Additional Matters Regarding Assemblies

1. A proposed social statement may originate from any member or agency of this
    church. A proposed social statement shall be circulated throughout this church
    to all clergy and congregations at least six months prior to the commencement of
    the church assembly. A 60% vote of the delegates present and voting at an
    assembly of this church shall be necessary for passage. The assembly may also
    refer to the proposed social statement to an appropriate venue within this
    church for further study and report, and possible revision, to be made available
    throughout this church and acted upon at a later assembly.
2. The 1997 assembly of this church shall elect a president. The term for the
    president will be two years and run from the 1997 assembly through the 1999
    assembly. Balloting for the office of president shall occur at the 1999 assembly
    and every two years thereafter at an assembly of this church.
3. The 1997 assembly of this church shall elect a vice president. The term for the
    vice president will be two years and run from the 1997 assembly through the
    1999 assembly. Balloting for the office of vice president shall occur at the 1999
    assembly and every two years thereafter at an assembly of this church.
4. The 1997 assembly of this church shall elect a secretary. The term for the
    secretary will be two years and run from the 1997 assembly through the 1999
    assembly. Balloting for the office of secretary shall occur at the 1999 assembly
    and every two years thereafter at an assembly of this church.
5. The 1997 assembly of this church shall elect a treasurer. The term for the
    treasurer will be two years and run from the 1997 assembly through the 1999
    assembly. Balloting for the office of treasurer shall occur at the 1999 assembly
    and every two years thereafter at an assembly of this church.
6. The 1997 assembly of this church shall elect a parliamentarian. The term for
    the parliamentarian will be two years and run from the 1997 assembly through
    the 1999 assembly. Balloting for the office of parliamentarian shall occur at the
    1999 assembly and every two years thereafter at an assembly of this church.
7. The 1997 assembly of this church shall elect two at-large members of the
    Church Council. The term for the at-large members will be two years and run
    from the 1997 assembly through the 1999 assembly. Balloting for the two
    at-large members shall occur at the 1999 assembly and every two years
    thereafter at an assembly of this church.

Canon XX – Church Council

The Church Council, as described in these Canons and Bylaws, shall meet at least four times a year, with the Presiding Bishop as an ex-officio, non-voting member of the Church Council, on a quarterly basis (two of these meetings may be by telephone conference until such time as the finances of this church allow) to conduct the necessary business of this church between assemblies, and:
   a. be the board of directors of the corporation and exercise trusteeship
       responsibilities for this church.
   b. represent this church and carry out its decisions.
   c. attend to the business of this church in the interim between assemblies.
   d. recommend annual budgets to the assembly.
   e. fill vacancies until the next assembly unless as otherwise provided in these
      Canons and Bylaws and determine the fact of any incapacity of an officer of
      this church, which includes ceasing to be a member of a congregation of this
      church.
   f. report its actions to the national annual assembly.
  g. select the dates and location of the assembly of this church at least twelve
      months in advance and announce the same to this church, and work with the
      host parish for the practical matters relating to the convention.
  h. recommend an agenda to the annual assembly.
  i. perform other duties as are set forth in these Canons and Bylaws and as
     established by the assembly.

Canon XXI – Officers

1. Other duties for the officers of this church, who are the president, secretary,
    treasurer, may be assigned in these Canons and Bylaws and by the Church
    Council.
2. An officer of this church shall be a member of this church.
3. The officers of this church shall make detailed written reports to the annual
    assembly of this church, submitted to the delegates thirty days prior to the
    assembly, and shall be present at the assembly.
4. The annual report of the treasurer shall be subject to an audit by an
    independent agency which shall make a report to the annual assembly of this
    church.
5. The secretary of this church shall prepare and keep a correct roster of all clergy
    and congregations of this church, as submitted by the secretary of each diocese.
6. The secretary is authorized and empowered in the name of this church to attest
    all instruments of writing ordered by this church or required by the constitution
    or necessary in carrying on the business of the corporation and signed and
    sealed by the Presiding Bishop.
7.The secretary shall have all the usual duties of secretary and issue promptly the
    minutes of the assembly, Church Council meetings, and other such reports as
    are needed.

Canon XXII – Periodical

1. This church shall have a periodical which shall be available throughout this
    church. The periodical shall report on the official business of this church, print
    official notices of this church, and contain other such material as is necessary
    for dialogue, a forum of ideas, education, inspiration, and other spiritual and
    practical matters as is necessary for the life of this church.
2. The editor of the periodical shall be elected by the assembly for a two-year term.

Canon XXIII – Court of Adjudication

This church may establish a Court of Adjudication to serve in matters involving discipline of clergy, with particular responsibility for the discipline of bishops, congregations, or laity.

Canon XXIV – Council of Bishops

All bishops on the clergy roster of this church shall be invited by the Presiding Bishop to gather for the purpose of considering matters which are before this church or which the bishops collectively feel should be before this church. The Council of Bishops as they so choose shall issue letters to this church which set forth their advice on these matters for the use of this church. A letter from the Council of Bishops shall be advisory in nature and not binding upon this church, but an expression of the teaching component of the office of bishop.

Canon XXV – The Seal of This Church

This church shall have a seal for attestation of documents purposes. The Secretary of this church shall be the custodian of the seal. The design of the seal shall be designated in the Bylaws of these Canons.

Canon XXVI – Bylaws and Amendments

1. This church in national assembly may adopt Bylaws not in conflict with these
    Canons. Such Bylaws may be suspended or amended at any assembly of this
    church by a two-thirds vote of the delegates present and voting.
2. Amendments to these Canons must be presented in writing to the president of
    the Church Council over the signatures of no fewer than two delegates at least
    60 days before the national assembly, for dissemination within thirty days to
    this church’s membership. Adoption of an amendment to Canons I through VI
    inclusive shall require passage at two successive assemblies by a two-thirds vote
    of the delegates present and voting. Adoption of an amendment to the balance of
    the canons shall require passage by a two-thirds vote of the delegates present
    and voting.

Bylaw 1 – Worship

1. The liturgy of the Church, as it has come to us in both the Eastern and Western
    traditions of the Church, is the liturgy of this church, although it is the more
    usual custom in this church to follow the Western tradition.
2. Presbyters are responsible for the worship of the congregations which they serve
    and must diligently connect the experience of worship, the public proclamation
    of Word and Sacrament, the people’s shared experience of its life in community,
    with sound theology, local congregational tradition, and the call of the Spirit to
    speak through Word and Sacrament to the time and moment in which worship
    happens, working towards, but not limited to, the goal of inclusive language.
3. This church shall endeavor to cooperate in such ecumenical work as it has
    opportunity, such as the International Consultation on English Texts, the
   Consultation on Common Texts, and the Consultation on Common Hymnody,
   for the purposes of unity in the Church of Jesus Christ and bearing witness to
   that unity.
4. This church shall have as its common use for Sundays and Major Holidays, the
    Revised Common Lectionary, produced by the Consultation on Common Texts.
    Other celebrations outside of Sundays and Major Holidays may be based on
    existing standards of other church bodies, or may be set by the local diocese.

Bylaw 2 – Seal

The seal of this church shall be as follows:

Bylaw 3 – Diocese of the AACC

1.This church creates a diocese of Connecticut, which will witness for the Gospel
   in the territory of Connecticut and surrounding areas.
2.This church creates a diocese of Massachusetts, which will witness for the
   Gospel in the territory of Massachusetts and surrounding areas.
3.This church creates a diocese of Michigan, which will witness for the Gospel
   in the territory of Michigan and surrounding areas.
4.The ministry in the state of Georgia will be assigned to the diocese of Michigan.

Bylaw 4 – Lay Ministry

This church authorizes the dioceses to allow lay ministry in mission situations where local conditions prevail. Lay ministry will operate under the direct supervision of the diocesan bishop and diocesan council. Specific ministerial acts normally performed by deacons may be done by a lay minister in extraordinary circumstances on a case by case basis as approved by the diocesan bishop.

These Canons and Bylaws were adopted at the Second Assembly of the American Apostolic Catholic Church, a Michigan ecclesiastical corporation, held in Sandwich, Massachusetts, 24 July through 26 July, 1997, and are as amended by the sixth assembly, held in Norcross, Georgia, 21 June through 23 June 2001.



We certify that the above is a true and correct copy of said Canons and Bylaws.

Signed,
R. Vincent Lavieri, President

Signed,
Eric Brown, Secretary

3 September 2001, Gregory the Great, bishop and reformer of the Church