Canons
Nicene Church
• Canon I Name of the Church (hereafter in this document may be referred to NC)
• Canon II Corporate Seal
• Canon III The Metropolitan Archbishop
• Canon IV Bishop
• Canon V Priesthood
• Canon VI Diaconate
• Canon VII Incardination
• Canon VIII Synod of Bishops
• Canon IX Order of Worship
• Canon X Religious Communities
• Canon XI Financial Management
• Canon XII Discipline
• Canon XIII Relinquishment or Abandonment of the Ministry
• Canon XIV Vocational Commission
• Canon XV Dean of Vocations and Academia
•Canon XVI Requirements for Ordination
Canon I: The official name of the church is the Nicene Church.
Canon II: The corporate seal of the Nicene Church:
Description: The seal consists of a golden two headed eagle with spread wings, with a golden crown with blue inlay representing Christ’s rule. A shield over the eagle’s chest consists of a green field with the Agnus Dei set within. In the eagle’s left claw is a scepter, while a blue globe trimmed in gold with a golden cross on top.
Canon III: The Metropolitan Archbishop
1. The Metropolitan Archbishop: There shall be a Metropolitan Archbishop who shall be the presiding archbishop of The Nicene Church.
2. The Metropolitan Archbishop shall:
A) lead the Nicene Church in discerning and pursuing the mission of God;
B) exercise pastoral and spiritual leadership throughout the Nicene Church
C) exercise a pastoral ministry in particular to the Bishops;
D) speak and write prophetically to the Nicene Church, and on behalf of the Nicene Church to the world, in consultation with the Archbishops and/or the Bishops, and the Synod of Bishops
E) represent the Nicene Church internationally and ecumenically
3. Sacramental Ministry of the Metropolitan Archbishop:
The Metropolitan Archbishop is expected to exercise the apostolic ministry of a bishop throughout the Nicene Church, primarily by teaching and preaching the Word of God in Scripture, and also by:
A) Presiding at the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation and Ordination during pastoral visits across the NC
B) having a visible role in the consecration of newly elected bishops of the NC,
C) acting as chief consecrator of the National Indigenous Bishop and the Bishop Ordinary, as required
D) having a visible role in the installation of Auxiliary and Diocesan Bishops, including, when possible, presiding at their installation, and
E) presiding at all liturgical events of the Synod of Bishops, and all national church events, though the Metropolitan Archbishop may delegate this to another.
Canon IV Bishops
A bishop:
1. Serves as liaison to the Archbishop
2. Governs their dioceses on matters of the church
3. Assists with canon formation and enforcement
4. Preaches, teaches, and lives the Gospel of Jesus Christ
5. Ordains and Consecrates new deacons, priests, and bishops according to Vocational Commission recommendations and recommendations of the Metropolitan Archbishop.
6. Presides over masses/services
7. Aides with continuing education of priests, deacons, and bishops (if invited)
8. An Auxiliary Bishop serves under the direction of the Archbishop or bishop
A Diocesan Bishop oversees a local established diocese and is the local “shepherd” of their respective diocese
1. Oversight of their local diocese
2. Oversees local priests and deacons. Ensures the Gospel of Jesus Christ is preached
3. Preaches the gospel and visits local churches under their care
4. Reports to the Archbishop of their respective diocese.
5. May consecrate priests and deacons under the direction of the Metropolitan Archbishop or Archbishop, according to Vocational Commission recommendations.
Canon V Priesthood
Priests shall
1. Administer the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation, Confession, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders and Marriage.
2. Preach the Gospel to the congregation
3. Provide spiritual oversight of their congregation
4. Defend the faith with the Word of God
5. Perform services in accordance with the Holy Bible, using an approved service missal consistent with local customs, traditions, and vernacular and Nicene Church doctrine.
Canon VI: Diaconate
1. Shall proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the church and the world; retains first right of refusal during Mass.
2. Shall preach a sermon when asked by a Priest, or Bishop, or Archbishop
3. Shall defend the faith with the Word of God
4. Shall setup the altar at communion and assist the priest as needed
5. Dismisses congregants at the end of mass/service
6. Baptizes in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
7. Deacons are responsible to their Diocesan Bishop or Archbishop
Canon VII Incardination
Incardination of clergy ordained outside of the NAC shall meet the criteria as follows:
1. Demonstrate competency in areas including biblical knowledge, ethics, theology, and liturgy
2. Provide a spiritual autobiography, background check and references
3. Fill out an application to be processed through the archdiocese and the office of the Metropolitan Archbishop.
Temporary Letters of Faculties will be issued to eligible candidates. Permanent faculties will be issued after a period of discernment lasting between 90 and 180 days.
A Certificate of Membership will be issued to foreign clergy when they are accepted.
A Certificate of Incardination will be issued whenever an incardination has been approved. Distribution will be the same as with all other certificates.
Canon VIII: Synod of Bishops
1. Each Bishop will select 1 Delegate to Represent their Diocese.
2. The Metropolitan Archbishop May select “At Large” delegates
3. Chaired by the Metropolitan Archbishop for purpose of moderation
4. Synod will meet to discuss matters of operation with guidance of the Holy Spirit
5. A copy of the minutes will be made available to all bishops within the Nicene Church, who may share at their discretion.
Canon IX: Orders of Worship
1. The Nicene Prayer Book is the official book of service. Since the NC is spirit led, the priest, bishop, or archbishop, may accommodate to the customs of their local flock.
2. Local Missals—local missals that are consistent with NC doctrine and beliefs may replace use of the NPB
3. Language—each diocese and congregation may use the language/dialect of the local area.
Services/mass are geared towards communicating the gospel and worshipping God and we will not identify one single language to be used across the NC.
Canon X: Religious Communities
As part of the Communion, the NC is open to religious orders and are at the discretion of the Metropolitan Archbishop. As with clergy and deacons and bishops, those in religious life/organizations make vows to God alone. Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of the church.
Canon XI: Financial Management
Financial management of each individual parish shall have oversight by the Priest or Deacon of that church. Each congregation is also asked to donate a portion to the Metropolitan Archbishopric, as they are able, in order to fund administrative operations. The church is NOT designed to be a cash hoard but will effectively maintain a positive operation. The parish will effectively manage finances and be proactive in the community, help the poor and needy, and support Christ’s teachings.
Canon XII Discipline
Every church within the Nicene Church shall be a safe church. There is NO place within the church for discourse to include sexual assault, theft, rape, murder, embezzlement, abuse of any nature including drugs, alcohol, or people of any age. Violations of this will be reported to local authorities, to the Metropolitan Archbishop and the Synod of Bishops. The accused will be placed on administrative leave until an investigation can be completed. Upon completion of the investigation, any further action, is at the discretion of the Metropolitan Archbishop with council from the Synod of Bishops. The Church shall remain safe for the people of God.
Canon XIII Relinquishment or Abandonment of the Ministry
Any ordained member of ministry (Bishop, priest, deacon) wishing to relinquish ministry or retire must submit a formal request 60 days (about 2 months) ahead to the Metropolitan Archbishop. Once accepted, the relinquishment of ministry will take effect within 60 days (about 2 months).
Canon XIV Vocational Commission
Members appointed to commission will be examining and reviewing those candidates being raised up to seek ordination as a Deacon or Priest. These members will be:
1. Appointed by the Metropolitan Archbishop to serve for a 3-year term
2. Subject to re-appointment
3. Shall be open to the Holy Spirit and God’s calling of an individual to Holy Orders
4. Shall be prayerfully involved in the discernment of approving a person’s call
5. Will recommend ordination after a process of discernment including but not limited to a background check, interviews, and examination of competency
Canon XV Dean of Vocation and Academia
1. Appointed by the Metropolitan Archbishop
2. Oversees the education of priests, deacons, and ordinands
3. Reviews applications of incardination
4. Researches and approves ongoing theological education
Canon XVI Requirements for Ordination
Candidates for Ordination shall:
1. Be at least 21 years of age
2. Be baptized and confirmed
3. Provide a spiritual autobiography, clear background check, references to the Vocational Commission.
4. Engage into a process of discernment with the Vocational Commission
5. Demonstrate competence in the areas of biblical knowledge, pastoral ministry, theology, church history, and liturgy.