The Gold Standard
Article Two: The Clergy
CANON 1 - According to the tradition of the earliest Church, and the authority and leading of the Holy Spirit given to the Holy Synod of the Caribbean Patriarchate, baptized and confirmed men and women of good character and Godly disposition are warmly welcomed into Ministry, with all the rights and privileges associated with that traditional office. Candidates for the office of Sub-Deacon (Junior Deacons) must be no less than twelve years of age with the full permission of their Christian guardians and local Pastor. Candidates for the office of Deacon must be no less than twenty-one years of age. Candidates for the Presbytery must be no less than twenty-five years of age. Candidates for the offices of Bishop or Apostle must be no less than thirty years of age. Candidates for the Episcopacy or Apostleship must be ordained and approved Presbyters prior, and must be approved for the positions.
CANON 2 - Clergy who have been ordained already according to the tradition from any location and denomination within the one, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church can be incardinated into the Church. If they wish to be incardinated for their ministry then they should apply to the Apostle or Bishop who will admit them and in his absolute discretion, subject to any conditions he may lay down. Before candidates are accepted for ordination, they must submit documentation of their baptism, confirmation, prior ordinations, and complete the formal application and oaths. In cases where such documentary attestation is impossible, the candidate may instead at the discretion of the consecrators swear an oath before the ordaining Apostles and Bishops that they are baptized and confirmed, giving such information as they are able and either have or be currently studying to the required level for each ordination level. Clergy from other Churches who have not been episcopally ordained, or who are unsure whether they have been ordained, will have their Holy Orders conferred or conferred conditionally (sub-condition). Clergy from certain Churches who hold doctrine that the Caribbean Patriarchate regards as heretical, yet are indeed considered a true Church, may be allowed to transfer over per decision of the Bishops in communion with their Metropolitan. Such Clergy, if accepted will be required to renounce said heresy in question, and pledge allegiance to God, His doctrines found in the United Holy Caribbean Apostolic Church, and His Church’s hierarchy. This Church reserves the right to reject all requests for ministry fellowship and/or Apostolic covering requested by outside Christian and non-Christian ministers. All non-Christian ministers will be automatically rejected, for it is against our beliefs and doctrine. No minister’s request will be discriminated against due to financial status, sex, race, or liturgical differences. Upon receiving a written request presented to the Clergy of this Church, the Apostle or Bishop (or Holy Synod if there is no existing diocese within the minister’s present location) will begin processing said request. During that time period, the Caribbean Patriarchate will be educating the minister on our doctrine and ministry format in order to make the transition efficient and move expeditiously. Once they have undergone close examination for an appointed time, including having successfully passed a thorough background check, the minister will then be either placed under an existing diocese and Apostle or Bishop, or the Holy Synod will elect to start a new jurisdiction. If said minister is an ordained Apostle or Bishop, they will undergo the same examination process and will be placed directly under a Metropolitan Archbishop (be it the Senior Apostle or someone designated by him). After no less than one years’ set time frame of ministry in this Church, headship of a new jurisdiction will be placed under the new Apostle/Bishop by the Holy Synod. Bishops not bringing their diocese/ministry with them under the authority of the Caribbean Patriarchate for whatever reason (renouncement of former denomination, excommunication, desire for autonomy, etc.), will be taken into careful consideration. Clergy who are righteously and rightfully excommunicated or deposed will be disqualify and turned away, for this Church will not harbor “spiritual fugitives”. All candidates and applicants will be examined on a case-by-case basis, with the understanding that no two cases or persons are alike.
CANON 3 - In order to correctly confer the orders of priesthood or diaconate, it is required that, in the judgment of the ordaining Apostle/Bishop, the candidate possesses the requisite qualities and is considered beneficial to the ministry of the Church: which include leadership skills, suitable education level, spiritual maturity, etc.
CANON 4 - All Apostles and Bishops have the sacramental and canonical power to ordain Deacons and Presbyters of the Church as needed so long as they remain in communion with their Metropolitan Archbishop, which in turn is to be in full communion with the Patriarch. They must both satisfy themselves and their peers of the correctness of the rite used and the required intention to ordain. Each ordaining Apostle or Bishop must issue their own respective ordination documents. The Metropolitan Archbishop of a province shall be informed in advance of all ordinations and shall have an absolute rite of veto upon any ordination that he considers undesirable. His decision, when discerned to be led by the Holy Spirit by the Diocesan Court, will be unquestionable.
CANON 5 - An ordination is to be celebrated during public Holy Communion. The regular minister of sacred ordination is a consecrated Apostle/Bishop. The collected Presbytery may perform an ordination with the full consent of the Metropolitan if an Apostle/Bishop is not available, if they are given sanction and such authority within their ministry, or in emergency situations. These situations, to be considered valid, must not be the result or cause of schism. If ordained by the Presbytery in communion with their Metropolitan and the Patriarch, the Holy Orders shall be counted as valid. The regularizing of the Orders will be performed for the matter of showing open communion and mutual consent, confirming that God has done so already.
CANON 6 - After an ordination, the names of the individuals ordained, the name of the ordaining minister(s), and the place and date of ordination are to be immediately entered into the Registry.
CANON 7 - The ordaining Apostle or Bishop is to give to each person ordained Deacon, Presbyter, Bishop, or Apostle an authentic certificate of the ordination received. Such documentation is normally referred to as Letters of Orders. It must contain the place and date of ordination, a statement that it took place during a public celebration of Holy Communion and the signature and seal of the ordainer.
CANON 8 – In accordance with the studies of Sacred Scriptures, the Traditions of the Church shown in the Apostolic Canons, and the historic events of the Church, it is usual, proper and essential for the principal consecrating Apostle/Bishop at an Episcopal consecration to have at least two or three other co-consecrators. However, where this is not practicable, in times of extreme cases, letters from those who would wish to co-consecrate will be accepted “in absentia”. This must all be done with the consent of the Metropolitan. In times of emergency or restriction of some sort, the hand of one, so long as it is done in communion with the Church, represents the hand of all.
CANON 9 - No Apostle or Bishop can be counted as a valid Apostolic or Episcopal candidate within the Church without the consent and participation of the Holy Synod.
CANON 10 - No member of the Clergy will take part in the ordination of any Clergy in any other jurisdiction of the Catholic Church without the consent of their Metropolitan Bishop in writing. Likewise, no Metropolitan may participate in such ordinations without the consent of the Senior Apostle and the Holy Synod. This is to ensure accountability, protecting the identity and integrity of the Church.
CANON 11 - By the sovereign will of God the Father, one shall be ordained and consecrated to the rank of “Senior Apostle and Patriarch of All the Caribbean-West Indies”. The Patriarch shall be the Primate of their Province, and preside as “first amongst equals”, taking the leadership position amongst his fellow prelates affiliated. Being first amongst equals among the Apostles and Bishops of the Caribbean Apostolic Church, he exercises a fatherly leadership in all inter-organizational matters among all dioceses. As such, he shall bare the responsibilities of guiding the Church in accordance to the orthodox faith; serve as Chief Teacher and Protector of the Faith by writing epistles that the Church will adhere to as being part of the Sacred Tradition of the Church; being the source and Chief Earthly Protector of the Apostolic Succession of this Church; guiding the various regions under his jurisdiction to nominate the candidates for Episcopal shepherding, and thus consecrate the hierarchs for these regions; consecrate Apostles and Bishops for various regions; install God-given and worthy candidates to the Metropolitan and Archiepiscopal dignity; erect and oversee the erection and consecration of new churches, dioceses, archdiocese, and provinces; overseeing the Church’s observance of ordinances, Feast days, and ceremonies; authorize the planting of new administrative departments within this Church; serve as Ecumenical Dean of the Eden Kingdom Institute; sanction or veto the autonomy or autocephaly of a Church branching off yet remaining in full communion with the Caribbean Patriarchate, as well as consecrate and enthrone Presiding Prelates for “daughter” or “sister” autonomous or autocephalous churches. Serving as the chief ecumenical officer of the Church, he shall have the responsibilities of sanctioning or veto the ecumenical agreements of other Churches joining in full communion with the Caribbean Patriarchate. In addition, he shall also have the privilege of convoking the Holy Synod of Prelates of the Church as Chairman and First Among Equals. No Holy Synod shall be valid without the presence of the Senior Apostle so long as the position is occupied, or a representative officially sent by him unless the Senior Apostle is incapacitated (via hospitalized without ability of communication, jailed without ability of communication, etc.).
CANON 12 - The Senior Apostle will be set into place to serve out a lifetime term unless he relinquishes his position into the hands of his chosen successor, or he is deposed by the Holy Synod with the aid of the Patriarchate’s sister Churches in a properly held Ecumenical tribunal. In the event of the Senior Apostle’s resignation, he may give a minimum of ninety days’ notice; the Senior Apostle shall name a rightful successor from amongst his personal disciples from within the Church, with the approval of the Holy Synod. The new Primate will be given the right hand of fellowship in the presence of all Apostles and Bishops of the Caribbean Patriarchate. If no successor was named, the new Primate shall be appointed and confirmed by the Holy Synod. If the successor of the Senior Apostle was named, yet is not ready to serve, the Holy Synod shall continue to govern the Caribbean Patriarchate and train the successor until they are prepared to take their rightful position, a Bishop shall serve as “Locum Tenens” with the permission of the Holy Synod, or a new candidate will be elected and placed in position.
CANON 13 - The qualifications for Senior Apostle shall be the Biblical standards for the office of the Apostle as told to the Corinthian Church (1st Corinthians 9:1-2), to the Galatian Church (Galatians 1:1-12), and the office of Bishop as told to Apostle Timothy and Apostle Titus (1st Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9). In addition, the Senior Apostle shall be ordained through the vote, enthroning, and laying on of hands by the Holy Synod and all invited coconsecrators, or by a selected Church in full and canonical communion with this Church with the full participation of this Church. Said Patriarch must be within or canonically brought into the line of apostolic succession of this Church.
CANON 14 - The authority of the Senior Apostle to expend funds is limited to his participation as a member of the Holy Synod and the authority and limitations prescribed to the Council. Any new Senior Apostle shall have the authority to interpret the Scriptures to the Church consistent with the Doctrinal Statement of the Church laid down by the Holy Synod, headed by the Senior Apostle.
CANON 15 - Bishops shall be set in place to watch over and tend to the affairs of ministries within their jurisdiction. All Bishops are sanctioned to validly ordain Deacons and Presbyters within their particular jurisdiction as needed. A Bishop may be transferred to another jurisdiction due to ministry necessity by permission from the Holy Synod and direction of his Metropolitan; however, no Bishop shall be transferred from diocese to diocese unless a special need is set forth. This must be for a short time until a permanent Bishop is raised up for the position; once such is completed, the original Bishop will return to his flock effective immediately. The Bishops shall all serve as members of the Holy Synod indefinitely, with the shared responsibility of enthroning the next Senior Apostle along with their fellow Apostles and Archbishops. Bishops may validly consecrate other Bishops and Apostles to start a new jurisdiction within the Gospel ministry of other Churches providing they have proper, written authorization and instructions from the Metropolitan Archbishop and the Holy Synod led by the Senior Apostle. The Bishops of this Church are consecrated into the sacred office after they have undergone all of the following in said order:
• they have undergone close discipleship under an Apostle and/or Bishop (be it their own Bishop, or someone designated by him) for no less than one (1) year unless specifically instructed by their Metropolitan Archbishop,
• they are elected by the Church, and/or designated to the position by the Patriarch or their Metropolitan which shall come from the leading of the All-Holy Ghost,
• they have undergone close examination by their fellow Apostles and Bishops,
• hands were laid upon them within three months of election and examination by two (2) or three (3) Apostles/Bishops (be it Apostles and/or Bishops from this Church, or approved Apostles/Bishops from other Christian Churches) with their Metropolitan as chief consecrator (or someone designated by them), in the presence of their fellow Apostles & Bishops, the Clergy under their jurisdiction, and their local Church congregation unless deemed otherwise by notification of the Metropolitan. If two or three Apostles and/or Bishops are not available for the consecration, one Apostle/Bishop from this Church will be sufficient, if sanction from the Holy Synod was granted one (1) month prior to the consecration or that the approval of their Apostle and/or Bishop is granted (if able to be obtained).
CANON 16 - In the case of extreme emergency situations only, the consecration of an Apostle or Bishop shall be counted as valid when performed by the collected Presbytery and members of this Church, if Bishops from a Church in a “Full-Communion” or an “Inter-Communion” agreement with this Church are not available to aide. Emergency situations should flow along the lines of the following: the imprisonment of all available Bishops, the restriction of Bishops traveling due to some form of persecution or exile, the martyrdom of Bishops at an alarming rate, etc. Division and rivalry shall never produce a valid episcopacy within the Lord’s Church. Therefore, if said emergency measures are taken, said consecrated Bishop will be accepted as valid within the Church so long as full allegiance to the Holy Caribbean Patriarchate is pledged, and such act is not viewed as or in response to an act of schism or heresy dividing the Church.
CANON 17 - Archbishops shall preside over certain large and influential city or state regions within a nation or province per decision of the Holy Synod and establishment of the Patriarch. This regional jurisdiction shall be in respects to and apart of the various Apostles and Bishops serving within said region. Amongst the Archbishops of said province, one Metropolitan Archbishop shall be set over the province, serving as “primus inter pares” for said region. The Archbishops shall all serve as members of the Holy Synod indefinitely, with the shared responsibility of enthroning the next Senior Apostle along with their fellow Apostles and Bishops. Like all other prelates, Archbishops and Metropolitan Archbishops can only be deposed by the authority of the Holy Synod, headed by the Senior Apostle. Archbishops cannot be replaced, nor voted out for any reasons other than: death, adhering to and/or refusal to correct heresy within the United Holy Caribbean Apostolic Church, terminal illness or mental disabilities that render them unable to continue duties. All Archbishops and Metropolitan Archbishops within the Caribbean Patriarchate are initially ordained and set into office after they have undergone all of the following in said order:
• they have already been commissioned by Christ and the hierarchy of the Holy Caribbean Patriarchate to the office of Apostle/Bishop, unless deemed otherwise by the Holy Synod
• they have been recommended for placement within the Holy Synod by their peer Apostles/Bishops, or designated to said post by the Senior Apostle and the Council members
• they have undergone close examination by the Holy Synod,
• hands were laid upon them by the Holy Synod members with the Senior Apostle as chief consecrator, in the presence of all the Apostles and Bishops of said region, and their local church congregation unless deemed otherwise by notification of the Senior Apostle.
CANON 18 - As one chosen and sent as an Ambassador of the Kingdom of Heaven, defender of the faith, and an Admiral and Overseer of the Army of God by the decree of Jesus Christ, Apostles are sent out to plant and oversee churches and ministries in different regions, give leadership and/or assistance to existing ministries, and preach/teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the doctrine of the Church, answering to God, the Holy Synod, and their peer Apostles/Bishops. All Apostles are sanctioned to validly ordain Deacons, Presbyters, Bishops, and other Apostles into the Gospel ministry with the proper written, authorization and instructions from the Holy Synod. Apostles cannot be replaced, nor voted out for any reasons other than: death, adhering to and/or refusal to correct heresy within the Caribbean Patriarchate, terminal illness or mental disabilities that renders them unable to continue duties. Apostles within this Church shall be endowed with specific authority and assignments. Certain Apostles within the Church will perform the actions and hold the authority and dignity of a Bishop by the sanction and designation of the Holy Synod if sent as Missionaries to new territory or to replace deceased or deposed Clergy; consecrated as an Ambassador of the Church to governments, or other specific roles per their holy orders. All Apostles within the Caribbean Patriarchate are initially ordained and set into office after they have undergone all the following in said order:
• they have undergone close discipleship under an Apostle (be it the Senior Apostle, their own Apostle, or someone designated by him), during the time in which they have been affirmed/ordained as a Prophet, Pastor and/or a Teacher within the Church, having passed extensive training in the Prophetic ministry, Evangelistic ministry, and/or Pastoral ministry unless specific instructional training is given by their Apostle/Bishop.
• hands were laid upon them by two (2) or three (3) Apostles and Bishops (be it Apostles and Bishops from this Church, or approved Apostles and/or Bishops from other Christian Churches) including their Metropolitan and their mentor, or someone designated by them, in the presence of the Senior Church leaders of their district, and their local church congregation unless deemed otherwise by notification of the Metropolitan.
If two or three Apostles and/or Bishops are not available for the consecration, one Apostle and/or Bishop from this Church or a Church in a “Full-Communion” or an “Inter-Communion” agreement with this Church will be sufficient, if sanction from the Holy Synod was granted prior to the consecration.
CANON 19 – The Archpriest shall stand as a Chief Presbyter serving as deputy and assistant to their Diocesan overseer, be it the Bishop, the Archbishop, the Metropolitan Archbishop, or the Patriarch. When needed, the Archpriest shall be assigned to lead a diocese/jurisdiction as “Protector of the See” until an Apostle or Bishop is consecrated and set-in place. This shall be at the decree of the Metropolitan Archbishop of a Province. There shall be but one Archpriest to a diocese. The Archpriest shall liturgically stand as “primus” among his fellow Presbyters amid the Divine Liturgy, and among the Presbyters in administrative works.
CANON 20 - The Pastor is the Presbyter(a) who executes and teaches the doctrines passed down from the Lord through prayer, consecration, knowledge of God’s word, and instruction from the Apostles and/or Bishops as one of the Teachers of the flock. A Senior Pastor is ordained and installed as the head of a local church congregation by their Bishop, Apostle, the Senior Apostle, and/or by them planting the church themselves with authorization from their Bishop/Apostle. All Pastors in this Church are ordained and set into office after they have undergone all of the following in said order:
• they have been recommended by their Pastor to their Apostle/Bishop,
• they have undergone close examination by their Apostle/Bishop and Senior Pastor, including having successfully passed a thorough background check,
• they have undergone close discipleship under their Apostle/Bishop (or someone designated by him/her),
• hands were laid upon them by their Apostle/Bishop in the presence of their local church congregation unless deemed otherwise by notification of their Apostle/Bishop.
CANON 21 – The Prophet(ess) is the Presbyter(a) who is the mouthpiece for God and declares what “thus says the Lord”, or what is inspired by God. The Prophet(ess) has the ability to hear the word of God and move prophetically out of obedience to God’s divine word in accordance to the set authority in the Church, and vice versa. Under the authority of their Apostle/Bishop and their local church leader, the Prophet(ess) confirms the divine word and will of God the Father. The Prophet(ess)s has the responsibility and reserves the right to examine all members requesting a ministerial position, as well as collectively be summoned to examine a fellowship requesting Apostolic covering from the Caribbean Patriarchate alongside the Holy Synod, directly assisting the Apostles. All Prophet(ess)s in this Church are ordained and set into office after they have under gone all of the following in said order:
• they have been recommended by their Pastor, Apostle/Bishop, or fellow Prophet,
• they have undergone close examination by their Apostle/Bishop, Senior Pastor, and/or an assigned Prophet(ess) including having successfully passed a thorough background check,
• they have undergone close discipleship under a more senior Prophet(ess),
• hands were laid upon them by their Apostle/Bishop (be it their Apostle/Bishop, or someone designated by him), and their mentoring Prophet(ess)s in the presence of the Prophetic Order and their local church congregation with prior notification from their Apostle/Bishop.
CANON 22 - The Evangelist is the Presbyter(a) or Deacon(ess) who travels around either locally, nationally, or internationally, preaching the Gospel at street meetings, door to door, or anywhere else they are sent by the Holy Spirit and/or their leaders. An Evangelist may exercise authority and leadership over an Evangelistic ministry that travels abroad, however, by the very nature of their calling, they will not be considered heads of Churches; the Evangelist will serve as a Chaplain for areas such as Military, hospitals, prisons, jobs, etc. One day out of their week should be dedicated to serving a nightshift at their local Church at the discretion of their local Pastor and the Bishop. All Evangelists in this Church are ordained and set into office after they have undergone all the following in said order:
• they have been recommended by their Pastor, and/or Apostle/Bishop
• they have undergone close examination by their Apostle/Bishop and/or their Pastor, including having successfully passed a thorough background check,
• they have undergone close discipleship under an approved Evangelist at the discretion of their Senior Pastor and Bishop,
• hands were laid upon them by their Apostle/Bishop (be it their Apostle/Bishop, or someone designated by him) in the presence of their local church congregation unless deemed otherwise by notification from their Apostle/Bishop.
CANON 23 – All of our Teachers are Ministers of the Church tasked with educating with the doctrinal standpoints of the Caribbean Patriarchate, being the official historians, theologians, and educational facilitators of the Church. The Teachers educate within the parameters set in place by the United Holy Caribbean Apostolic Church. Though most of the teachers within our schools are lay members, all are acting in a ministerial capacity. Therefore, all Teachers are to meet the basic requirements of the Church set for Clergy, being selected and held by the same standards. All Teachers in this Church are set into place after they have undergone the following in said order: • they have undergone close examination by their Apostle/Bishop and their Pastor, and selected educational faculty of the Church, including having successfully passed a thorough background check, • they have undergone close discipleship under their Apostle/Bishop, and thorough education approved by all approved educational facilities and resources • hands were laid upon them by their Apostle/Bishop (be it their Apostle/Bishop, or someone designated by him) in the presence of their local church congregation and certain representatives of the Eden Kingdom Institute.
CANON 24 – Deacons are ministers that deal with the local affairs of the church and its members. The Deacons shall assist the Apostles/Bishops and Presbyter(a)s and be responsible for various temporal ministries of the church. Specifically, Deacons shall: Be an example to the Congregation in the areas of faith, prayer, spiritual growth in the home, and boldness in proclaiming the Gospel. Visit the sick, the elderly, the prisoners, and others in the Church requiring contact with the Church. Become aware of the physical necessities of those in the Church and the community at large, and develop and implement methods of meeting those needs. Distribute money from the Benevolent Funds consistent with Biblical guidelines and procedures established by the Pastor and Bishop. Devise and implement effective Biblical methods of collecting the gifts of the Lord's people. This includes the counting and depositing of money collected in Church offerings or received by other means with the Pastor’s written consent. Assist the Congregation in an understanding of Biblical financial management, stewardship, and giving. They shall also seek ways to develop in the members the grace of liberality and Christian financial freedom. Assist the Ministers in ordinances and ceremonies as necessary. Supervise the custodial needs of the local Church congregation. All Deacons are ordained and set into office after they have under gone all of the following in said order:
• they have been recommended by their Pastor and/or Apostle/Bishop,
• they have under gone close examination by the Apostle/Bishop and/or their Pastor, including having successfully passed a thorough background check,
• they have under gone close discipleship under their local church leader, and/or an elder Deacon,
• hands were laid upon them by their Apostle/Bishop in the presence of the local church congregation unless deemed otherwise by notification of their Bishop.
CANON 25 – The assignment of the Archdeacon(ess) shall be to stand as the Chief Diaconal assistant to their Diocesan overseer, be it the Bishop, the Archbishop, the Metropolitan Archbishop, or the Patriarch. There shall be but one Archdeacon(ess) to a diocese. The Archdeacon(ess) shall liturgically stand as “primus” among his or her fellow deacons in the midst of the Divine Liturgy, and among the Deacons in administrative works.
CANON 26 - All ministers of this Church shall be nominated by their local ministry leader, confirmed by the Apostle/Bishop and shall serve in that capacity for an indefinite period of time. A new Minister may be approved to either fill a vacancy or to add an additional member as needed. Ministers maybe removed from office upon their own request, a recommendation made by their local Church leader to the Apostle/Bishop, or by a 2/3 vote of the District Clergy approved by the Apostle/Bishop. A Minister may be suspended for a set period of time by their Bishop/Apostle for investigation. During such a time, a Clergy meeting will be called to discuss the matter. The suspended Minister has the right and responsibility to be present at such meeting. All ministers of this Church shall be men and women of intellectual and spiritual maturity, with proven Christian character and sound judgment, exemplary in their conduct, effective leaders and teachers. Clergy shall be trained under equal rigorous training according to their Ministry office within discipleship and the Eden Kingdom Institute. Additionally, Ministers shall be members of the Church and shall have proven themselves before the Membership in lesser capacities of service. Discrimination or partiality for a Ministerial position based upon race, sex, or financial status shall not be tolerated and severely punished. The United Holy Caribbean Apostolic Church however does reserve the right to withhold positions from members due to actions not becoming of a Minister of the Gospel including but not limited to homosexuality, adultery, legal conflict, age, lack of preparation by candidate (including insufficient training), and other reasons specified in writing by the ordaining Apostolic Council. No member shall be eligible for the ministry of the Presbytery or Deaconate before three (3) consecutive years of faithful salvation.
CANON 27 – Our ordained Clergy are properly considered “employed by God”. Therefore, though generally serving in a voluntary capacity, compensation for the work of the Gospel is necessary for the livelihood of the faithful servants of God which serve the Caribbean Patriarchate. The Caribbean Patriarchate therefore has the duty to account for the well-being of its Clergy. Unlike a secular work however, the Caribbean Patriarchate does not have an obligation to provide for unemployment. The salary and other compensation such as Social Security, insurance, housing allowance, and pension of the Clergy shall be specified in writing and made the responsibility of the Clergy’s Church and diocese. Likewise, such items as authorized vacation, attendance at meetings and conferences, moving expenses, and other agreed upon conditions shall be addressed in the Church. This shall be done under the supervision of the Apostles and Bishops of the Synod.
CANON 28 - Until fully ordained, all candidates for a Ministerial position shall be referred to as “elect” (i.e. Bishop-Elect, Pastor-Elect) if elected by their peers and/or Church congregation, presented to the leaders, and accepted for said position, or “designate” (i.e. Bishop-Designate, Deacon-Designate) if chosen and appointed to office by their leader. All Apostles/Bishops who are set to be (Metropolitan) Archbishops, because of the nature of their position, shall be considered “Metropolitan Archbishop-Designate” or “or Archbishop-Designate” until the time of their official appointment.
CANON 29 - In accordance with the ancient traditions of the Catholic Church, all Apostles, Archbishops, and Metropolitans will carry the title “The Most Reverend”. Apostles will be customarily addressed as “Apostle (name)”. All Metropolitan Archbishops may bare the designations of “Metropolitan (name)”, or “Archbishop (name)”. Holders of a Doctorate degree will carry the title “The Most Reverend Doctor”. Metropolitans may be greeted or addressed with the official honorific of “Your Eminence”, while Apostles may be greeted or addressed with the official honorific of “Your Excellency”.
CANON 30 - Bishops will carry the title “The Most Reverend Lord/Mar”, and will be customarily addressed as “Bishop (name)” or be greeted or addressed with the official honorific of “Your Grace”. Holders of a Doctorate degree will carry the title “The Most Reverend Lord/Mar Doctor”.
CANON 31 - Presbyter(a)s (Pastors, Prophets, Evangelists, and Teachers) will carry the title “The Reverend”, and will customarily be addressed as “The Reverend (name)” or “Father/Mother (name)”. Holders of a Doctorate degree will carry the title “The Reverend Doctor”. The Archpriest shall bare the official honorific of “The Right Reverend Father/Mother”.
CANON 32 – Deacons and Deaconesses will carry the title “The Reverend Deacon(ess)”, and will customarily be greeted or addressed as “Deacon(ess) (name)”, or “Reverend Brother/Sister (name)”. Holders of the degree of Doctor will carry the title “Doctor”. The Archdeacon(ess) shall bare the official honorific of “The Very Reverend Deacon(ess)”.
CANON 33 - No Clergy or lay member of the Church will enter into any official agreements for Communion with any other Church or ecclesial body without the consent of the Senior Apostle and the Holy Synod in writing.
CANON 34 - No Clergy of the Church will take it upon themselves to act as an Official Episcopal Visitor to any Church Body or Religious Order whatsoever without the consent of their Apostle or Bishop in writing.
CANON 35 - Where the needs of the Church require and ministers are not available and at the request of a Bishop when appropriate, lay people can exercise “the ministry of the word”, preside over liturgical prayers, confer emergency baptism and distribute Holy Communion of the consecrated host. In extreme emergency any baptized person may ask for God's blessing on the soul of a person about to die.
CANON 36 - After careful study, prayer, and regard for the faith that was once delivered unto the saints, we have elected to adopt certain of the canons of the Synod of Gangraea (340 A.D.), namely these: Canon 4. If anyone discriminates against a married Presbyter(a), on the ground that he ought not to partake of the offering when that Presbyter(a) is conducting the Liturgy, let him be anathema. Canon 5. If anyone teach that the Lord’s house is contemptible, and that so are the gatherings therein, let him be anathema. Canon 6. If anyone conducts a Church of his own apart from the Church, and, scorning the Church, wishes to perform the functions of the Church, without a Presbyter(a)’s helping without the approval and consent of a Bishop, let him be anathema.
CANON 37 - All Clergy are to be fully and properly trained in the areas of the Theology and Ministry Structure within Eden Kingdom Institute, and/or by Clergy approved by the directors of Eden Kingdom Institute, affiliate schools, and the Apostles/Bishops. All Apostles, Bishops, and/or Ecumenical Officers are to have a Doctorate of Theology (D.Th. or Th.D.) and/or a Doctorate of Canon Law (“Juris Canonici Doctor”; J.C.D., or D.Can.L.), granted by Eden Kingdom Institute, approved Apostles and Bishops, or approved Seminaries and Universities, or the proven sufficient training for their task.
CANON 38 - In accordance with the authority, wisdom, and historic position vested within the Apostles and Bishops, as the representative of the Catholic Church, it shall be open to the Apostles and Bishops of this Church to nominate candidates for the granting of academic honors in the form of Honorary Doctorate degrees in Theology (“Hon.D.Th., or Hon.Th.D.), Divinity (“Hon.D.D.”), Ministry (“Hon.D.Min.”), or Canon Law (“Hon.J.C.D., or Hon.D.Can.L.”). They will be nominated and presented by the Apostles, Bishops, and Teachers, and granted at the absolute discretion of the Holy Synod and the Eden Kingdom Institute. The use of “honorary degrees” by clergy in their non-clerical life without the abbreviation “Hon.” is absolutely forbidden, and may result in a hearing at a Synod if so used.