Canons

Section I: Leadership and Governance

1.   The leadership of the church shall consist of the Archbishop Primus, the Council of Bishops 

and the Council of Clergy and Laity.

2. The AFF, as member of the Anglican Free Communion International, is also subject to their 

canons.

Archbishop Primus

3.   The leader of the church, who carries the title Archbishop Primus, serves for a term of 10 

years. He or she can be re-elected one time. He or she must be at least 40 years of age with valid 

apostolic succession with no criminal background.

4.   The Archbishop Primus acts as the chief administrator and spiritual leader who articulates the 

vision, mission, and purpose of the church.

5.   The Archbishop Primus selects the diocesan bishops and may remove them by his or her authority 

should the bishop not be performing their duties, act in a manner that is in violation of the 

canons of the church or their ordination vows.

6.   The Archbishop Primus is elected by a three-fifths majority vote of the Council of Clergy and 

Laity and a three-fifths majority vote of the Council of Bishops. This occurs when the existing 

Archbishop Primus retires, completes his term, or passes away. All members of the clergy can 

nominate candidates. If the Council of Bishops or the Council of Clergy and Laity are not able to 

reach a three-fifths majority after a third vote, then a simple majority will suffice on all votes 

going forward in both the Council of Bishops and the Council of Clergy and Laity.

7.   Should the Archbishop Primus become incapacitated, fail to perform his/her duties, commit 

criminal behavior, or loses the confidence of the clergy, then he/she may be removed from office by 

a vote of all clergy. This process requires an investigation by the council of bishops with a 

majority of bishops requesting to hold a vote of "no- confidence" along with a statement of their 

findings. If a vote of "no-confidence" is called, it will be sent to all clergy who will have two 

weeks to either vote yes, no, or abstain. If 60% vote to remove the Archbishop Primus, it will take 

effect immediately. Nominations will be accepted, and a two-week election cycle begins.

8.   The Archbishop Primus may appoint titular bishops to serve a special function within the 

church.

Council of Bishops

9. The Council of Bishops is comprised of diocesan bishops, titular bishops, and the Archbishop 

Primus. Each Bishop has one vote in the Council of Bishops.

10. The role of the council of bishops is to be advisers to the Archbishop Primus and to help carry 

out the vision, mission, and purpose of the church. They also function as an ecclesiastical court 

with respect to the removal of clergy from the AFF.

11. Diocesan bishops and the Archbishop Primus have a mandatory retirement age of seventy-five; 

however, titular bishops may continue to serve if they are sound in mind and body.

12. The Archbishop Primus and the Diocesan Bishops may create positions as needed to conduct its 

functions.

13. The role of the bishop is to provide moral and spiritual support to the clergy and to develop 

them in their ministry as well as being peacemakers and obstacle removers.

They also ordain clergy, visit churches upon request, and celebrate confirmations.

14. The Council of Bishops shall meet a minimum of 2 times a year and shall keep a record of the 

minutes of their meeting.

15. The Bylaws, canons, and statements on beliefs may be modified by a 3/4 vote of the council of 

bishops: however, Christ's Creed as our founding statement will be a permanent fixture.

Council of Clergy and Laity

16. The Council of Clergy and Laity consists of seven persons (3 clergy either deacons or priests 

in good standing) and four laity and shall be presided over by a Chairman of the Council of Clergy 

and Laity, elected by a majority vote for a term of two years. Laity must be a member in good 

standing of a ministry approved by the bishop and led by an AFF clergy member. Clergy will nominate 

laity. Members for the council will be randomly selected by a drawing.

17. The Council of the Clergy and Laity’s role is to provide parish level feedback and make 

recommendations to the Council of Bishops. Any recommendations will go the Council of Bishops for a 

vote. They also vote on the election of a new Archbishop primus.

18. The Council of Clergy and Laity shall meet a minimum of 2 times a year and shall keep a record 

of the minutes of their meeting.

Synods

19. Synods are open for all members of the clergy to attend.

20. Meeting will be held as needed. Diocese are welcome to hold their own separate events.

21. The purpose of the synod is for education, fellowship, ordination and consecration services and 

church planning.

Clericus

22. Quarterly meetings of all clergy will take place to discuss topics of importance, receive 

feedback and suggestions and to keep everyone informed. It is highly recommended that all clergy 

attend online.

23. Clergy are expected to maintain regular contact with their bishop.

Section II: Ordination

1.   Ordination to the diaconate and priesthood are at each diocesan bishops’ discretion. Our main 

concern is that their calling is true, they have no criminal background and receive the proper 

training to perform their duties. All exceptions to these requirements must be approved by the 

Archbishop Primus.

2.   Candidates must be age 22 or older for deacon. This person must demonstrate maturity and 

responsibility to serve in this capacity.

3.   Candidates must be age 25 or older for the priesthood. This person must demonstrate maturity 

and responsibility to serve in this capacity.

4. Candidates will go through a process consisting of no less than three interviews, a background 

investigation and psychological evaluation at their expense, a written application and provide 

supporting documents of their education.

5. Clergy are expected to go through a period of formation and mentorship along with appropriate 

education to be ordained. A person may be ordained a transitional deacon while preparing to become 

a priest.

Section III: Episcopal Consecrations

1.   No consecrations may be performed without the Archbishop Primus' approval. Bishops must be at 

least 40 years of age with ministerial experience. Any exceptions to the requirements require 

approved by the Archbishop Primus.

2.   A minimum of two and preferably three or more bishops must be present for a consecration.

Section IV: Incardination

1.   Incardination of deacons and priests are at the discretion of the diocesan bishop. They must 

have valid apostolic succession and no criminal history.

2.   The incardination of a bishop requires prior approval of the Archbishop Primus.

3.   Candidates will go through a process consisting of no less than three interviews, a background 

investigation and psychological evaluation at their expense, a written application and provide 

supporting documents of their education and ordinations. Exceptions may be made in emergency 

circumstances with approval of Archbishop Primus.

Section V: Episcopal Vacancies

1.   The first act of the council of bishops upon the Archbishop Primus' retirement, end of term, 

or death will be to appoint a new Archbishop Primus within fourteen days.

2.   If a diocesan bishop position is vacant then the Archbishop Primus will appoint a new bishop 

or may make an interim appointment until a permanent appointment is made.

Section VI: Removal of Clergy

1. Any clergy members (deacons, priests, or bishops) causing division within the church or who are 

in violations of the canons may be removed from the church by their diocesan bishop or the 

Archbishop Primus. The clergy member can request a review of the facts for a final decision to be 

made by the council of bishops.

2. Clergy will be suspended if criminally charged or if legitimate accusations of criminal activity 

are made. This will either be lifted by the council of bishops if they are found to be innocent in 

a court of law or they will be expelled permanently if convicted. If it is found that the 

accusations are credible (even if the clergyperson is not prosecuted legally) they may be removed 

by their bishop or Archbishop Primus to protect others and the church.

Section VII: Ministerial Freedom:

1.   While there is an episcopal structure, it is not the church leadership’s desire to dictate how 

clergy practice their ministries. Churches within the AFF can choose to have low, broad, or high 

church services. We do expect that public services will include communion and readings from a book 

of common prayer. Any book of common prayer is acceptable.

2.  We respect differences in theological beliefs among the clergy. We believe a “Via Media” 

approach allows us to disagree on non-essential matters without breaking our collective bonds of 

affection. While we would never expect any clergy member to do anything that violates their 

conscience, we do expect all our clergy to honor and respect each other regardless of their 

differences.

3. Each ministry under the umbrella of the AFF will determine whether it wishes to officially 

incorporate under 501(c)(3) status or service as an unincorporated religious association under 508 

(c)1A. All ministries must operate in compliance with the laws of the state in which they reside.

4. Any churches that associate with us maintain their property and freedom to leave.

5. We do not require churches to provide funding to the national church and we do not guarantee to 

provide any financial support to them.

6.   We give free reign to practice ministry as one pleases so long as no harm is done to the 

parishioners or the church by engaging in illegal, immoral, or unethical behavior. All illegal 

activities will be immediately reported to the police.

7.   Our expectation is that all clergy will work together in a collegiate and civil manner.

8.   The structure of the church is meant to maximize individual ministerial freedom with bishops 

acting as servant leaders rather than as traditional “overseers.” Priests and deacons are expected 

to follow the direction of their bishops so long as they are not being asked to do anything 

immoral, unethical, illegal, or that may violate their conscience.

A History of Amendments to the Canons:

The following changes have occurred:

▪  The position of Archbishop Coadjutor was added in 2016 as part of our entrance into the 

communion but was eliminated in 2019 when Archbishop Vaughan replaced Archbishop Seijo.

▪  A maximum age limit of 75 was added for diocesan bishops and the archbishop primus in 

2019.

▪  A term of 10 years was added with the option to be elected to a second 10-year term for the 

archbishop primus in 2019. Previously Archbishop Seijo in 2013 and Archbishop Vaughan in 2016 were 

elected to life terms as founders.

▪  Archbishop Vaughan voluntarily limited his current life term to a maximum of 20 years in 

2021.

▪  A Council of Clergy and Laity was added in 2021 so that when several churches

made up the fellowship that they would have input.