As Promulgated
by the Episcopal Council of the Christian Synod of Saint Timothy in November
2004
We accept the following
norms of Synodical Order:
1. The Synod shall consist of those Local Churches that
have willingly entered into full fellowship with one another, subscribing to
the Common Faith of the Synod, and faithfully gathered around the Word and celebrating
the Sacred Mysteries.
2. Following the Ignatian model, the Local Church is
described as a body of faithful Christians, gathered together for worship and
service under the leadership of its bishop.
3. Local Government shall be conducted at the discretion
of the Local Church.
4. Synodical Government shall be conducted at the
direction of the Bishops assembled in Council.
5. Meetings of the Episcopal Council shall be conducted
every three years. Extraordinary sessions may be convened as needed.
6. Consensus shall be the norm for reaching decisions. In
the event that a vote becomes necessary, a two-thirds majority of bishops shall
carry the motion.
7. It is salutary and advisable for bishops to conduct
preparatory sessions in the local church before attending councils.
8. So that the voice of the Spirit and the wisdom of
individual believers may be heard, Christians united with this Synod are
welcomed to participate in Council discussions, in order to adequately inform
the consensus of the bishops.
9. The presiding bishop shall serve as the chairman for
Council Sessions. Outside of Council Sessions, the presiding bishop serves in
the capacity of official spokesman for the synod, with the consultation and
consent of the entire council.
10. The bishops shall select the presiding bishop, and
with their consent he may succeed himself.
11. The Council reserves unto itself sole discretion in
matters concerning faith, morals, and ecclesiastical discipline.
12. With the concurrence of the Episcopal Council,
commissions shall be constituted to work on specifically assigned tasks. Within
the Synod, the following shall be standing commissions: the Standing Commission
for Worship and the Standing Commission for Christian Formation. As needed, the
bishops may designate ad hoc commissions.