As Promulgated
by the Episcopal Council of the Christian Synod of Saint Timothy in November
2004
In the Name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
As a body of faithful
Christians, united by our Baptism and our calling, do hereby declare and
profess Jesus Christ to be the Lord and Savior of all mankind, and do further
declare our desire to assemble together in fellowship and ecclesiastical unity
in that faith.
Therefore, in order to be a
witness for the Christian faith, we do solemnly declare that:
1. We accept and believe the canonical Scriptures of the
Old and New Testament, given by the inspiration of God, to contain all things
necessary for salvation.
2. We accept, believe, and practice the faith of Christ
as professed by the Church at all times and in all places.
3. We will continue to administer the doctrine,
discipline, and sacraments of Christ in obedience to his example and commands.
4. We will maintain the ancient orders of ministry within
the Church, those being the episcopate, presbyterate, and diaconate.
5. We will uphold the heritage of the ancient Church as a
body fully committed to genuine love, ongoing conversion, and deep renewal,
while always remaining firmly rooted in our Biblical tradition and identity.
6. We designate the contents of The Book of Common
Life as our standard for doctrine and church discipline, and as our model
for worship.
7. We will enter into formal associations only with
bodies that agree on the principles of this Constitution and The Ecumenical
Quadrilateral, and will set forward quietness, peace, and love among all
Christian people, insofar as we are able.
8. We acknowledge that the authority of this Synod is
derived from Christ, the head of all things to the Church, and we declare that
this Synod shall have jurisdiction in matters of faith and morals, insofar as
the law of Christ allows, within those ministries and congregations that have
freely chosen to associate with us.