Sacramental Community of the Coworkers of Christ

ARTICLE IV – SERVANT LEADERSHIP

Section 1. The General Gathering

The Sacramental Community of the Coworkers of Christ will convene a General Gathering annually at a time and place announced by the General Council. This gathering brings together all of the Community, Friends, Companions, Professed, and Confessed alike to worship, study, fellowship, and to discuss, debate, and if necessary legislate matters of importance to the Community.

Section 2. Conducting Orderly Discussions

Meetings of the General Gathering will adhere to established parliamentary procedures.  The Community will utilize Robert’s Rules of Order, with any specific adaptations made by the General Gathering over time, to ensure a structured and respectful environment for discussion and decision-making.  However, these adapted rules will always be subordinate to the Common Rule and applicable civil law.

Section 3. Membership and Voting Rights

Everyone may attend and participate and those who are under vows and have been with the Community for at least one year as of the meeting date can vote. Their membership status must be verified by the Vicar General. To ensure broader representation, two elected Friends or Companions from each affiliated church or affiliated ministry will also join the General Gathering for purposes of consultation in regards to their specific chapter, church, or ministry and will be allowed a vote only in matters pertaining to their specific chapter, church, or ministry.

Section 4. Decision Making Process

A simple majority of all certified members, either present or represented by proxy, is required to establish a quorum and conduct official business. This ensures a fair and inclusive decision-making process. Decisions are made through a process of seeking consensus, ensuring everyone is heard and considered. If unanimity is elusive on minor issues, we gracefully accept the suspended decision or in extreme circumstances the final decision of the Minister General and move forward. 

Section 5. General Council

1. The General Gathering, when assembled, will hold an election to appoint a leader for the Community.  This leader, chosen unanimously from among the Community, either a priest or a bishop, will hold the honorific title of Abbot/Abbess/Abbé of the Sacramental Community of the Coworkers of Christ.  Following their episcopal consecration, should that be necessary, they will assume the administrative position of Minster General.

2. The Minister General will not lead alone.  They will be supported by a council comprised of other officers elected by the General Gathering during its regular meetings.  This council, known as the General Council, will function as a collaborative leadership body.

3. The specific terms, lengths of service, and duties of the Minister General and the General Council, including the election process details, will be outlined in the Community’s General Statutes.  These details will ensure consistency and clarity while remaining aligned with the principles established in this document.

4. The General Council, acting on behalf of the General Gathering, will serve as its board of directors.  They will hold primary responsibility for overseeing all administrative and business affairs, ensuring the smooth operation and well-being of the Community.

Section 6. Roles and Responsibilities of the General Council

The Sacramental Community of the Coworkers of Christ establishes the General Council to oversee the implementation of programs and policies established by the General Gathering.  This Council also serves as custodian of all Community property, both real estate and personal belongings, held in trust on behalf of the General Gathering.

1. The General Council is directly accountable to the General Gathering and will provide a comprehensive report on its activities at each regular meeting.  This report ensures transparency and keeps the broader Community informed.

2. The General Council will consist of a minimum of five members, each fulfilling a specific role:

3. President: The Minister General of the Sacramental Community, serving as the spiritual leader, will preside over the Council.

4. Vice-President: The Vicar General will support the Minister General and assume leadership duties when necessary.

5. Secretary-Treasurer: The Procurator General will manage the Community’s finances and maintain official records.

6. Directors: Two or more Definitors General will offer guidance and strategic direction as additional Council members.

Section 7. Electing the Minister General: Spiritual Leader and Chief Shepherd

1. The General Gathering, specifically convened for this purpose, will hold a special election by a two-thirds majority vote.  They will either elect a priest (presbyter) from the Community to be consecrated as a bishop, or choose an existing bishop already consecrated from within the Community.  The chosen individual must be Confessed and will then serve as the Minister General of the Sacramental Community and shall take the honorific title of Abbot/Abbess/Abbé.

2. The first Minister General will hold the position for as long as they are able to fulfill their duties.  They may be asked to resign through a unanimous vote of the General Council (excluding their own vote) and a two-thirds majority vote of the General Gathering.  Following this initial term, subsequent Ministers General will serve six-year terms with the possibility of consecutive re-election.

3. If the Minister General can no longer fulfill their duties or passes away, the General Council will immediately call a special meeting to elect a new leader.  This conclave must occur within three months of the vacancy.

4. In rare situations, the General Council may decide to initiate the removal of a sitting Minister  General.  In such cases, a General Gathering meeting will be convened where a two-thirds majority vote of no confidence is required to confirm the removal.

Section 8. Responsibilities of the Minister General: Leading the Flock

The Minister General serves as the chief pastor, offering spiritual guidance and leadership to the Community.  Their key responsibilities include:

1. Providing Leadership and Vision: Setting direction and developing strategies for the Community’s growth and development.

2. Spiritual Guidance: Proclaiming God’s word to the Community and the world, acting as a representative of Christ’s body.

3. Overseeing Clergy: Ordaining clergy as needed and convening them for counsel and advice.

4. Presiding over the General Gathering: Leading and facilitating discussions during General Gathering meetings.

5. Proposing Legislation: Recommending new policies or amendments to existing ones for consideration by the General Gathering.

6. Pastoral Visits: Visiting religious communities, missions, parishes, and other ministries throughout the Community to offer support and guidance to clergy, ministers, and lay leaders. These visits also provide opportunities for preaching and celebrating the Sacraments.

7. The Minster General will deliver an annual report to the Community and may periodically issue pastoral letters offering personal reflections or guidance.  As president of the Community, they will fulfill additional duties as outlined in the General Statutes and applicable civil law.

Section 9. The Vicar General: Second in Servant Leadership Appointment and Term

1. The Vicar General serves as the Minister General’s right-hand person and assumes the role of Vice President within the Community and must be Confessed.

2. A four-year term is designated for the Vicar General, with the possibility of renewal upon review by the General Gathering.

3. Should the Vicar General resign or pass away, the General Council appoints an acting Vicar General until the next General Gathering convenes.

Section 10. Responsibilities of the Vicar General: Administrative and Oversight Duties 

1. The Vicar General oversees the administration of the General Gathering meetings, ensuring smooth operation.

2. They hold responsibility for maintaining discipline within the Community, ensuring adherence to the General Statutes and established practices.

3. Archiving: The Vicar General receives and safeguards all official documents, reports, and other materials belonging to the Community. This includes organizing, labeling, and indexing these records for future reference.

4. Recordkeeping: A specific duty of the Vicar General is to maintain a dedicated record book. This book documents vows, tonsures, advancements in rank, ordinations, and consecrations performed within the Community.

5. Issuing Official Documents: The Vicar General holds the unique authority (aside from the Minister General) to issue official documents like membership letters, tonsure certificates, ordination licenses, and consecration decrees.  They ensure proper issuance of these documents, including signing, sealing, and maintaining copies for the archives.

6. Property and Affiliates: The Vicar General exercises special oversight over any associations affiliated with the Community.  In collaboration with the Procurator General, they manage all bequests, benefactions, and properties belonging to the Community.

7. Additional Responsibilities: In the Minister General’s absence, the Vicar General steps in as acting president, assuming leadership responsibilities.  They fulfill any additional duties outlined in the General Statutes, Common Rule, or legal requirements.  The General Council may also assign further tasks from time to time.

Section 11. The Procurator General: Financial Steward and Record Keeper: Appointment and Term

1. A Procurator General can be chosen from the Community membership at large.

2. The Procurator General acts as both secretary and treasurer for the Community.

3. A four-year term is designated for the Procurator General, with the possibility of renewal upon review by the General Gathering.

4. Should the Procurator General resign or pass away, the General Council appoints an acting Procurator General until the next General Gathering convenes.

Section 12. Secretarial Duties

1. The Procurator General maintains accurate records of all General Council and General Gathering meetings.

2. They are responsible for notifying members of upcoming meetings, posting notices, and keeping everyone informed about matters requiring votes.

3. Additionally, they fulfill any secretarial tasks mandated by law, the Common Rule, or these General Statutes, with potential further duties assigned by the General Council.

Section 13. Financial Responsibilities

1. Safeguarding Assets: In collaboration with the Vicar General they manage all bequests, benefactions, and properties belonging to the Community.  They receive and securely hold all Community funds and property entrusted to them. Disbursement of these resources occurs under the General Council’s direction.

2. Financial Reporting: The Procurator General presents financial statements at each General Gathering and at additional times requested by the General Council. Annual statements undergo an audit and certification process outlined in the General Statutes.

3. Financial Transparency: They maintain comprehensive financial records in designated Community books. These records are accessible for review by any General Council member at reasonable times, or upon request by three General Gathering members.

4. Delegation and Security: With General Council approval, the Procurator General can appoint an assistant secretary and/or assistant treasurer to share the workload.  Both the Procurator General and assistant treasurer (if applicable) are required to be bonded, guaranteeing financial responsibility. The General Council may choose to waive this bonding requirement on a yearly basis.

Section 14. Electing the Definitors General Advisors to the Minister General: Composition and Term

1. The General Council includes two or more Definitors General chosen from the Community membership.

2. Definitors General serve two-year terms.

3. The General Gathering elects Definitors General by majority vote.

4. The Chapter seeks individuals known for their sound judgment, responsible character, practical sense, and diverse backgrounds to contribute effectively.

5. Definitors General are eligible for re-election.

6. Should a Definitor General resign or pass away, the General Council appoints an acting Definitor General until the next General Gathering convenes.

Section 15. Role and Responsibilities

1. Definitors General serve as advisors to the Minister General, providing guidance and support.

2. Under the Minister General’s direction, they may be assigned specific areas of responsibility within the Community’s work.