Is The Free Episcopal Church part of The Episcopal Church (ECUSA) and/or the Anglican Communion?
The Free Episcopal Church is not affiliated in any way with ECUSA, the Anglican Communion, or any other Continuing Anglican organization. We are a separate and Independent denomination/jurisdiction. We use the 1979 Book of Common Prayer as our standard for worship and ministry.
Can you give me more information regarding ordination in the Free Episcopal Church?
Those seeking ordination in the FEC are expected to already be involved in some type of servant ministry. A call to ordained ministry is best discerned and defined in the context of active ministry and community. The FEC is not an ordination mill. The ordination process can take up to three years. An inquirer begins this process in a dialogue with the bishop and the church officers. When a mutually good fit is discerned, potential candidates will be invited to go through the application process.
All parts of the application must be completed within a specified time frame. There are no exceptions. Upon acceptance as a candidate, an individualized program of studies (Reading for Orders) will be designed for each candidate based on his/her educational background, church service, life experience, and field of interest. While a candidate is reading for orders she/he will be required to go through basic psychological testing and a background check at his/her own expense. This formation process is also a period of discernment. Completing the process does not guarantee ordination.
Does the FEC have a seminary?
No, we do not have a seminary, so we do not confer degrees. FEC clergy are trained in a one-on-one mentoring program (Reading for Orders). This was the time tested method used before the advent of the seminary. Mentors volunteer their time, so there are presently no fees for the courses of study. The only cost to a candidate is the cost of the assigned text books. An overview of the required areas of study/proficiency can be found on the Reading for Orders section of the Ministry page.
How can someone who is already ordained in another church transfer to the FEC?
Incardination (transferring one's credentials and affiliation) into the FEC begins the same way candidacy does...with conversation and then formal application. The form found on the Ministry page is used for both potential candidates and already-ordained clergy who wish to incardinate. Those incardinating from churches in the Apostolic Succession are not re-ordained. Those transferring their credentials from churches which are not in the Apostolic Succession must be (re)ordained in the Apostolic Succession. Incardinating clergy are required to go through psychological testing and a background check at their own expense. Full incardination usually takes two years. Those wishing to incardinate must be released from their previous jurisdiction(s) before full incardination can occur as the FEC does not allow dual affiliations.
Is a bishop from another jurisdiction allowed to incardinate into the Free Episcopal Church?
There is no provision in the Constitution of the FEC for the incardination of bishops. The clergy of the FEC have the right and the responsibility to elect from their own ranks those who exercise authority over them and care for them pastorally. Only under the most unusual circumstances and only with the full consent of the FEC clergy, clergy candidates, and officers of the denomination would a bishop of another jurisdiction be incardinated into the FEC as a bishop.
Does the Free Episcopal Church enter into intercommunion agreements?
The FEC no longer enters into intercommunion agreements. Agreements of intercommunion do nothing to enhance, validate, or legitimize the ministry of any church, and they can in some cases hinder the Holy Spirit's direction toward change and innovation. These agreements often require those signing them to subscribe to certain doctrines, practices, and/or rules. This tends to foster an attitude of exclusivity and elitism implying that only those who sign the agreement adhere to true faith and practice. We already view ourselves in communion with the Church at large and will happily work co-operatively with any group engaged in spreading the Gospel message and the love of God.
Is the FEC an inclusive church?
The Free Episcopal Church's Constitution states in Article 2.3: "The FEC is one small part of the Church Universal, which together is the Body of Christ. We declare the FEC to be inclusive, and to be open and affirming. Therefore, all persons, without regard to race, ethnicity, social or economic status, gender, age, sexuality, or physical ability shall be eligible to attend its worship, participate in its programs, and when appropriate to be admitted into its membership or leadership in any Local Ministry in this Church. Disciplinary action, up to and including removing a local minister from this Church, shall be taken when any Local Ministry or minister is found to be in violation of the Article of Inclusivity."
The Free Episcopal Church has chosen to make questions of inclusivity non-issues since its founding in 2001. Simply put, all are welcome to join with us in worship and ministry.
Can you send me additional information?
There is no additional information to send. The website is a comprehensive snapshot of what we believe, how we operate, and who we are. If after thoroughly reading the website there are additional specific questions, fill out the Feedback Form or contact Bishop Albrecht directly. bishopsherrie@free-episcopal.org
Does the FEC have a church in my area?
The Directory Page lists all clergy, clergy candidates, ministries, and worshipping communities under the Free Episcopal Church's umbrella. If there is no listing for your area, there is currently no FEC presence in your area. The FEC has collegial relationships with several other churches in the Independent Sacramental Movement, and we may be able to help you find a church home that will meet your needs in areas where we do not yet have an established ministry.
