Christian Communities

According to the canons of the Episcopal Church, a Christian Community is a society of Christians, in communion with the See of Canterbury, who voluntarily commit themselves for life, or a term of years, in obedience to their rule and constitution. To be officially recognized, a Christian Community must have at least six full members and be approved by the Standing Committee on Religious Communities of the House of Bishops. Each Christian Community must have a Bishop Visitor or Protector. A Christian Community may establish a house in a diocese only with the permission of the bishop of the diocese. The canons distinguish Christian communities from religious orders. The members of religious orders commit themselves for life or a term of years to hold their possessions in common or in trust, to live a celibate life in community, and to obey their rule and constitution.