L.S.C.C.

We provide short term pastoral counseling, and the administration of sacraments, in a loving Christian fellowship of God-created equals. We utilize computer-assisted means and in-person visits and worship to best meet the needs of those seeking what we can provide.

Article 5: Mission

In addition to our pastoral care listed in our liturgy and practice section, we also assist in the formation and education of vocationally-called persons toward ordination/consecration.

We network with other churches and groups to extend programs and outreach ministries. We engage, individually and as a community, in various in-person and online ministries.

Article 6: Governing body

We are governed by a board consisting of the President, Vice President and Treasurer or Comptroller. One board member cannot hold two board positions. All are equal Directors. Quorum is ⅔ members. If only two board members are available, then the remaining two Board members must agree on all decisions. Otherwise, all remains the same. Removal of a Board Member must be for cause by majority vote of the other Board members (as per above, comprised of President, Vice President, and Treasurer or Comptroller (since one Board member cannot hold two posts on the Board). If there is a vacancy on the Board, the remaining two members must agree to the appointment and selection of a new or replacement Board member.

Conflict of interest on any decision would require abstinence from voting. Affinity or consanguinity, per se, is not a conflict and does not preclude Board Membership. In that case, notice should be provided to the Board for its consideration. All formal Board meetings, and decisions, must be publicly noticed and recorded in the minutes. Absent same, any such meeting, and its resulting decisions, are not binding or valid on LSCC.

Our governing board does not exist in a hierarchical status. There are, of course, only responsibilities specific to being a presiding bishop; Among them are decisions regarding suitability of candidates for ordination and designation of specific roles within the organization.

If an auxiliary bishop is serving at the time, then the presiding bishop should consult with that cleric on relevant clerical decisions. All non-clerical decisions, however, are the exclusive purview of the Board.

Since all members of the board have different gifts, it is the desire of the board to distribute responsibilities based on those gifts.

All board members will have equal input into decision making, ie: a specific candidate’s appropriateness for a formation program. Elevations, ordinations, and consecrations of laity, clerics, and bishops must be ratified by majority of the Board irrespective of the methods of formation, selection, appointment and /or ordination/ consecration to all levels of clergy and the episcopacy. The Presiding bishop heads formation programs, as to their religious content, but any decisions regarding same are ultimately the responsibility of the Board. If it declines to approve these appointments, elevations and ordinations/consecrations, then such decisions by the Presiding Bishop are nullified and have no legal standing for LSCC.

Since the board has come from different ordination training backgrounds, recommendations for further study for ordinands may be varied in their approach as well.

The Board is to function in the best interests of LSCC in compliance with local, state, and federal laws while implementing its religious functions.

The Board is represented by legal counsel appointed by majority vote. Legal counsel may function as a Board Member, with prior Board authorization, and serves as its pleasure. It is an unpaid, voluntary position only. Appointed legal counsel will represent the best interests of LSCC, only, and not the individual interests of a Board member or individual clerics, staff, and / or volunteers.

Presently, Fidel Iglesias-Lopez, PA fulfills this role.

Communications, notices, decisions, and voting of the Board may be via electronic means, including email and fax. However, removal of a Board member must be certified, after any such vote, on written motion by the majority of the Board, via notarized, sworn statements (individually or collectively) filed with the custodian of records for LSCC. The custodian of records is the Secretary of LSCC.

While non-Board members may attend Board meetings, with prior invitation, the meetings are not open to the public.

Article 7: Incardination

Persons receiving holy orders in another church can be considered for incardination, if evidence can be shown that they were ordained with valid apostolic succession by their ordaining bishop. The person may also be subject to a background check, and/or psychological evaluation.

Familiarity and sufficient comfort level with the spiritual practices of LSCC is strongly encouraged before one incardinates. (review of liturgical basics required).

Candidates for ordination may be required to take course work, as preparation for same, via LSCC's educational program or one of our affiliated educational institutions (eg, St Andrew's House of Liturgical Studies).

Ordination, consecration, and/or incardination do not, per se, entitle anyone to Board membership.

Article 8 :Financials

LSCC, as a secular entity, is incorporated and posted as a non-profit in Florida, so it is eligible to receive charitable contributions. We periodically review all church paperwork/accounts by both the secretary/treasurer and the comptroller. Its purpose of dual monitoring is to assure/confirm its ongoing status as a nonprofit, properly using its funds. An independent auditor is also planned to review financials periodically.

Our clergy are not paid a salary. If we are given a stipend for performing a wedding or funeral (for example), it is encouraged (not required) that clergy

tithe that amount to help defray costs of our governmental applications and their required yearly updates.

However, if incardinated clergy are representing LSCC at any official community functions, whether on site, off site or virtually, they must tithe (contribute 10%) of the proceeds to LSCC. Also, they must have written authorization from the legally responsible parties hiring them, (or where they volunteer) to do so for them/ on their premises. LSCC incardinated clergy must have LSCC approval before engaging in any LSCC functions and must be covered by LSCC liability insurance before then. Failure of incardinated clergy to follow these procedures is prima facia (presumed to be true) evidence that they are not functioning as LSCC clergy at the event, location, time of the relevant function.

All incardinated clergy are expected to contribute, regularly, as they can, every month to LSCC in addition to the yearly $50 agreed upon at one’s incardination to LSCC.

LSCC is also a 501c3 approved entity. Based on the requirements of that status, if the dissolution of LSCC someday occurs, any remaining assets held by LSCC will be used exclusively for 501c3-exempt circumstances.

Article 9: Clerical Status

Clerical state refers to ordained bishops, priests and deacons and their status as a member of the clergy, Evidence of such ordination, and resulting letter of faculties from the Presiding Bishop and Auxiliary Bishop, are required to be admitted into clerical status before LSCC.

The term may also apply to ordained, licensed and commissioned ministers, pastors and other employees or volunteers of LSCC if approved by the Presiding Bishop, Auxiliary Bishop, and a majority of the Board.

Clerical status is not synonymous with incardination into LSCC. It does not entitle anyone to Board membership. The respective duties and rights of LSCC clerics are at the discretion of the Presiding Bishop, Auxiliary Bishop and the majority of the Board.

Failure to abide by the duties in their letters of incardination, and these By Laws, may subject offending clergy to discipline, including suspension, recession of their faculties and dismissal from LSCC.

A majority vote of the Board may investigate, and sanction, clergy. In emergency situations, the Presiding Bishop or Auxiliary Bishop may immediately suspend any clergy without prior notice.

Article 10: Non-discrimination policy

LSCC will not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, age, marital or financial status, sexual orientation, or disability. We welcome all to the table of Christ for sacramental sharing as we are one body, operating in His name.

Article 11: Intellectual Property

LSCC has registered its service mark with the State of Florida. It is in the process of registering its unique coat of arms as well. It reserves all of its copyrights, service/trademarks, and other intellectual property as permitted by law, including its educational and formation programs. All potential users of same must secure written permission from LSCC before so using same.

Clergy celebrating Mass, or performing other clerical / related duties other than at LSCC approved sites may not associate such activities with the community unless they have been authorized by the Presiding Bishop or Auxiliary Bishop beforehand.

If not authorized beforehand, any resulting recordings, videos, or related items arising from such unauthorized activities may not be posted on, or otherwise affiliated with, LSCC / its various media.

Article 12: Affiliations

We are in communion with the American Apostolic Old Catholic Church (Church in Exile), as per our Intercommunion Association Agreement (02/23/24), pursuant to its terms until the board decides otherwise.

LSCC is also a movement church member of the Christian Alliance for Orphans, which shall remain the case until the board decides otherwise.

It serves on the steering committee of the Independent Inclusive Consortium (Austin, TX). And a Board member is serving on the Board of Directors of St Andrew’s Cathedral House of Liturgical Studies.

Article 13: Parishes

Our Diocesan seat is in Port St Lucie, FL, where the Blessed Mother Chapel is located. It predated the foundation of LSCC. Our seminary training, and other theological programs, are based there. It is headed by Bishop Mary.

Suwannee Missions of the Big Bend, Inc, is our mission parish located in Madison County, Florida. It is registered as a non-profit, 501(c)(3) affiliate, of LSCC, in this state. It incorporates, and abides by, all of these By Laws. It is located at the Fr Paul H Hall Memorial Chapel in Lee, Florida. Led by Bishop Fidel.

Article 14: Benedictine of the Living Spirit (“OSB”)

This “monastery without walls” was chartered by LSCC, in August 2024. The Board of LSCC, in conjunction with its Bishops, provides the institutional framework for OSB, but a semi-autonomous OSB committee will eventually oversee its mandate and daily activities under the supervision of the LSCC Board and its Bishops. OSB is subject to the By Laws, procedures and rules, and episcopal decisions, of LSCC.

Adopted andapproved March 6, 2021 and revised and approved 3/5/2023, 03/03/24, 4/25/24, 9/16/24, 11/13/24, 1/11/25, 1/27/25.