Balanced Policies on Political Issues:

 

From the genuine Apostolic tradition, the Ancient Apostolic Church is wholly dedicated to the timeless focus on the realm of the Holy Spirit as the Kingdom of God, and the development of divine Communion to strengthen, inspire and uplift the soul. Jesus declared: “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:34-37), and the Apostles taught: “Be not conformed to this world” (Romans 12:2).However, modern popular culture of Western society hardly permits to describe or even mention any Church (or almost any religion), without a seemingly compulsory debate about a predetermined list of divisive secular issues. When learning about a Church, or considering joining in the Communion of its Faithful or in the Clergy, many people will first ask about its “stance” on isolated topics of politics. The message of spirituality, and leading a Holy lifestyle aligned with the blessings of God, can barely be noticed or received, unless and until the Church addresses these questions.

 

Therefore, the Ancient Apostolic Church resolves the popularized issues in a refreshingly innovative way, through uniquely balanced policies, which combine the best of tolerance and inclusiveness with the authenticity of traditionalist doctrines. Only this approach enables the Church to serve as a resource for unification within Christianity, to meaningfully support and effectively revitalize the principles of Faith and spiritual religion worldwide.

 

Balanced Policies on Divisive Political Issues

 

Secular modernism has actively promoted certain isolated political issues, which are highly divisive, and aggressively enforced by the socially imposed self-censorship of “political correctness”. Such social engineering seeks to undermine Christianity, and the very fabric of society, and only serves as a complete distraction from all genuine spirituality. Those who want to insist upon or debate about divisive issues should become secular politicians, and not seek a role in the spiritual life of the Church (Romans 2:8-9, 14:1; I Timothy 6:3) [1] (Canon 287, §2) [2].

 

No Church (nor any other religion) can possibly give the “correct” answer on either side of such topics, without needlessly divisive effect. Therefore, in the tradition of the legendary wisdom of King Solomon proposing to split the baby (I Kings 3:16-27), the Ancient Apostolic Church does not condemn people on either side of sensitive political issues, but rather chooses to condemn “political correctness” itself, as the insidious modernism which promotes such divisiveness against all spirituality.

 

The Pontificate has established uniquely balanced policies on divisive issues, upholding fairness and respect for rights (Canon 223, §1; Canon 287, §1), with strong support for freedom of choice on secular political issues (Canon 214) [3].

 

The Ancient Apostolic Church agrees with the declaration by the Vatican’s Pope Francis I: “The people of God want pastors, not Clergy acting like bureaucrats or government officials. … We cannot insist only on [political] issues… This is not possible. … It is not necessary to talk about these issues all the time. … The Church… cannot be obsessed with… a disjointed multitude of doctrines to be imposed insistently. … The message of the Gospel, therefore, is not to be reduced to some aspects that, although relevant, on their own do not show the heart of the message of Jesus Christ.” [4]

 

Defending Choice on Both Sides – The Ancient Apostolic Church supports the free exercise of religion, in accordance with genuine religious convictions, for its Faithful, Clergy and Churches in Communion, on either side – and both sides – of a socially divisive issue. As a canonical Pontificate and sovereign subject of international law, the Church can also delegate a relevant governmental function or even diplomatic immunity, as may be necessary to defend the protected right to practice authentic religious beliefs, on a case-by-case basis.

 

Reasonable Degree of Traditionalism – For all of the various political issues, Clergy of all orientations or cultural affiliations are equally not permitted to use one’s ecclesiastical title or status in connection with secular political activism supporting any non-traditional lifestyles (Canon 285, §§1-2; Canon 287, §2), and are not permitted membership in an association promoting non-traditional practices (Canon 278, §3), nor inappropriate public display of any non-traditional behaviour (Canon 282, §1; Canon 285, §§1-2) [5].

 

Conservative Rights for Member Churches – All Churches in Communion are supported in choosing to maintain more strict policies of traditional conservatism, in accordance with their previously established customs (Canon 19, Canon 2, Canon 27, Canon 214) [6]. Therefore, Churches in Communion are not necessarily associated with any of the more inclusive doctrines of the Pontificate of the Ancient Apostolic Church. Each individual Church or Monastery thus remains free to declare its policies or differences on its own website and informational materials.

 

Tolerance of Sexual Orientation – Non-traditional sexual orientation is theologically discouraged (Romans 1:26-32; I Corinthians 6:9-10; I Timothy 1:8-10) [7], but socially tolerated, by the doctrine that otherwise leading a Holy life sanctifies by God’s Grace (Romans 14:1-3; I Corinthians 6:11; II Corinthians 12:9) [8] (Canon 1008) [9]. Clergy of non-traditional orientation are given equal opportunity, accepted solely for merit, without prejudicial discrimination (John 15:16; Hebrews 5:1-4; I Peter 4:11; I Corinthians 7:17) [10] (Canon 149, §1) [11]. However, Christians must not abuse the liberty of Grace to tempt nor encourage others to sin (Romans 14:21; I Corinthians 8:9) [12], and all Clergy must objectively teach and faithfully represent traditional doctrines regardless of their personal lifestyle preferences (John 7:16-17, 20:21; Acts 2:38-42; I Peter 4:10-11; I Timothy 1:3-4, 4:16; II Timothy 2:2; I Corinthians 11:2; Romans 10:15) [13].

 

Freedom of Choice for Same-sex Unions – As an objectively practical legal strategy to protect the freedom of choice of individual Clergy: The Pontificate of the Ancient Apostolic Church holds the topic of same-sex civil unions to be a modern secular political issue, and thus neither a canonical nor ecclesiastical matter. The Church will support and defend the refusal of Clergy to violate their personal religious convictions in jurisdictions which may infringe or undermine that right; Equally, the Church will respect and defend the choice of Clergy to voluntarily conduct same-sex union ceremonies, in the form of giving Blessings to a civil union, in more restrictive jurisdictions.

 

Ancient Rule on Abortion in Canon Law – The strict prohibition of abortion, incurring automatic excommunication, is a distinctly modernist rule, based on the Heresy of Naturalism which regards “life” as merely biological. The ancient rule, preserved in the New Testament, is that life begins only at the moment of the “quickening” at the first voluntary kicks (Canon 2, Canon 27), when God gives life (John 5:21) and the Holy Spirit infuses a soul into the unanimated flesh (John 6:63; Romans 8:11; I Corinthians 15:45) [14]. The quickening is confirmed by modern medical science as the first “purposeful voluntary movements” with “brain maturation” of the first consciousness as the beginning of life, which usually occurs after 4 months [15] [16].

 

The ancient rule, that abortion is prohibited only after the quickening, is evidenced as early as 1,550 BC in an Egyptian medical papyrus scroll [17] [18], was confirmed by the Greek classical philosopher Aristotle in 350 BC [19], and upheld by Saint Thomas Aquinas ca. 1260 AD [20]. This ancient, classical and medieval rule was traditionally observed by the Roman Catholic Church until ca. 1870 AD, when Pope Pius IX adopted the modernist rule [21]. Therefore, the ancient rule was the customary canonical tradition from original Apostolic Catholic Christianity for over 1,800 years, and is authentic to the 1^st century denomination of Ancient Catholicism, and to the 12^th century Independent Church Movement and 19^th century Old Catholic Movement.

 

As situations in which women consider abortion tend to be emotionally traumatic, the ancient rule replaces punishment with crisis ministry providing spiritual comfort and support. In the Ancient Apostolic Church, a woman who procures an abortion before the quickening should receive the Sacrament of Confession and related pastoral ministry and crisis counseling for the salvation of her soul, but one who intentionally procures an abortion after the quickening is subject to excommunication.

 

Derivative Ancient Rule on Contraception – The modernist idea of “potential future life” by reason of biological matter alone, denying the role of the Holy Spirit incarnating a soul during the quickening, was expanded from the 19^th century abortion rule into a derivative rule against preventive contraception. However, Jesus and the Apostles specifically rejected such concept in the New Testament, insisting that the mere seed and egg “sowest not that body that shall be”, as only “God giveth… a spiritual body” which incarnates in the flesh at the quickening (I Corinthians 15:36-44), and “the flesh profiteth nothing” without the intervention of God (John 6:63) [22]. The Roman Catholic Church did not adopt the new rule against contraception until as late as 1968 AD [23].

 

Therefore, the Ancient Apostolic Church applies the ancient rule of the quickening, such that the Faithful are permitted to use contraception without guilt or sin, but not to facilitate fornication “without natural affection” supporting marital relations (Romans 1:26-32; II Timothy 3:1-5), and not to abandon God’s will to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28) [24].

 

Pedophilia Fully Punished & Reported – Pedophilia by Clergy, unlike other political issues about whether something is acceptable or not, is divisive only in how strongly the Church should enforce its prohibition. The Ancient Apostolic Church strictly bans and completely rejects all pedophilia: Instead of “monitoring” offenders to continue within the Church, any “therapy” would be as former Clergy outside the Church; Instead of merely “defrocking” offenders, the Church would enforce four separate Canon law doctrines for immediate automatic and mandatory excommunication; Instead of asserting “sovereignty” at the expense of its integrity and role in society, the Church would directly report offenders and provide evidence to secular authorities for criminal investigation and prosecution.

 

Historically, “Corrupters of Youth” are subject to excommunication “by the fact” of the offense [25], and this remains in force as customary Canon law (Canon 19, Canon 2, Canon 27) [26]. Pedophilia by Clergy indisputably constitutes Abuse of Ecclesiastical Authority, which is subject to excommunication as a necessary “just penalty” (Canon 1399; Canon 1388, §2) [27].

 

Pedophilia is an egregious violation of social justice against rights, which also subverts the integrity of the Church (Canon 223, §1; Canon 225, §2), rising to the level of Schism (Canon 751) [28]. Any abuse of children is a flagrant denial of core Christian doctrines on benevolence to children (Matthew 18:6, 18:10-15, 19:13-14; Mark 9:37, 9:42, 10:13-14; Luke 17:2, 18:15-16; Romans 16:17-18) [29], and sexual abuse as fornication (Mark 7:21-23; Romans 1:26-32; II Timothy 3:1-5; Galatians 5:16-21) [30], and thus is also Heresy (Canon 751) [31]. As a form of both Schism and Heresy, pedophilia incurs automatic and mandatory defrocking (Canon 1044, §1) and excommunication (Canon 1364, §1) [32].

 

For pedophilia by Clergy, as abuse of authority for criminal sexual abuse of children, the Church can impose a stronger and additional penalty beyond excommunication (Canon 1326, §§1-2) [33]. Therefore, the Church can directly report the offense to law enforcement authorities. For the Church to refer the secular crime of child abuse to secular authorities, is directly supported by the doctrine of Jesus to “Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s” (Matthew 22:21; Mark 12:17; Luke 20:25).

 

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Academic Source References

 

[1] New Testament, Authorized King James Version (AKJV), Cambridge University Press (1990): “But unto them that are contentious… indignation and wrath” (Romans 2:8-9); “Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.” (Romans 14:1); “If any… consent not to wholesome words… and to the doctrine which is according to godliness … doting about questions and strifes of words… perverse disputing of men of corrupt minds… from such withdraw thyself.” (I Timothy 6:3-5).

[2] The Vatican, The Code of Canon Law: Apostolic Constitution, Second Ecumenical Council (“Vatican II”), Enacted (1965), Amended and ratified by Pope John Paul II, Holy See of Rome (1983): “[Clergy] are not to play an active role in political parties” (Canon 287, §2).

[3] The Vatican, The Code of Canon Law: Apostolic Constitution, Second Ecumenical Council (“Vatican II”), Enacted (1965), Amended and ratified by Pope John Paul II, Holy See of Rome (1983): “Christ’s Faithful… must take account of… the rights of others and their own duties to others.” (Canon 223, §1); “Clerics are always to… foster among people peace and harmony based on Justice.” (Canon 287, §1); “right to follow their own form of spiritual life” (Canon 214).

[4] Father Antonio Spadaro, S.J., A Big Heart Open to God: The Exclusive Interview with Pope Francis, in The National Catholic Review: America Magazine (30 September 2013); Antonio Spadaro (Interviewer) is a Jesuit Priest and Editor in Chief of Italian Jesuit journals; Interview with Pope Francis I on 19 August 2013: “The Church as a Field Hospital”.

[5] The Vatican, The Code of Canon Law: Apostolic Constitution, Second Ecumenical Council (“Vatican II”), Enacted (1965), Amended and ratified by Pope John Paul II, Holy See of Rome (1983): “Clerics are to refrain from… associations whose purpose or activity cannot be reconciled with… the clerical state” (Canon 278, §3); “Clerics are to… avoid anything which smacks of worldliness” (Canon 282, §1); “Clerics are to shun completely everything that is unbecoming to their state… to avoid whatever is foreign to their state, even when it is not unseemly.” (Canon 285, §§1-2); “[Clergy] are not to play an active role in political parties” (Canon 287, §2).

[6] The Vatican, The Code of Canon Law: Apostolic Constitution, Second Ecumenical Council (“Vatican II”), Enacted (1965), Amended and ratified by Pope John Paul II, Holy See of Rome (1983): “common and constant opinion of learned authors” (Canon 19); “Customs… which have been in effect hitherto, are retained.” (Canon 2); “Custom is the best interpreter of laws” (Canon 27); “right to worship God according to the provisions of their own Rite approved by the lawful Pastors of the Church… provided it is in accord with Church teaching.” (Canon 214).

[7] New Testament, Authorized King James Version (AKJV), Cambridge University Press (1990): “vile affections… which is against nature… leaving the natural use of the woman… working that which is unseemly… fornication… without natural affection” (Romans 1:26-32); “Be not deceived: neither fornicators… nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind… shall inherit the kingdom of God.” (I Corinthians 6:9-10); “But we know that… the law is not made for a righteous man, but for… profane… for them that defile themselves with mankind… contrary to sound doctrine.” (I Timothy 1:8-10).

[8] New Testament, Authorized King James Version (AKJV), Cambridge University Press (1990): “Him that is weak in the faith receive ye… Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.” (Romans 14:1-3); “But ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” (I Corinthians 6:11); “My Grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (II Corinthians 12:9).

[9] The Vatican, The Code of Canon Law: Apostolic Constitution, Second Ecumenical Council (“Vatican II”), Enacted (1965), Amended and ratified by Pope John Paul II, Holy See of Rome (1983): “through the sacrament of Order, marked with an indelible character, and are thus constituted sacred ministers” (Canon 1008).

[10] New Testament, Authorized King James Version (AKJV), Cambridge University Press (1990): Jesus to the Apostles: “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you” (John 15:16); “No man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God” (Hebrews 5:1-4); “If any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth” (I Peter 4:11); “But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches” (I Corinthians 7:17); “As every [Priest] hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any [Priest] speak, let him speak as the oracles of God” (I Peter 4:10-11).

[11] The Vatican, The Code of Canon Law: Apostolic Constitution, Second Ecumenical Council (“Vatican II”), Enacted (1965), Amended and ratified by Pope John Paul II, Holy See of Rome (1983): “In order to be promoted to an ecclesiastical office, one must be… suitable, that is, possessed of those qualities which are required for that office” (Canon 149, §1).

[12] New Testament, Authorized King James Version (AKJV), Cambridge University Press (1990): “It is good neither to… [do] any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended [harmed], or is made weak.” (Romans 14:21); “But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours [Grace] become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.” (I Corinthians 8:9)

[13] New Testament, Authorized King James Version (AKJV), Cambridge University Press (1990): “My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine” (John 7:16-17); “As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” (John 20:21); “Save yourselves from this untoward generation. … And they continued steadfastly in the Apostles’ doctrine” (Acts 2:38-42); “As every [Priest] hath received… minister the same one to another, as good stewards… If any [Priest] speak, let him speak as the oracles of God” (I Peter 4:10-11); Clergy must “teach no other doctrine, neither give heed to fables… which minister questions, rather than godly edifying [teaching]” (I Timothy 1:3-4, 4:16); “And the things that thou hast heard of [Jesus]… the same commit [teach] thou to faithful men… to teach others also.” (II Timothy 2:2); “Now… remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.” (I Corinthians 11:2); “And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written… preach the gospel of peace” (Romans 10:15).

[14] New Testament, Authorized King James Version (AKJV), Cambridge University Press (1990): “For as the Father… quickeneth them” (John 5:21); “It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are Spirit, and they are life.” (John 6:63); “[God] shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.” (Romans 8:11); “And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living Soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.” (I Corinthians 15:45)

[15] Julie-Claire Becher, Insights into Early Fetal Development, Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh & Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow (October 2004): “Purposive movement depends on brain maturation. This begins at about 18 weeks [4.5 months] gestation and progressively replaces reflex movements… Reflexes are very different from purposeful voluntary movements”.

[16] Traci C. Johnson, M.D. (Editor), Feeling Your Baby Kick, Web MD Medical Reference, Health & Pregnancy Center (July 2014); citing: American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists: The first kicking movements occur when babies “alternate between alertness and sleep”, confirming the quickening as the beginning of consciousness as new life.

[17] The Ebers Papyrus Scroll (ca. 1550 BC), preserved in the Library of the University of Leipzig, Germany; Discovered between the legs of a mummy in Thebes (West Bank Luxor), and obtained by Edwin Smith in 1862 AD, then by the German Egyptologist Georg Ebers in Luxor in 1872 AD; Translated in: Ebbell & Bendix, The Papyrus Ebers: The Greatest Egyptian Medical Document, Levin & Munksgaard, Copenhagen (1937).

[18] Carole Joffe, Abortion and Medicine: A Sociopolitical History; Published in: Paul, Lichtenberg, Borgatta, Grimes, Stubblefield & Creinin, Management of Unintended and Abnormal Pregnancy, 1st Edition, John Wiley & Sons, Oxford (2009).

[19] H. Rackham, Aristotle in 23 Volumes, Volume 21, “Aristotle: Politics”, Harvard University Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts; William Heinemann Ltd., London (1944).

[20] Arizona Board of Regents, The Embryo Project Encyclopedia, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona (2007), Katherine Brind’Amour, “St. Thomas Aquinas”, “Roman Catholic Church Quickening”.

[21] Arizona Board of Regents, The Embryo Project Encyclopedia, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona (2007), Katherine Brind’Amour, “Pope Sixtus V”, “Effraenatam”, “Pope Gregory XIV”, “Pope Pius IX”.

[22] New Testament, Authorized King James Version (AKJV), Cambridge University Press (1990): “That which thou sowest is not quickened… thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain [seed]… but God giveth… to every seed his own body. … It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.” (I Corinthians 15:36-44); Jesus: “It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing” (John 6:63).

[23] Arizona Board of Regents, The Embryo Project Encyclopedia, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona (2007), Katherine Brind’Amour “Pope Paul VI”, “Humanae Vitae”.

[24] New Testament, Authorized King James Version (AKJV), Cambridge University Press (1990): Romans 1:26-32; II Timothy 3:1-5; Genesis 1:28.

[25] Reverend P. Trudel, A Dictionary of Canon Law (1919), 2^nd Revised Edition, B. Herder Book Co., London (1920); Based upon the Code of Canon Law of 1917 AD: “Corrupters of Youth by the fact become infamous and may be excommunicated by the Bishop.” (142. Corrupters).

[26] The Vatican, The Code of Canon Law: Apostolic Constitution, Second Ecumenical Council (“Vatican II”), Enacted (1965), Amended and ratified by Pope John Paul II, Holy See of Rome (1983): “common and constant opinion of learned authors” (Canon 19); “Customs… which have been in effect hitherto, are retained.” (Canon 2); “Custom is the best interpreter of laws” (Canon 27).

[27] The Vatican, The Code of Canon Law: Apostolic Constitution, Second Ecumenical Council (“Vatican II”), Enacted (1965), Amended and ratified by Pope John Paul II, Holy See of Rome (1983): Clergy “who abuses ecclesiastical power or an office… unlawfully and with harm to another… [by] ministry or office” (Canon 1389); excommunication as “just penalty” (Canon 1399; Canon 1388, §2).

[28] The Vatican, The Code of Canon Law: Apostolic Constitution, Second Ecumenical Council (“Vatican II”), Enacted (1965), Amended and ratified by Pope John Paul II, Holy See of Rome (1983): Clergy “must take account of the common good of the Church, as well as the rights of others” (Canon 223, §1), and must uphold “peace and harmony based on Justice.” (Canon 225, §2); “withdrawal from Communion with the members of the Church” (Canon 751).

[29] New Testament, Authorized King James Version (AKJV), Cambridge University Press (1990): “little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray… Jesus said… forbid them not… for of such [children] is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:13-14; Mark 10:13-14; Luke 18:15-16); “And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.” (Matthew 18:5; Mark 9:37); “But whoso shall offend one of these little ones… better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned” (Matthew 18:6; Mark 9:42; Luke 17:2); “Take heed that ye despise [insult] not one of these little ones… It is not the will of [God]… that one these little ones should perish [be spoiled].” (Matthew 18:10-14); “Mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine… [who] serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly [appetites]; and… deceive the hearts of the simple [naïve].” (Romans 16:17-18).

[30] New Testament, Authorized King James Version (AKJV), Cambridge University Press (1990): “fornications… lasciviousness… evil things” (Mark 7:21-23); “leaving the natural use… burned in their lust… fornication… without natural affection” (Romans 1:26-32); “unholy, without natural affection… lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God… from such turn away.” (II Timothy 3:1-5); “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit… and these are contrary to one another… fornication… lasciviousness… and such” (Galatians 5:16-21).

[31] The Vatican, The Code of Canon Law: Apostolic Constitution, Second Ecumenical Council (“Vatican II”), Enacted (1965), Amended and ratified by Pope John Paul II, Holy See of Rome (1983): “obstinate denial of a Truth which must be believed by divine and Catholic Faith.” (Canon 751)

[32] The Vatican, The Code of Canon Law: Apostolic Constitution, Second Ecumenical Council (“Vatican II”), Enacted (1965), Amended and ratified by Pope John Paul II, Holy See of Rome (1983): Retroactive invalidation “for the exercise of Orders already received” by Apostasy, Heresy or Schism (Canon 1044, §1); “An Apostate from the Faith, a Heretic or a Schismatic incurs Latae Sententiae excommunication” (Canon 1364, §1);

[33] The Vatican, The Code of Canon Law: Apostolic Constitution, Second Ecumenical Council (“Vatican II”), Enacted (1965), Amended and ratified by Pope John Paul II, Holy See of Rome (1983): “more serious punishment… [for Clergy] who has abused a position of authority… to commit a crime… another penalty… may be added” (Canon 1326, §§1-2).