THE PROVINCIAL CANONS OF THE CHURCH OF THE PROVINCE OF UGANDA

THE PROVINCIAL CANONS OF THE CHURCH OF THE PROVINCE OF UGANDA c The Church of the Province of Uganda 1997

These Church Canons have been produced by the Commission on Canon Law, Doctrine and Liturgy of the Church of the Province of Uganda. PREFACE The present first collection of 105 Canons of the Church of the Province of Uganda, embodies the four (4) Canons on Discipline, which were approved by the Provincial Assembly in 1973, and they appear under Section 3 as: Canon 3:25, Tribunal of the Church; Canon 3.26, Ecclesiastical Discipline: General; Canon 3.27, the Trial of Bishops; Canon 3.28, the Trial of Priests and Deacons. Thirteen (13) Canons on Baptism and Confirmation were also approved in 1975. They appear under Section 2, from Canon 2.16 to Canon 2.18. The rest of the Canons are the new Canons which were approved by the Provincial Standing Committee in December 1996. The Canons are arranged into five SECTIONS: The first number after the word Canon, refers to SECTIONS 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. The second number after the Section number refers to the Canon number, i.e., 1.1. The number after the Canon number refers to the Subsection or paragraph of the Canon, i.e., 1.1.1. Glossary used in the document is provided at the end. ENDORSEMENT The Canons of the Church of the Province of Uganda have a mandatory effect and are part of the corpus of Ecclesiastical Law of the Province. These Canons were adopted by the Provincial Assembly Standing Committee in December, 1996, for the governance of this church. SIGNED:.............................. The Most Rev. Livingstone Mpalanyi Nkoyoyo ARCHBISHOP OF THE CHURCH OF UGANDA 18 ]rmth August 1997 i

Contents SECTION 1:0 THE CHURCH OF UGANDA................... 1 CANON 1:1 THE NAME OF THE CHURCH................... 1 CANON 1:2 THE CHURCH OF UGANDA..................... 1 CANON 1:3 THE ARCHBISHOPRIC........................ 1 CANON 1:4 ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE................. 2 CANON 1:5 THE GOVERNMENT OF THE CHURCH OF UGANDA..... 2 CANON 1:6 THE DEAN OF THE PROVINCE.................. 3 CANON 1:7 PROVINCIAL OFFICERS....................... 3 CANON 1:8 THE PROVINCIAL ASSEMBLY STANDING COMMITTEE... 3 CANON 1:9 PROVINCIAL BOARDS AND COMMITTEES........... 3 CANON 1:10 CHURCH TRUSTEES......................... 3 CANON 1:10 CHURCH COMMISSIONERS.................... 4 CANON 1:12 FINANCE................................ 5 CANON 1:13 THE DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH OF UGANDA....... 7 CANON 1:14 THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER................ 7 CANON 1:15 THE THIRTY NINE ARTICLES OF RELIGION......... 8 CANON 1:16 THE STATE SOVEREIGNTY.................... 8 CANON 1:17 SCHISM................................. 8 CANON 1:18 TOLERANCE............................. 8 CANON 1:19 CORPORATE SEAL......................... 8 CANON 1:20 RELATION WITH OTHER CHURCHES.............. 9 CANON 1:21 EMPLOYMENT OF CLERGY AND LAITY OF OTHER CHURCHES................................... 9 SECTION 2:0 DIVINE SERVICE AND THE ADMINISTRATION OF SACRAMENTS.................................... 10 CANON 2:1 CONFORMITY TO THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER.... 10 CANON 2:2 FLEXIBILITY OF THE DISCRETION OF MINISTERS IN CONDITION OF PUBLIC PRAYER..................... 10 CANON 2:3 SUNDAYS AND OTHER DAYS OF SPECIAL OBSERVANCE.. 10 CANON 2:5 THE VESTURE OF MINISTERS DURING THE TIME OF DIVINE SERVICE............................... 11 CANON 2:6 MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER IN CATHEDRAL CHURCHES................................... 11 CANON 2:7 MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER IN PARISH CHURCHES. 12 CANON 2:8 THE MINISTRY OF THE HOLY COMMUNION.......... 12 CANON 2:9 HOLY COMMUNION IN CATHEDRAL CHURCHES....... 12 CANON 2:10 HOLY COMMUNION IN PARISH CHURCHES.......... 13 ii

CANON 2:11 THE RECEIVING OF HOLY COMMUNION........... 13 CANON 2:12 THE ADMISSION TO HOLY COMMUNION........... 13 CANON 2:13 BREAD AND WINE FOR HOLY COMMUNION......... 13 CANON 2:14 SERMONS IN PARISH CHURCHES................ 14 CANON 2:15 THE HYMNS, ANTHEMS, AND MUSIC OF THE CHURCH.. 14 CANON 2:16 HOLY BAPTISM........................... 14 CANON 2:17 GOD PARENTS AND SPONSORS................. 15 CANON 2:18 INFANT BAPTISM.......................... 15 CANON 2:19 BAPTISM IN EMERGENCY..................... 15 CANON 2:20 THE CATECHUMENATE...................... 16 CANON 2:21 THE BAPTISM OF THOSE WHO ARE OLD ENOUGH TO ANSWER FOR THEMSELVES........................ 16 CANON 2:22 REGISTRATION OF BAPTISM................... 16 CANON 2:23 ON FEES................................ 17 CANON 2:24 THE SIGN OF THE CROSS IN BAPTISM............. 17 CANON 2:25 CATECHIZING............................ 17 CANON 2:26 CONFIRMATION........................... 17 CANON 2:27 THE REGISTRATION OF CONFIRMATION........... 18 CANON 2:28 THE RECEIVING OF PERSONS FROM CHURCH NOT IN COMMUNION WITH THE ANGLICAN CHURCH, AND OR RECONCILING OF THEIR RETURN THOSE WHO HAVE LAPSED.. 18 CANON 2:29 MARRIAGE IN THE CHURCH................... 18 CANON 2:30 PREREQUISITE FOR MARRIAGE................. 20 CANON 2:31 CERTAIN IMPEDIMENT TO MARRIAGE............ 20 CANON 2:32 CONSENT TO MARRY....................... 22 CANON 2:33 DIVORCE AND THE MARRIAGE OF DIVORCED PERSONS. 22 CANON 2:34 PERMISSION TO REMARRY ACCORDING TO THE RITES OF THE CHURCH............................... 23 CANON 2:35 LICENSE AND PERMISSION OF MINISTER TO SOLEMNIZE MARRIAGE................................... 25 CANON 2:36 THE PLACE OF MARRIAGE.................... 25 CANON 2:37 THE ORDERING OF THE MARRIAGE SERVICE........ 25 CANON 2:38 DISCIPLINE.............................. 26 CANON 2:39 THE BLESSING OF A MARRIAGE AS CIVIL MARRIAGE... 26 SECTION 3:0 MINISTERS, THEIR RECRUITMENT, PREPARATION, ORDINATION, OFFICE AND PRACTICE.................. 29 CANON 3:1 HOLY ORDERS IN THE CHURCH OF UGANDA......... 29 CANON 3:2 DIOCESAN COMMISSION ON MINISTRY............. 29 CANON 3:3 POSTULANTS FOR HOLY ORDERS................ 29 CANON 3:4 CANDIDATES FOR HOLY ORDERS................ 30 CANON 3:6 THE CONSECRATION OF BISHOPS................ 31 CANON 3:7 THE ORDINATION OF PRIESTS AND DEACONS........ 31 CANON 3:8 THE QUALITY OF SUCH AS TO BE ORDAINED DEACONS OR PRIESTS.................................. 32 CANON 3: PRIESTS EXERCISING THEIR MINISTRY............. 32 CANON 3:10 ADMISSION AND INSTITUTION.................. 33 CANON 3:11 INDUCTION.............................. 33 CANON 3:12 THE LICENSING OF MINISTERS UNDER SEAL........ 33 iii

CANON 313 THE OATH OF OBEDIENCE.................... 34 CANON 3:14 DIOCESAN BISHOPS......................... 35 CANON 3:15 BISHOPS SUFFRAGAN....................... 35 CANON 3:16 DEANS OR PROVOSTS AND CANONS.............. 36 CANON 3:17 ARCHDEACONS........................... 36 CANON 3:18 PARISH PRIEST........................... 36 CANON 3:19 THE RESIDENCE OF PRIESTS IN THEIR PARISH....... 38 CANON 3:20 THE OCCUPATIONS OF MINISTERS............... 38 CANON 3:21 SALARY OF PARISH PRIEST.................... 38 CANON 3:22 ARCHDEACONRIES......................... 39 CANON 3:23 PARISH................................. 39 CANON 3:24 RELINQUISHING OR ABANDONMENT OF THE MINISTRY. 40 CANON 3:25 TRIBUNALS OF THE CHURCH.................. 43 CANON 3:26 ECCLESIASTICAL DISCIPLINE - GENERAL.......... 44 CANON 3:27 THE TRIAL OF BISHOPS...................... 46 CANON 3:28 THE TRIAL OF PRIESTS AND DEACONS............ 46 CANON 3:20 THE TRIAL OF THE LAITY.................... 48 SECTION 4:0 THE LAY OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH OF UGANDA. 48 CANON 4:1 LAY READERS............................. 48 CANON 4:2 WORKERS............................... 50 CANON 4:3 CHURCH WARDENS......................... 50 CANON 4:4 SIDESMEN/SIDESWOMEN...................... 52 CANON 4:5 OTHER PARISH OFFICERS..................... 52 SECTION 5:0 THINGS APPERTAINING TO CHURCHES......... 52 CANON 5:1 THE FONT............................... 52 CANON 5:2 THE HOLY TABLE........................... 53 CANON 5:3 THE COMMUNION VESSELS.................... 53 CANON 5:4 THE COMMUNION LINEN...................... 53 CANON 5:5 SURPLICES FOR THE MINISTER.................. 53 CANON 5:6 THE READING DESKS AND PULPIT............... 53 CANON 5:7 SEATS IN CHURCH.......................... 54 CANON 5:8 THE BIBLE AND THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER..... 54 CANON 5:9 THE REGISTER BOOKS CUSTODY................ 54 CANON 5:10 THE REGISTER OR BOOK OF SERVICES............ 54 CANON 5:11 THE CARE AND REPAIR OF CHURCHES............ 54 GLOSSARY......................................... 55 iv

SECTION 1:0 THE CHURCH OF UGANDA CANON 1:1 THE NAME OF THE CHURCH 1.1.1 The Church shall be called THE CHURCH OF UGANDA. 1.1.2 The name THE CHURCH OF UGANDA under this Canon shall be understood to mean ANGLICAN CHURCH, i communion with the See of Canterbury. CANON 1:2 THE CHURCH OF UGANDA 1.2.1 The Church of Uganda is an independent Ecclesiastical Province, established according to the Provincial Constitution. 1.2.2 The Church of Uganda is part of the one, Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church worshiping the one true God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It professes the faith uniquely revealed in the Holy Scriptures and set forth in the Catholic Creeds, which faith the Church is called upon to proclaim afresh in each generation. 1.2.3 The Church of Uganda is in communion with the World wide Anglican communion. CANON 1:3 THE ARCHBISHOPRIC 1.3.1 There shall be an Archbishop who shall be the presiding bishop of the Church of Uganda, and who upon assuming this office, shall be the metropolitan of the Church of Uganda and Bishop of the See of Kampala. 1.3.2 (i) The Archbishop shall be elected by the House of Bishops of the Province from among themselves. Her/She shall have reached the age of 50 or above and shall hold office until reigning or reaching the age of 65 or serving for ten years, whichever is the earlier. (ii) The Archbishop may resign at any time by written notice to the Dean of the Province, who shall thereupon submit the same to the House of Bishops. 1.3.3 The Archbishop shall have a pastoral relationship and authority over the whole province. In this connection the Archbishop may speak and act in the name of the Church, after consultation with, or in accordance with the policies of the Provincial Assembly Standing Committee or the Provincial Assembly and shall be charged with giving leadership in initiating and developing the policy and strategies of the Church, including the implementation of decisions of the Provincial Assembly throughout the Church of Uganda 1.3.4 The Archbishop shall be the Chief Overseer of the Provincial Secretariat staff and shall maintain an office at Namirembe, the National Headquarters of the Church. The Archbishop may delegate any of his/her Executive responsibilities to any Provincial Officer. 1.3.5 The Archbishop shall preside over the: Provincial Assembly, Provincial Assembly Standing Committee and the House of Bishops and may attend any other committee at his own discretion. 1

1.3.6 In the event of a vacancy i the office of Archbishop or illness or other incapacity of the Archbishop or during his absence from the Province, the Dean of the Province shall have authority to perform all duties of the Archbishopric and shall be Acting Archbishop. 1.3.7 The Archbishop, after consultation with the House of Bishops, may, subject to satisfactory provision of financial requirements, appoint a Bishop to the Ugandan Security Forces or any other institutions as may be determined from time to time by the Provincial Assembly. 1.3.8 In the event of a vacancy in a Diocese as result of death or illness or other incapacity of this Diocesan Bishop or where a Diocesan Bishop does not hand over the office upon attaining the age of 65 years, the Archbishop shall take over the see until a new Bishop is elected, consecrated and enthroned. CANON 1:4 ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE The Organizational structure of the Church of Uganda shall consist of: (i) PROVINCE: A Province is, by definition, an Ecclesiastical unit formed by a group of Dioceses. (ii) Diocese: A Diocese is an Ecclesiastical unit formed by a group of Parishes. It is under the jurisdiction and Pastoral Care of a Bishop. (iii) Archdeaconry: An Archdeaconry is an Ecclesiastical unit consisting of a certain number of parishes. It is under the jurisdiction of an Archdeacon. (iv) Parish: A Parish consists of one or more congregations. It is under the jurisdiction and Pastoral Care of an Ordained and licensed clergy. (v) Sub-parish: A Sub-parish is under the pastoral care of a lay reader who works under the supervision of a Parish Priest. CANON 1:5 THE GOVERNMENT OF THE CHURCH OF UGANDA 1.5.1 The Provincial Assembly shall be the supreme governing authority of thechurch of Uganda. It shall speak and act on behalf of the whole Church of Uganda. 1.5.2 The Provincial Assembly shall consist of three houses: (i) The House of Bishops (ii) The House of Clergy (iii) The House of Laity 2

1.5.3 The delegates of every Diocese to the Provincial Assembly shall consist of representatives of houses of Bishops, of Clergy and of Laity, elected in accordance with these Canons. The delegation shall include at leat one Bishop, one Clergy, one Lay man, one Lay woman, and one youth. 1.5.4 The number of delegates of each Diocese to the Provincial Assembly shall be determined by the Assembly from time to time and any other number as shall e determined by the Provincial Assembly from time to time. CANON 1:6 THE DEAN OF THE PROVINCE 1.6.1 The most Senior Bishop, according to the date of consecration as Bishop or ordination as Priest shall be the Dean of the Province. 1.6.2 The Dean, in the absence of the Archbishop, shall exercise the functions and duties of the Archbishop as provided under the Constitution. 1.6.3 When the Office of Archbishop falls vacant due to retirement or death, or incapacity, the Dean shall act as the Archbishop until the appointment of the new Archbishop. CANON 1:7 PROVINCIAL OFFICERS The Provincial Assembly or the Provincial Assembly Standing Committee shall, acting on behalf of the Assembly, appoint the Provincial Secretary, the Provincial Treasurer, the Provincial Chancellor and other Officers according to the need and within the limits of its resources. CANON 1:8 THE PROVINCIAL ASSEMBLY STANDING COMMITTEE There shall be an Executive Committee,known under this Canon as the Provincial Assembly Standing Committee, appointed by the Provincial Assembly, to act on its behalf between the periods of its sitting. CANON 1:9 PROVINCIAL BOARDS AND COMMITTEES The Provincial Assembly shall have power to set up Boards, Commissions, and Committees to enable toe Church carry out its mission and services. CANON 1:10 CHURCH TRUSTEES 10.1.1 All Diocesan Bishops of the Church of the Province of Uganda, shall constitute the Board of the Church of Uganda Trustees. 10.1.2 All property shall be vested in the Trustees who shall be empowered to hold them upon any Trust which is approved and accepted by the Provincial Assembly or the Dioceses Synod concerned. 3

10.1.3 All Diocesan Bishops of the Church of the Church of the Province of Uganda, by virtue of being the Chief Administrators of their respective Dioceses, shall constitute the Board of the Church of Uganda Trustees. 10.1.4 All business of the Church of Uganda Trustees shall be executed through a body to be known as CHURCH COMMISSIONERS. CANON 1:11 CHURCH COMMISSIONERS 1.11.1 In accordance with article 18(b) of the Constitution of the Province of the Church of Uganda, there shall be established a business body for the Church affairs to be called CHURCH COMMISSIONERS. 1.11.2 The Church Commissioners, shall consist of persons with expert knowledge in business management and investment and shall advise the Board of Trustees in the development and administration of any Land or property held by them. 1.11.3 Membership of the Church Commissioners which shall include two Principal Commissioners, one of whom shall be a Bishop, and one lay expert shall be determined from time to time by the Provincial Assembly. 1.11.4 There shall be an Executive Secretary who shall be appointed by the Provincial Staff Board, and shall be responsible to execute all decisions and policies of the Church Commissioners. 1.11.5 The duties of the Church commissioners shall be: (a) To advise and assist the Provincial Trustees on all matters relating to the development, administration and management of all the lands vested in the Trustees by grant, purchase agreement and any lawful transaction whatsoever. (b) To execute and enforce the decisions and policies of the Trustees relating to the administration, management and development of all land vested in the Trustees. (c) To draw up plans and programmes for the proper and effective commercial development of the land and property vested in the Trustees. (d) To look after and maintain all the property, premises,buildings and all the lands vested in the Trustees. (e) To collect and receive all payment due to the Trustees on behalf of the Trustees. (f) To ensure that all Trust and permanent funds and securities are deposited with the banks or with agencies approved in writing by the Board of Trustees. (g) To keep detailed records of all funds, revenue and expenditures. (h) To ensure that Account books are maintained and are annually audited and a certificate of the Audit issued. (i) To ensure that all buildings and their contents are adequately insured. 4

(j) To carry on any other functions which may be conferred upon them from time to time by the Trustees, Provincial Assembly Standing Committee or the Provincial Assembly. (k) Subject to the Provisions of the Constitution, the Provincial Assembly or the Trustees may give directions of a general or specific nature of the Church Commissioners. (l) The power to develop and manage the lands vested in the Church of Uganda shall rest with the Church Commissioners provided that any Diocese in Uganda may initiate development projects on the land within its jurisdiction subject to the approval of the Church Commissioners and the Provincial Trustees, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, provided further that a representative of a Diocese shall be present when the Church Commissioners discuss the land development plans concerning a particular Diocese. (m) It shall be the responsibility of the Commissioners to formulate and implement resolutions and decisions of the trustees in respect of all the lands and property vested in the Trustees and to carry out the day-to-day administration of the affairs of the Trustees on behalf of the Trustees and to coordinate land policies and development programmes between the Dioceses. 1.11.6 (a) On the death or resignation or removal of a Church Commissioner the Trustees shall appoint a new Commissioner in his/her place. (b) The Trustees may at anytime remove a Church Commissioner for misbehaviour or inability, by a majority vote of all the members. (c) A Church Commissioner may retire at any time by giving at least three months notice to he Archbishop. 1.11.7 Meetings of the Church Commissioners (a) The first Principal Commissioner shall preside over all the meetings of the Church Commissioners and in his absence, the Commissioners present shall appoint one of their own number to preside over the meeting of the Commissioners. (b) The Executive Secretary to the Church Commissioners shall keep proper records of the minutes of meetings of the Commissioners under the direction of the first Principal Commissioner and Trustees and he/she shall handle and keep all its correspondence of the Commissioners. CANON 1:12 FINANCE 1.12.1 The Church of the Province of Uganda draws largely for its financial support from: (i) Human resource of almsgiving/tithing and special contributions, Investments in land, buildings, Institutions and other property ownership, (ii) Donations from Churches, organizations and friends both from home and abroad in partnership with her. 5

1.12.2 The Provincial Assembly is the supreme governing body of the Church. As such, it shall have responsibility to ensure faithful and healthy stewardship and the equitable administration of material resources in the whole Province. It shall also have the responsibility of directing a just and equitable contribution and distribution of these resources for the benefit of the Church as a whole to the glory of God. 1.12.3 In the fulfilment of the obligations, the Provincial Assembly shall: (i) Enact laws and policies from time to time which are binding on the whole church to promote accountability, transparency and resourceful investment of Church funds and property. (ii) Develop met5hod for Church livelihood, and guide dioceses in stewardship teaching of the faithful and using of their talents for the enrichment of Christ s Church. (iii) To defend the Church against oppressive and exploitiveelements/forces both internal and external which are detrimental to the faithful investment, distribution and utilization of the Church s resources. (iv) Ensure that congregations, parishes, Archdeaconries, Dioceses and Provincial Secretariat and other Church Institutions are well equipped financially for the discharge of their duties. (v) Have authority to discipline organs within the Church structure in particular, dioceses and Provincial Boards, who may contravene or disobey and neglect laws and policies enacted under these canons. (vi) Enact a law which puts all financial resources of the Church under the accountability/responsibility of the Provincial Board of Finance. (vii) Use the art of delegation by use of Boards Commissions and Committees in the administration of its resources. 1.12.4 THERE SHALL BE A PROVINCIAL BUDGET CONSISTING OF THE FOLLOWING: (i) ASSESSMENT The amount each Diocese is required to pay on its assessable expenditure for: (1) Provincial Secretariat Administration (2) Archbishop expenses (3) Provincial Assembly Assessment (a) Standing Committee (b) Boards, Committees, Commissions, etc., as set by the Provincial Assembly or Standing Committee (ii) PROVINCIAL AND WORLD OUTREACH The amount to be paid by each Diocese for: 1. Anglican World Mission 6

2. WCC and ACC, etc., membership 3. Theological Training 4. Social Services 5. Such other purposes as may be approved by the Provincial Assembly or the Standing Committee, etc. 1.12.5 Subject to instructions from the Provincial Assembly, the Standing Committee shall have the control, management and Administration of all funds an assets of the Provincial Assembly and shall have power to delegate. 1.12.6 A formula for determining the annual financial assessment against the Diocese shall e fixed by a regular Provincial Assembly, which regulation shall be altered or amended only by the Assembly. 1.12.7 The Provincial Treasurer shall notify the Diocesan Treasurers of the details of the Budget of the Province for the following year as soon as it has been approved by the Finance Board or Committee and Standing Committee. 1.12.8 The assessment shall be paid to the Provincial office in at most three (3) equal installments 1.12.9 Each Board, Department, Committee and Organization requiring an amount to be included in the Provincial Budget shall deliver to the Provincial Treasurer a detailed statement of such requirements together with estimated receipt and expenditures for the current year and the financial statements for the preceding year. No amount for the Board, Department, Committee or Organization shall be included in the Provincial Budget unless the Provincial Treasurer has been consulted in the preparation of such statement. 1.12.10 The Diocese that shall fail to meet her obligation to the Provincial Budget and Provincial institutions in the current year shall carry forward the debt to the following year. Any failure for two years,the Diocese shall forfeit all expenses reimbursable for the work of the Province, like attending Provincial Boards, Committees, etc. CANON 1:13 THE DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH OF UGANDA (i) The doctrine of the Church of Uganda is founded in the Holy Scripture, and in such teaching of the ancient Fathers and Councils of the Church as are agreeable to the scripture. (ii) The Scripture by this Canon shall be understood to refer the thirty-nine books of Old Testament and the twenty seven of the New Testament and taken as Canonical. (iii) Other books, referred to as apocrypha, shall be read for example of life and instruction of manners; but shall not apply them to establish any doctrine. CANON 1:14 THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER 1.14.1 The Church of Uganda accepts the Principles of worship contained in the Book of Common Prayer, as not being contrary to the Word of God. 7

1.14.2 The form and manner of worship as contained in the Book of Common Prayer as much as they are agreeable to the word of God, may be used by all members of the Church of Uganda with a good conscience. 1.14.3 Any new form of Liturgies, apart from experimental occasional liturgpa.ies permitted by a diocesan Bishop, shall be approved by the Provincial Assembly. CANON 1:15 THE THIRTY NINE ARTICLES OF RELIGION As much as the Thirty nine articles do not contravene the Doctrine of the Church of Uganda, it shall be held as a guide in the Church of Uganda teaching. The Provincial Assembly may review these articles to suit the situation of the Church of Uganda. CANON 1:16 THE STATE SOVEREIGNTY The Church of Uganda acknowledges the sovereignty of state and conceives itself as the conscience of society. CANON 1:17 SCHISM From the inception the Church of Christ has been intended to be on unified of Christ. Because of human sin ad selfish desires, there have been schisms and separations that have divided the Church affecting the unity and witness of the Gospel. It is the obligation of the Bishops, Clergy and Laity to do all they can by God s Grace to avoid occasions of difference, disagreement but seek in penitence and brotherly and sisterly love, reconciliation and heal such divisions. In case of seemingly unreconcilable difference, God s will for the common good should be sought within the fellowship of believers, the Church and not to secular institutions of law which in themselves are human. CANON 1:18 TOLERANCE Christians and spiritual societies in ministry who exhibit and express various spiritual gifts in ministry shall be tolerated and accommodated as long as they do not divert from the fundamental doctrine of the Church of Uganda. CANON 1:19 CORPORATE SEAL 1.19.1 There shall be a corporate seal of such design to contain the Provincial Church Emblem as approved by the Provincial Assembly. 1.19.2 The Provincial Secretary shall have the care and custody of the same and is hereby authorized and empowered to effect the same to all deeds and documents on behalf of the Province pursuant to 8

any resolution thereof or of the Provincial Assembly Standing Committee or any of the Committees, councils,boards or Commission thereof when such resolution is passed in regard to matters with the authority of such committees, Board or Commission. 1.19.3 All such deeds and documents shall be signed by two or more of the following: (i) The Archbishop; (ii) The Provincial Secretary or; (iii) The Chancellor or; (iv) The Provincial Treasurer. CANON 1:20 RELATION WITH OTHER CHURCHES 1.20.1 The Church of Uganda and the members of the Church of Uganda shall foster, encourage and work with other Churches in matters that spread the Good News of salvation and the social economic and political needs for the wellbeing of the society. 1.20.2 On special occasions, events, church holy days and special feasts, feasts of the Church year, ministers or lay persons baptized an in good standing of their church may be invited to speak, preach, conduct a seminar, or workshop to the Church of Uganda congregation. 1.20.3 Clergy or Ordained Ministers from non Episcopal tradition who have had full graduate ministerial training in a credited theological institution will have to undergo at least twelve months training in manner, teaching, and forms of worship of the Church of Uganda. He/She shall be prepared to subscribe to all teaching Canons, that govern the Administration, ministry, worship and discipline of the Church of Uganda 1.20.4 In cases where orders of the ministry in his/her former Church are not recognized, he/she shall be ordained according to the Church of Uganda Ordinal. For the avoidance of doubt,no person under this Canon who is not a member of the Church of Uganda shall officiate, administer sacraments, etc.,without any license from the Diocesan Bishop, after fulfilling all conditions required by the Canons in Section 3 of Ministers, Their Recruitment, Ordination, Function and Practice. 1.20.5 The Church shall continue to be open to Christian unity as it is commanded her by our Lord Jesus Christ (John 1:21-22) and our relationship with the Protestant church members of the World Council of Churches and Lausana and in taking into consideration the Vatican II with the Roman Catholic Church. CANON 1:21 CHURCHES EMPLOYMENT OF CLERGY AND LAITY OF OTHER 1.21.1 Church of Uganda recognizes all member churches of the Anglican Communion. Any Clergy/Laity recommended by their home church may be allowed to work for the Church of Uganda in areas that require his/her ministry. 9

1.21.2 Members from non-anglican Communion, may be in consultation with the Church authorities and on the advice of the Provincial Assembly Standing Committee and other Committees, employed as consultants, advisors and staff on contract in areas of their specialties which are not available to our church members. 1.21.3 Church Councils shall use their discretion in employing no-christians. SECTION 2:0 DIVINE SERVICE AND THE ADMINISTRATION OF SACRAMENTS CANON 2:1 CONFORMITY TO THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER 2.1.1 Every Priest of the Church of Uganda shall follow the use and observe the orders, rites and ceremonies prescribed in the Book of Common Prayer and reading of Holy Scripture as in administration of the Sacraments, and none other, except so far as shall be ordered by lawful authority. 2.1.2 Nothing in the said Canon shall prejudice or limit the use of any form of service from time to time enjoined or authorized by a Diocesan Bishop for local use or by Provincial Assembly for experimental use in Dioceses. CANON 2:2 FLEXIBILITY OF THE DISCRETION OF MINISTERS IN CONDITION OF PUBLIC PRAYER The Priest may at his/her discretion make and use variations which are not of substantial importance in any form of service presented by the Book of Common Prayer. 2.2.2 Subject to any regulations made from time to time by the Provincial Assembly, the Priest may, on occasions for which no provision is made in the Book of Common Prayer, use forms of services considered suitable by him for those occasions. 2.2.3 All variation in forms of service and all forms of service used or made under this Canon shall be reverent and seemly and shall be neither contrary to, nor indicative of any departure from doctrine of the Church of Uganda. CANON 2:3 SUNDAYS AND OTHER DAYS OF SPECIAL OBSERVANCE 2.3.1 Sundays as the Lord s Day, shall ever be celebrated as a weekly memorial of our Lord s resurrection and kept according to God s holy will and pleasure, particularly by attendance at divine service, by deeds of charity, and by abstention from all unnecessary labour and business. 2.3.2 The Table of Feasts which are to be observed in the Church of Uganda is contained in the Book of Common Prayer; whereof the principal are Christmas Day, Epiphany, The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Easter Day, Ascension Day, Whitsunday, Trinity Sunday and All Saint s Day. 10

2.3.3 Good Friday is ever to be observed by prayer with meditation on the death and passion of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, by self-discipline, and by attendance at Divine Service. 2.3.4 It is lawful for the Provincial Assembly to approve Holy Days which may be observed provincially, and, subject to any directions of the Synod of the Diocese, for the Ordinary to approve Holy Days which may be observed locally. 2.3.5 The Church of Uganda shall provide for recognition of the Saints in the Province and from time to time make a calendar for memorial services of these Saints. CANON 2:4 THE GIVING OF NOTICE OF FEAST DAYS AND FAST DAYS The Minister shall give notice every Sunday publicly during the time of Divine Service, by notice affixed at the Church door or otherwise, so that the same may best be brought to the knowledge of the people, of the Feast Days which are to be observed in the week following, and of the time of the Service thereon. CANON 2:5 THE VESTURE OF MINISTERS DURING THE TIME OF DIVINE SERVICE 2.5.1 At morning and evening prayer the Priest shall wear Cassock, a Surplice, and a Scarf; and for the occasional offices a Cassock and a Surplice with Scarf or Stole, or a Surplice with a Scarf. 2.5.2 At the Holy Communion the celebrant, as also the gospeller and the epistler, if any, shall wear with the Cassock either a Surplice with Scarf or Stole, or a Surplice or Alb with Stole and Cope, or an Alb with the customary vestments. 2.5.3 On any appropriate occasion a Cope may be worn at the discretion of the Priest. 2.5.4 When a Scarf is worn, the Priest May also wear the hood of his Degree. 2.5.5 The Church of Uganda does not attach any particular doctrinal significance to the diversities of vesture permitted by this Canon, and the vesture worn by the Priest in accordance with the provisions of this Canon is not to be understood as implying any doctrines other than those now contained in the formularies of the Church of Uganda. CANON 2:6 CHURCHES MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER IN CATHEDRAL In every Cathedral Church the Common Prayer shall e said or sung, distinctly, reverently, and in audible voice, every morning and evening, and the litany on the appointed days, the officiating minister and others of the Clergy present in choir being duly habited. 11

CANON 2:7 MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER IN PARISH CHURCHES 2.7.1 In every Parish Church, except for some reasonable cause approved by the Bishop of the Diocese, Morning and Evening Prayer shall be said or sung at least on all Sundays and other principal Feast Days, and also on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Each service shall be said distinctly, reverently, and in an audible voice. 2.7.2 On all other days the minister of the Parish, together with all other ministers licensed to serve in the said parish, being at home and not otherwise reasonably hindered, shall resort to the Church Morning and Evening, and, warning being given to the people by a sound of a drum or the tolling of the bell, say or sing the Common Prayer and on appointed days the Litany. 2.7.3 Lay Readers and such other Lay persons as may be authorized by the Bishop of the Diocese may, at the invitation of the Priest of the parish or, where the cure (parish) is vacant or the Priest is incapacitated, at the invitation of the Church Wardens, say or sing Morning and Evening Prayer except for the Absolution; and in the case of need where no person in Holy Orders or Reader or Lay Person authorized as aforesaid is available, the Priest or failing him the Church Wardens shall arrange for some suitable Lay Person to say or sing Morning and Evening Prayer except for Absolution. CANON 2:8 THE MINISTRY OF THE HOLY COMMUNION 2.8.1 No person shall consecrate and administer the Holy Sacrament of the Lord s Supper unless he/she shall have been Ordained Priest by Episcopal Ordination in accordance with the provisions of Canon 3.1. 2.8.2 Every Priest, as often as he/she shall celebrate the Holy Communion, shall receive that Sacrament himself or herself. 2.8.3 No person shall distribute the Holy Sacrament of the Lord s Supper to the people unless he/she shall have been ordained in accordance with the provisions of Canon 3.1, or unless he/she has been specially authorized to do so by the Diocesan Bishop acting under such regulations as the Provincial Assembly may make from time to time. 2.8.4 Subject to the general directions of the Bishop, the Epistle and the Gospel may at the invitation of the Priest be read by a Lay person at the celebration of the Holy Communion. CANON 2:9 HOLY COMMUNION IN CATHEDRAL CHURCHES 2.9.1 In every Cathedral Church the Holy Communion shall be celebrated at least on all Sundays and other Feast Days, on Ash Wednesday, and on other days as often as may be convenient, according to the statutes and customs of each Church. It shall be celebrated distinctly, reverently, and in audible voice. 2.8.2 In every Cathedral Church, the Dean or Provost, the Canons residentiary, and other priests of the Church, being in Holy Orders, shall receive the Holy Communion every Sunday at the least, except when they have a reasonable cause to the contrary. 12

CANON 2:10 HOLY COMMUNION IN PARISH CHURCHES 2.10.1 In every Parish Church, except for some reasonable cause approved by the Bishop of the Diocese, the Holy Communion shall be celebrated at least on all Sundays and Principal Feast Days, and on Ash Wednesday. It shall be celebrated distinctly, reverently, and in an audible voice. 2.10.2 In Churches and Chapels dependent on a Parish Church, the Holy Communion shall be celebrated as regularly and frequently as may be convenient, subject to the direction of the Ordinary. CANON 2:11 THE RECEIVING OF HOLY COMMUNION 2.11.1 It is the duty of all who have been confirmed to receive the Holy Communion regularly, and especially at the festivals of Christmas, Easter and Whitsunday. 2.11.2 The Priest shall teach the people from time to time, and especially before the festivals of Christmas, Easter and Whitsunday, that they come to this Holy Sacrament with preparation as is required by the Book of Common Prayer. CANON 2:12 THE ADMISSION TO HOLY COMMUNION 2.12.1 There shall be admitted to Holy Communion Members of the Church of Uganda who have been confirmed in accordance with the rites of the Church. 2.12.3 Baptized persons who are communicant members of other Churches which subscribe to the doctrine of the Holy Trinity, and who are in good standing within their own churches, may be admitted to Holy Communion as well. 2.12.3 If any person by virtue of sub-paragraph 2.12.2 above regularly receive the Holy Communion over a long period which appears likely to continue indefinitely, the priest shall set before him/her the normal requirements of the Church of Uganda for communicant status in that Church. 2.12.4 Where any priest is in doubt as to the application of this Canon, he shall refer the matter to the Bishop of the Diocese. CANON 2:13 BREAD AND WINE FOR HOLY COMMUNION 2.13.1 The Church Wardens of every parish, with the advice and direction of the priest, shall provide a sufficient quantity of bread and of wine for the number of communicant that shall from time to time receive the same. 2.13.2 The bread, whether leavened or unleavened, shall be of the best wheat flour that conveniently may be gotten, and the wine of the fermented juice or the grape good and wholesome. 2.13.3 In the absence of grape wine, well boiled banana juice wine or pineapple or passion fruit wine nay be used, in consultation with the Bishop. 13

2.13.4 The bread shall be brought to the Communion table in a paten, or convenient box and wine in a convenient container. CANON 2:14 SERMONS IN PARISH CHURCHES 2.14.1 In every parish church a sermon shall be preached at least once each Sunday, except for some reasonable cause approved by the Bishop of the Diocese. 2.14.2 The Preacher shall endeavour himself/herself with care and sincerity to minister the word of truth, to the glory of God and to the edification of the people. 2.14.3 Since its foundation in Uganda, the Christian Church has actively participated in education with vigour and continues to do so today. The purpose has been and is to put in place a system through which the young can be nurtured. This Cardinal aim is central to the Church of Uganda s participation in forma education and governance of the church founded schools and institutions. The Church of Uganda shall safeguard her interest in education at all levels. CANON 2:15 THE HYMNS, ANTHEMS, AND MUSIC OF THE CHURCH 2.15.1 In all Churches, Cathedrals and Chapels, it belongs to the Minister to direct when the organ or other instruments shall be played and when it shall not be played, and to decide what parts of the service shall be sung. 2.15.2 Where there is an organist or choirmaster, the Minister shall pay due heed to his advice in the choosing of the chants, hymns, anthems, and other setting and in the ordering of the music of the Church; but at all times this final responsibility and decision in these matters rests with the priest. 2.15.3 It is the duty of the Minister to ensure that only such chants, hymns, anthems, and other setting are chosen as are appropriate, both the words and the music, to the solemn act of worship and prayer in the House of God as well as to the congregation assembled for that purpose, and to banish all irreverence in the practice and in the performance of the same. CANON 2:16 HOLY BAPTISM 2.16.1 No person shall be counted a member of the Church of Uganda who has not been baptized. 2.16.2 A baptized person is one who has been dipped in water or has had water sprinkled upon him/her in the Name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit with the intention of baptizing him/her a Christian. 2.16.3 Baptism shall in no case be repeated. If there is any doubt as to whether a person has been truly baptized, the Minister baptizing him/her shall say, If you have not been baptized, I baptize you in the Name of God the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. 2.16.4 An ordained minister of the Church shall normally baptize but any lay person may lawfully baptize a person in danger of death. 14

CANON 2:17 GOD PARENTS AND SPONSORS 2.17.1 God Parents and sponsors shall be confirmed and communicating members of the Church of Uganda or a Church in Communion therewith. 2.17.2 No person shall be allowed to be a God parent who is under ecclesiastical discipline or who is openly known to live in notorious sin without repentance or who has serious quarrels with his neighbours without being reconciled. 2.17.3 Every infant shall be given at least three God parents at Baptism, of whom one must be of the same sex as the child to be baptized and shall not be the child s parent. 2.17.4 In the vent of the absence of God parents, his or her place may be taken by a proxy, who must be a baptized member of the Church as in 2.17.1 above. CANON 2:18 INFANT BAPTISM 2.18.1 Baptism shall be administered to any child for whom it is desired provided that all the requirements of Canon 2:17 are fulfilled. 2.18.2 Children born before the Baptism of their parents, unless they are old enough to receive baptism instruction, may be baptized in infancy as soon as both parents are baptized. 2.18.3 All children under the age of five (5) years shall be regarded as infants when brought for baptism. 2.18.4 Except in the case of extreme urgency, the Parents or guardians of an infant to be baptized (or at least one of them) shall undertake, as far as they are able, to fulfil the same responsibilities, as are required of the God parents. If the Minister shall refuse or delay to baptize an infant within his/her cure who is brought to the Church to be baptized, provided that due notice has been given and the provisions of Canon 2.17 are obeyed, the parents or guardians may appeal to the Bishop of the diocese whose decision shall be final and binding. 2.18.5 No priest may baptize an infant whose parents do not reside within his/ehr cure without the previous consent of the priest of the parents parish, and confirmation that there is nothing to prevent the baptism, except in case of emergency. CANON 2:19 BAPTISM IN EMERGENCY 2.19.1 In spite of the other provisions of these Canons, Baptism shall not be denied when it is desired for those in danger of death. 2.19.2 In case where a person has been baptized in danger of death, those present shall inform the minister of the parish, and if the person recovers, the minister shall publicly receive that person in the form laid down, subject to any necessary warnings or disciplinary measures. 15

CANON 2:20 THE CATECHUMENATE The Bishop shall lay down the course of instruction for those who want to join the catechumenate; the form of service for admission, and the course of instructions to be followed thereafter and prior to baptism for those who are old enough to answer for themselves. CANON 2:21 THE BAPTISM OF THOSE WHO ARE OLD ENOUGH TO ANSWER FOR THEMSELVES 2.21.1 Children who are old enough to receive baptism instruction must not be baptized as infants, but must be prepared for baptism as adults. 2.12.2 None shall be accepted as a candidate for adult baptism until they have been properly instructed in accordance with these Canons and have been examined by the Minister or Lay reader in his/ehr place after any consultation with the Church Council or Committee which he/she thinks necessary. 2.21.3 When any persons who are old enough to answer for themselves are to be baptized, the names of all the intending candidates shall be announced in Church on the Sunday before baptism. CANON 2:22 REGISTRATION OF BAPTISM 2.22.1 Every priest shall, as soon as possible after a public or private baptism within his Parish, record and enter in a Ledger Book and with permanent ink in the appropriate register book the names of the baptized persons. In every case the Baptism must be registered within seven (7) days except when this cannot be done because of illness or for other unavoidable reasons. 2.22.2 Whenever any baptism is performed in any place other than a Church of a Chapel which provides for its own distinct Register Book and the Priest who performs the baptism is not the minister of the parish or ecclesiastical district, who shall then record and enter the same in the appropriate Register Book. 2.22.3 In the case of a Baptism in any place where there is a Church building and which is not included within any Parish, the Priest who performs the baptism shall within a month of the baptism send record of the baptism to the priest of the parish immediately adjoining such place. On receiving the record, the priest shall enter it in the appropriate Register Book of his/her parish and it shall form part of it. 2.22.4 Every priest who baptizes any infant who is brought to the Church to be baptized, whose parents reside outside the boundaries of his/her cure, shall as soon after the baptism as possible send to the priest of the parents or ecclesiastical district in which the parents live the name and address of the infant who has been baptized. 2.22.5 The register of the baptisms shall be in the control and custody of the priest. It shall be kept in a Chest or Safe to protect it against damage by fire or damp and from wrongful interferences. 2.22.6 Where a Diocesan record office has been established, any priest having a cure of souls within a diocese, with the consent of the Bishop and Local Church Councils, may deposit any such register, 16

no longer in actual use, to be kept and to remain in the control and custody of the Chief Officer of the office, unless or until the Bishop orders the register to be returned. The Bishop may at any time direct that any register be transferred to the Diocesan office. CANON 2:23 ON FEES It is not lawful to demand any fees for the administration of Holy Baptism, nor for its registration, but those who are baptized ought to give thank offerings gladly. CANON 2:24 THE SIGN OF THE CROSS IN BAPTISM The Anglican Church has always held and taught, and holds and teaches still, that the sign of the cross used in Baptism is not an essential part of the Sacrament; but because the remembrance of the cross is very precious to those who truly believed in Jesus Christ, it has retained the sign of it in baptism. In doing so, it follows the custom of the primitive and apostolic Church and considers it a meaningful sign that the person who has been baptized is dedicated to the service of Him w3ho died on the cross. CANON 2:25 CATECHIZING 2.25.1 Every Priest shall take care that the children and young people in his/ehr cure are instructed in the doctrine, Sacraments and discipline of Christ as the Lord has commanded, and as they are received and set forth in the Anglican Church. To this end, he/she, or some godly and competent person appointed by him/her, shall regularly and diligently teach them. 2.25.2 All parents and guardians shall send their children to such classes. CANON 2:26 CONFIRMATION 2.26.1 The Bishop of every Diocese or some other Bishop lawfully deputed in his stead, shall hold confirmation services throughout his Diocese as often and in as many places as shall be convenient, laying his/her hands upon children of a suitable age and adults who have been baptized after such a course instructed in the Christian faith. 2.26.2 No person shall be presented for confirmation until he/she has received such course of instruction as the Bishop may require. 2.26.3 Every Priest shall regularly remind his people that everyone who has been baptized and is old enough to be confirmed but has not been, should offer him/her to be confirmed by the Bishop when he comes. To all who wish to be confirmed at that time he/she shall carefully teach them the Christian faith, as set forth in the Church Catechism and in the Book of Common Prayer. 2.6.4 the Priest shall only present to the Bishop those who can say the creed, the Lord s Prayer and the Ten Commandments, and can give an account of their faith according to the Catechism. 17

2.26.5 The Priest, either before or at the time of the confirmation, shall give to the Bishop the names of those to be presented, together with their apparent ages and suitable evidence of their baptism. 2.26.6 If any person who is to be confirmed desire to take an additional Christian name, the Bishop may confirm him/her by such name, which thereafter shall be one of his recognized Christian names. None shall normally be presented to the Bishop for confirmation under the apparent age of twelve years. CANON 2:27 THE REGISTRATION OF CONFIRMATION 2.27.1 Every Priest shall record in the Register Book of confirmation belonging to his/her Church that confirmation of every person whom he/she presented to the Bishop and who was confirmed. 2.27.2 The Chaplain of any school or any other institution (or other appointed responsible person) presenting candidates for confirmation from the school or institution shall give the minister of the parish in which each candidate normally resides two months notice of his intention of doing so and pay heed to any comment which the priest may make. He/she shall report the fact of confirmation to the priest concerned as soon after the confirmation as possible. CANON 2:28 THE RECEIVING OF PERSONS FROM CHURCH NOT IN COMMUNION WITH THE ANGLICAN CHURCH, AND OR RECONCILING OF THEIR RETURN THOSE WHO HAVE LAPSED 2.28.1 Lay persons who have already been baptized and confirmed by a Bishop recognized as such by the Anglican Communion may e received or reconciled into membership of the Anglican Communion by a Priest appointed by the Bishop for that purpose in such form as the Bishop himself shall require. 2.28.2 Any such person who is not already confirmed by a Bishop recognized as such by the Anglican Communion shall be admitted or readmitted by confirmation and such other form of reception as the Bishop shall direct. CANON 2:29 MARRIAGE IN THE CHURCH 2.29.1 In this Canon and any Regulations made hereunder the following expressions shall except, where the context otherwise requires, have the meanings hereunder: (a) Married under Customary Law shall mean married in accordance with the requirements of the traditional law and customs. (b) Civil Court shall man a Court of Competent jurisdiction in the Country in which Civil Proceeding for the dissolution of marriage have been instituted. (c)) Priest shall mean any ordained person who is authorized by the Bishop and licensed according to the laws of the State to solemnize marriages. 18