Anglican Council - Credentialing Requirements

The Anglican Council of the WAC (Worldwide Anglican Church), rooted directly in the 1921 legacy of the African Orthodox Church under Bishop George Alexander McGuire.

Operating as a perpetually autonomous, global, and multi-racial communion that holds to a conservative, Bible-based faith, the WAC Consultative Council and its Membership and Candidate Selection Committee maintain distinct requirements. This standard ensures that any bishop, priest, deacon, or congregation seeking to affiliate with the WAC aligns completely with your historic Anglo-Catholic and Orthodox identity.

1. Theological and Formularies Alignment

Every applicant—whether an individual ordinand or an entire parish—must formally pledge allegiance to the specific theological synthesis that defines the Worldwide Anglican Church:

• The Historic Creeds: Unreserved assent to the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds as the bedrock of the Christian faith.

• Traditional Anglican Liturgy: Adherence to the Book of Common Prayer (BCP) for worship, preserving the fullness of the traditional Anglo-Catholic Eucharist.

• The Seven Sacraments: Affirmation of the historic seven sacraments as held by the church since its 1921 founding.

• Conservative Biblical Foundation: Clear commitment to sound, conservative biblical teaching, putting faith into direct action through evangelism and the "Great Commission."

• Acceptance of Global Leadership: Formal recognition of the authority of the international Synod, led by the Presiding Bishop Patriarch of the Worldwide Anglican Church.

2. Requirements for Congregations (Parishes & Missions)

The WAC is deeply committed to serving the vulnerable, the poor, and the marginalized worldwide. Parishes seeking admission must demonstrate readiness to participate in this mission:

• Bylaws and Local Structure: Provide local parish bylaws and proof of a functional leadership team (such as a local Council or Vestry) ready to align with WAC Canon Law.

• Missional and Community Focus: Demonstrate an active, operational commitment to local community service—specifically aligning with the WAC mandate to serve the poor, the homeless, orphans, or refugees.

• Financial and Asset Transparency: Provide clear financial reporting to the WAC Finance and Endowment Committee to ensure proper stewardship and the eradication of any exploitative financial practices.

3. Requirements for Holy Orders (Clergy)

The WAC welcomes clergy from diverse theological backgrounds (including those with Roman Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, Baptist, or Pentecostal roots) but requires clear integration into the sacramental, liturgical life of the church through the Membership and Candidate Selection Committee.

The Diaconal Order (Deacons)

• Character and Calling: Evidence of a servant’s heart, demonstrating physical and spiritual readiness to serve the marginalized within the community.

• Liturgical Preparation: Basic instruction in the use of the Book of Common Prayer and assisting the priest during the Holy Eucharist.

• Ecclesiastical Vetting: Submission of official background clearances, personal references, and a formal recommendation from a sponsoring parish or supervising priest.

The Presbyteral Order (Priests / Presbyters)

• Educational Credentials: Submission of transcripts or certificates from an approved theological seminary or training program (whether historic Anglican, Roman Catholic, or WAC-administered tracks).

• Sacramental Competence: Mastery of the Anglo-Catholic/Orthodox liturgical rites, showing the ability to validly and reverently administer the Sacraments.

• Canonical Examinations: Satisfactory completion of oral or written evaluations overseen by the WAC Liturgy Commission and theological examiners, proving sound biblical knowledge and pastoral maturity.

4. Requirements for the Episcopate (Bishops)

Because the WAC honors its historic roots—valuing the "unbroken lineage in both the West and East Succession" derived through Antioch and historic Catholic lines—the credentialing of a bishop requires the highest tier of international review by the Patriarch and the House of Bishops.

• Forensic Lineage Verification: For any bishop applying for reception from an outside independent jurisdiction, the applicant must supply fully documented, verifiable lines of Apostolic Succession. The WAC legal and canonical teams (led by the Office of the Lord Chancellor) must review these lines to confirm valid historical continuity.

• Adherence to the Canonical Rule of Three: Proof that the candidate’s consecration involved at least three validly consecrated bishops in the historic succession, conforming to ancient ecumenical practice.

• Synodal Election or Appointment: Formal approval, installation, or confirmation by the Patriarch of the Worldwide Anglican Church and the Holy Orthodox Synod.

• Global Legal Integrity: Pass thorough legal, background, and character checks to ensure absolute compliance with international law and the high ethical standards required of a global envoy and spiritual diplomat for the Church.