Mission Episcopate Ss Francis and Clare
The Mission Episcopate of Saints Francis and Clare ceased to function as an autocephalous church, and all clergy were relocated amicably.
Welcome!
The presiding Bishop of the Mission Episcopate of Saints Francis and Clare has retired, placed the mission in voluntary suspension, and all clergy have been relocated amicably.
We are leaving the website online in case anyone wishes to use the Liturgy and Mass Propers forms.
Please feel free to do so.
May you be blessed!
Please address any inquiries to Bishop Thomas through thomas.oef@gmail.com
Last of MESFC Calendar 2022-2023.
Based on the provided Google search results, the Mission Episcopate of Saints Francis and Clare is described as an “autocephalous (self-governing) ecclesial jurisdiction”.
Here are the key details regarding its nature and context:
Structure: It is an independent, self-governing jurisdiction that sponsors the Order of Lesser Sisters and Brothers.
Affiliation/Type: It operates within the context of Franciscan spirituality in Protestantism (specifically Anglican/Ecumenical).
Membership: It is an ecumenical community open to men and women, whether married, partnered, or single, and includes both clergy and laypeople.
Legal/Ecclesial Standing: As an “autocephalous” entity, it governs itself, distinguishing it from traditional Roman Catholic or strictly hierarchical Anglican structures, yet it operates in a similar fashion to other independent Franciscan orders, such as the Australian Ecumenical Franciscan Order.
Theology: The group shares in the broader Franciscan tradition of poverty, service, and ecumenical outreach.
The Mission Episcopate of Saints Francis and Clare is an autocephalous (self-governing) ecclesial jurisdiction. It is not a legal body in the sense of a secular judicial system, but rather an independent religious entity that sponsors the Order of Lesser Sisters and Brothers.
Legal and Organizational Status
Autocephalous Status: As an autocephalous jurisdiction, it operates independently of major established hierarchies such as the Roman Catholic Church or the official Anglican Communion, though it may draw on their traditions.
Mission and Values: Its stated mission is to “love God and neighbor,” focusing on ministry, simplicity, and the Five Marks of Mission recognized by the Anglican Communion (proclamation of the Gospel, teaching, service, social justice, and environmental stewardship).
Governance: While specific secular corporate “legal” filings (such as 501(c)(3) status) vary by regional branch, its internal “legal” structure is defined by its own Rule and Journey of Life, which outlines the requirements for clergy and lay members.
Inclusivity: The jurisdiction is open to Christians of all genders, marital statuses, and sexual orientations, sponsoring a “dispersed ecumenical Franciscan community”.
Clare and Francis of Assisi Gonfalone della Peste 1470.tiff
Fragment of the processional banner from the Lower Church of San Francis in Assisi, Date 1470
19th century: sale of the collection of Source www.vismaya-maitreya.pl
This work is in the public domain in its country of origin and other countries and areas where the copyright term is the author’s life plus 100 years or fewer.Wikipedia.org
A “mission episcopate” refers to an episcopal structure, the office, authority, and ministry of bishops, that is specifically focused on planting, developing, and overseeing new churches or mission territories, rather than just maintaining established, self-supporting dioceses.
Catholic Church in England and Wales
Episcopate (Definition): The office, rank, or term of a bishop. It comes from the Greek episkopos (“overseer”), signifying a leader who supervises a region, usually a diocese.
Mission Component: In this context, the episcopate functions as a missionary tool to “send” the church into new contexts to proclaim the gospel.
Key Characteristics of a Mission Episcopate:
Focus on Growth and Evangelism: Instead of focusing solely on administration, a mission bishopric often works to establish new communities of faith, often in areas requiring spiritual or physical support.
Direct Oversight: In the Episcopal Church, a “mission” is a congregation that is not yet self-supporting and is under the direct authority of the Bishop and Diocesan Council, as opposed to a self-governing
Apostolic Work: It emphasizes the “apostolic work” of leading, supervising, and uniting the Church, carrying forward the work of the apostles sent by Jesus.
Adaptability: The historic episcopate is often viewed within Anglicanism as being “locally adapted” to the needs of different peoples and
Contextual Examples: A “mission diocese” is an area in the care of a bishop that is in a developmental stage.
In essence, a mission episcopate is a, or the, leadership model focused on active, outward-reaching church development and pastoral oversight, rather than merely administrative maintenance.
MESFC is part of Eric Michel Ministries International, but we do not have the ownership, and it is not registered under our name, likewise concerning the MESFC and a US not-for-profit corporation, except for the domain name www.mesfc.org
EMMI liturgy is Anglican, Episcopal, and Roman Catholic; the same goes for our beliefs.
Our clergy may use the celebrations and rituals from the Book of Common Prayer and the files approved by the ex-presiding Bishop of the Mission Episcopate of Saints Francis and Clare, plus all RCC Third Order of Saint Francis celebrations and rituals.
NOTE: EMMI is NOT a liberal Catholic organization or corporation
The www.mesfc.org is forwarded to https://franciscanseucharist.com/