Individual members and member jurisdictions of the Guild of the Holy Apostles agree to these Landmarks:
(N.B. For a succinct presentation of the theological reasoning behind the Catholic, Apostolic and Orthodox tradition of an all male priesthood please see the encyclical Inter Insignores by Pope Paul VI. The teaching of this enclyclical was also definitively restated by Pope John Paul II in 1994 in his Apostolic Letter "Ordinatio Sacerdotalis". We include links to these documents not because we ascribe any particular authority to Roman Catholic papal documents in general, but rather because we happen to agree with the arguments presented in this particular case, which are entirely consistent with the Apostolic tradition as we have received it.)
- The Old and New Testaments as our scriptures.
- The Nicene Creed as the sufficient statement of Christian faith.
- The first seven councils of the undivided church as the standard of doctrine.
- The seven sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation, Marriage, Anointing of the Sick, Reconciliation, and Ordination.
- The historic threefold ministry of Bishops, Priests, and Deacons in the apostolic succession and that men alone can be validly admitted to the Sacrament of Holy Orders, though we do accept the ancient order of deaconess.
- The Ten Commandments and the Summary of the Law as the standard of Christian morality.
- We recognise the Catholicity and independence of the other Guild members and member jurisdictions.
- We recognise that fellow members and member jurisdictions hold all the essentials of the Christian faith and seek to teach and proclaim the same.
- We agree to welcome members of the Guild to participate in the sacraments, recognising as well the validity of each others' Holy Orders.
- We agree to maintain and promote the use of traditional liturgy, in either ancient or modern languages, and that the Holy Mass or Divine Liturgy should preferably be celebrated ad orientem, unless there are practical reasons why this is not possible.
- We agree solely to incardinate clergy who hold proven lines of apostolic succession.
- We agree that social issues such as divorce, sexual orientation, and contraception are personal matters of no particular religious importance, and maintain policies of non-discrimation and inclusivity.
- We commit ourselves to work toward an ever closer bond, seeking always to discern God's will for us and those we serve.
(N.B. For a succinct presentation of the theological reasoning behind the Catholic, Apostolic and Orthodox tradition of an all male priesthood please see the encyclical Inter Insignores by Pope Paul VI. The teaching of this enclyclical was also definitively restated by Pope John Paul II in 1994 in his Apostolic Letter "Ordinatio Sacerdotalis". We include links to these documents not because we ascribe any particular authority to Roman Catholic papal documents in general, but rather because we happen to agree with the arguments presented in this particular case, which are entirely consistent with the Apostolic tradition as we have received it.)
Our Lady, Queen of Apostles pray for us!
