
Frequently asked Questions
I am divorced --- can I take Communion in your Church?
Yes ---we do not believe that we have the right to refuse you the Holy Sacrament if you come to our Altar with respect.
Being a divorcee -- can I remarry in your Church?
Yes --- we understand that many times divorce is Karmic and we have no right to judge you. You may remarry with our Blessings.
I am living de-facto - can I take communion?
Yes --- living de-facto does not make you an evil sinner, your attitude and pledge to each other is the most important thing just as in a marriage. As in answer to question one, the same principle applies.
I am gay --- am I welcome to take the sacrament in your Church?
You certainly are welcome, God did NOT entitle us to discriminate against you.
I believe in re-incarnation --- am I welcome there?
Yes. Check out Mathew 11:14 --- The Disciples said --- "Lord is John the harbinger Elijah returned" and Jesus said "If ye will bear it, he IS Elijah returned" --- Isn't that re-incarnation?
Is Buddhism, Druidism, Islam, Hinduism, Wicca, and many Pagan religions compatible with Christianity?
The true religions of these ARE genuine pathways to God and therefore compatible with Christianity, but some of the modern day sects do not fully follow their founders and so the use of the name of the denomination may be questionable. No true Religion carries a message of hate. The Universal creed is "DO WHAT YOU WILL BUT HARM TO NONE".
I am Christian and wish to marry a non Christian, --- can I marry there?
Yes --- You are both children of God, and we are servants of God.
I am gay --- will you marry me to another gay person?
Now that the law in Australia has sanctioned same-sex marriage, the Australian Church of Antioch has no qualms about marrying gay people. It is important to note that legally, any marriage celebrant has the right of refusal to marry any person. If any marriage celebrant within the Australian Church Of Antioch (ACOA) do refuse to marry a person, it is their own personal decision and NOT the policy of ACOA. We are ALL God's Children and as such we at ACOA try to give service to every person on an equal basis. Until the 13th century RC, Orthodox and Anglican churches had written services for gay marriages of homosexual men, lesbian women, and bisexuals. see Recommended Reading & the book titled, "MARRIAGE OF LIKENESS".
For those who are seeking to become Clergy
I am a woman, can I become Clergy?
Yes, male domination of the priesthood is the result of archaic patriarchal bigotry ...... nothing else. The Australian Church of Antioch has outgrown such discrimination, and this Church has strong genuine lines of female Apostolic lineage. See "Principles of Church about Women" & "The Importance of both Genders within the Church".
I am gay, can I still be clergy?
Yes. You are one of God's children, and being gay does NOT bar you from Clergy. You can be accepted as Clergy if you complete the necessary curriculum and are of good character.
I have a criminal conviction, can I become Clergy?
This must be discussed with the Dean of the school after providing a police report and meeting other criteria. Refer to The Constitution of The Australian Church of Antioch Section(s) 27(c), 27(d), 27(e) and 27(g) for initial guidance.
I am still serving a sentence, can I become Clergy?
The same criteria would apply as to the previous question.
I lean toward Buddhism and Esoterism, can I become Clergy?
Yes you can, if you have met the criteria for ordination within the Australian Church of Antioch. Many of our clergy follow several different streams in their journey towards ordination.
I wish to follow the monastic way of life, can I be Clergy?
Yes, we have two monastic style orders under the church's protection. A monastic style may be the preference of many people; some may even wish to start their own order after ordination. This possibility can be discussed with the Presiding Archbishop, or Dean of St Michael's Divinity School.
Are Clergy in your Church able to perform marriages, funerals etc?
Yes, we are fully registered with the Australian government as a recognized religion, we offer all seven Sacraments of the Church.
Does your Clergy hear confession (reconciliation) and are they confidential?
If anyone feels that they would benefit, we certainly will hear confessions (reconciliation), but we do not actively encourage the necessity for confessions. It is important to note that strict rules apply to Clergy surrounding Confession. NEVER, under any circumstance, must the content of any confession be divulged by Clergy without the permission of the person concerned. This is known as "The Seal of Confession" and traditionally it is to be followed at all times, in all circumstances. The violation of this rule results in serious consequences for the member of clergy by the church.
AN IMPORTANT NOTE: A NUMBER OF AUSTRALIAN STATES HAVE LEGISLATED MANDATORY REPORTING OF CHILD ABUSE LAWS. CLERGY ARE NOT EXEMPT FROM THESE LAWS AND VIOLATION OF THESE LAWS INCUR HEAVY PENALTIES.
