| What is Mission St. Sergius An Affirming Catholic Ministry of the Franciscans of Divine Mercy and Love of God Reformed Catholic Church International |
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Our Beliefs
Mission St. Sergius is A progressive, inclusive and affirming Catholic community
holds all the truths found in the Nicene Creed, We believe that the Body and
Blood of Our Savior, Jesus Christ is present in the Eucharist, We believe We
proclaim our Blessed Mother to be the patroness of the America's under the
title of "OUR LADY OF GUADELOUPE" We believe that Almighty God, in
His wisdom, has created people with their sexual orientation. We affirm that
by our Baptism we become members of the Mystical Body of Christ and are
called to be disciples of Christ and to be actively involved in a faith community.
We believe that when we receive the Eucharist we are receiving the body and
blood of Christ that has been trans substantiated from the bread and wine
offered in the Eucharistic Liturgy.
WE Are:
+ A progressive, inclusive and affirming Catholic community.
+ Welcoming and encouraging of the inclusion of women in the priesthood, the
marriage of priests and the wedding of all loving couples, heterosexual and
homosexual as gifts of God.
+ A place of healing for those who have been hurt by their church of origin for
any reason, but still yearn for Catholic spirituality and liturgy
+A Catholic church that believes in allowing divorced persons to remarry in the
church as allowed in the early church and in today’s Orthodox Churches.
+ A Church in Apostolic Succession, viewing the Pope as a patriarch and Bishop
of Rome, first among equals with all the Patriarchs , a spiritual father and
symbol of Christian unity.
+We are Catholics-in-exile, not under the authority of the Vatican but a
reformed, progressive, inclusive, affirming Catholicism rooted in the best of the
church’s traditions.
+Mission Saints Sergius and Bacchus is a ministry founded in 2005 by Rev.
Robert Johnnene OFD in Holliston Massachusetts and is a duly recognized
religious non profit by the IRS and The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The
Franciscans of Divine Mercy were officially recognized as a newly formed
Franciscan order on the feast of Divine Mercy on March 30th 2008 by Rev.
Robert Johnnene OFD.
Mission St. Sergius is A progressive, inclusive and affirming Catholic community
holds all the truths found in the Nicene Creed, We believe that the Body and
Blood of Our Savior, Jesus Christ is present in the Eucharist, We believe We
proclaim our Blessed Mother to be the patroness of the America's under the
title of "OUR LADY OF GUADELOUPE" We believe that Almighty God, in
His wisdom, has created people with their sexual orientation. We affirm that
by our Baptism we become members of the Mystical Body of Christ and are
called to be disciples of Christ and to be actively involved in a faith community.
We believe that when we receive the Eucharist we are receiving the body and
blood of Christ that has been trans substantiated from the bread and wine
offered in the Eucharistic Liturgy.
WE Are:
+ A progressive, inclusive and affirming Catholic community.
+ Welcoming and encouraging of the inclusion of women in the priesthood, the
marriage of priests and the wedding of all loving couples, heterosexual and
homosexual as gifts of God.
+ A place of healing for those who have been hurt by their church of origin for
any reason, but still yearn for Catholic spirituality and liturgy
+A Catholic church that believes in allowing divorced persons to remarry in the
church as allowed in the early church and in today’s Orthodox Churches.
+ A Church in Apostolic Succession, viewing the Pope as a patriarch and Bishop
of Rome, first among equals with all the Patriarchs , a spiritual father and
symbol of Christian unity.
+We are Catholics-in-exile, not under the authority of the Vatican but a
reformed, progressive, inclusive, affirming Catholicism rooted in the best of the
church’s traditions.
+Mission Saints Sergius and Bacchus is a ministry founded in 2005 by Rev.
Robert Johnnene OFD in Holliston Massachusetts and is a duly recognized
religious non profit by the IRS and The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The
Franciscans of Divine Mercy were officially recognized as a newly formed
Franciscan order on the feast of Divine Mercy on March 30th 2008 by Rev.
Robert Johnnene OFD.
Mission Statement of Mission Saints Sergius and Bacchus
We affirm the statement of the church found in the 1991 document A CATHOLIC PERSPECTIVE FOR EDUCATION
AND LIFELONG LEARNING page 55. We call on all Christians and citizens of good will to confront their own fears
about homosexuality and to curb the humor and discrimination that offend homosexual persons. We go beyond that by
encouraging homosexual individuals to claim their rightful place as Baptized members of the Mystical Body of Christ
within the Faith community of the Church as active participants and Disciples of Christ.
The National Conference of Catholic Bishops stated in their pastoral letter TO LIVE IN CHRIST JESUS page 19 and in
their document HUMAN SEXUALITY, A CATHOLIC PERSPECTIVE; “Homosexual persons should not suffer from
prejudice against their human rights. They have a right to respect, friendship and justice.”
We therefore invite all people who support the concept of a church that proclaims God's infinite Love, compassion and
forgiveness, to join with us in an active role in forming a Christian community that embraces the forgiving mercy and the
everlasting love of Jesus Christ.
At the present time, we are seeking a place where a chapel, office and residence for the pastor can be established in the
New England area in order to better serve all those in New england and provide a place for regular worship services and
community outreach.
Working together, with God's guidance through the Holy Spirit, a strong, viable and visible Catholic Faith community
can be established that serves God proudly with praise, dignity, devotion, honor and full sacramental participation.
We acknowledge and give due respect and recognition to the Archdiocese Of Los Angeles, Office of Ministry With
Lesbian and Gay Catholics, whose statement of mission we feel best describes and states the mission of Mission Saints
Sergius and Bacchus, I humbly present these points of belief, giving complete and thankful acknowledgement to the
MLGC office of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
1. Mission Sts. Sergius & Bacchus recognizes that all persons with a homosexual orientation are capable of living a full
Catholic life in union with all the members of the Church.
2. Mission St. Sergius has as its primary goal "to foster a spirit of community and fellowship among gay Catholics so that
they can offer and receive mutual support in living our their lives of faith with the Church." (Cardinal Roger Mahoney, (2-
2-86).
3. Mission Sts. Sergius & Bacchus takes its inspiration from the Gospel; is shaped by Church teachings and pastoral
practice; borrows appropriately from the insights of the social and biological sciences; and listens, ponders and prays
over the lived experience of those to whom it ministers.
4. Mission Sts. Sergius & Bacchus calls on concerned Catholics and all Christian people of good will to know and share
in the challenges, burdens and blessings of homosexual persons living a Christian life within the Catholic tradition.
5. Mission St. Sergius chooses to follow a prudent pastoral course, accepting people where they are in their discipleship
with Jesus Christ, and their membership in the Church, and challenging them to live out fully the call of Christ and the
teachings of the Church.
6. Mission St. Sergius supports movements for homosexual and lesbian persons that are consonant with Church teaching,
especially those which safeguard human dignity and promote human rights.
7. Mission St. Sergius supports and encourages all Church’s pastors to condemn any treatment in which lesbians and
homosexual men are the object of violent malice in speech, action, and law, wherever it occurs.
8. Concomitant with ministry to homosexual men and women, yet distinct from it, Mission St. Sergius offers care to all
persons living with HIV/AIDS. "Our fidelity to the teachings and example of Jesus Christ make it a moral imperative that
we, like Him, reach out in a loving manner to give spiritual and physical help to those who suffer." (Cardinal Roger
Mahoney)
The words of Jesus found in: (Matthew 9:13;& 12:7 ) "I desire mercy, not sacrifice! I have come to call, NOT the
righteous, BUT SINNERS. If you understand the meaning of the text, It is mercy I desire and not sacrifice, you would not
have condemned these innocent Men."
Rev. Robert Johnnene OFD
Mission Saints Sergius and Bacchus
Franciscans of Divine Mercy
Reformed Catholic Church International
Holliston, MA 01746
508-429-0992
We affirm the statement of the church found in the 1991 document A CATHOLIC PERSPECTIVE FOR EDUCATION
AND LIFELONG LEARNING page 55. We call on all Christians and citizens of good will to confront their own fears
about homosexuality and to curb the humor and discrimination that offend homosexual persons. We go beyond that by
encouraging homosexual individuals to claim their rightful place as Baptized members of the Mystical Body of Christ
within the Faith community of the Church as active participants and Disciples of Christ.
The National Conference of Catholic Bishops stated in their pastoral letter TO LIVE IN CHRIST JESUS page 19 and in
their document HUMAN SEXUALITY, A CATHOLIC PERSPECTIVE; “Homosexual persons should not suffer from
prejudice against their human rights. They have a right to respect, friendship and justice.”
We therefore invite all people who support the concept of a church that proclaims God's infinite Love, compassion and
forgiveness, to join with us in an active role in forming a Christian community that embraces the forgiving mercy and the
everlasting love of Jesus Christ.
At the present time, we are seeking a place where a chapel, office and residence for the pastor can be established in the
New England area in order to better serve all those in New england and provide a place for regular worship services and
community outreach.
Working together, with God's guidance through the Holy Spirit, a strong, viable and visible Catholic Faith community
can be established that serves God proudly with praise, dignity, devotion, honor and full sacramental participation.
We acknowledge and give due respect and recognition to the Archdiocese Of Los Angeles, Office of Ministry With
Lesbian and Gay Catholics, whose statement of mission we feel best describes and states the mission of Mission Saints
Sergius and Bacchus, I humbly present these points of belief, giving complete and thankful acknowledgement to the
MLGC office of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
1. Mission Sts. Sergius & Bacchus recognizes that all persons with a homosexual orientation are capable of living a full
Catholic life in union with all the members of the Church.
2. Mission St. Sergius has as its primary goal "to foster a spirit of community and fellowship among gay Catholics so that
they can offer and receive mutual support in living our their lives of faith with the Church." (Cardinal Roger Mahoney, (2-
2-86).
3. Mission Sts. Sergius & Bacchus takes its inspiration from the Gospel; is shaped by Church teachings and pastoral
practice; borrows appropriately from the insights of the social and biological sciences; and listens, ponders and prays
over the lived experience of those to whom it ministers.
4. Mission Sts. Sergius & Bacchus calls on concerned Catholics and all Christian people of good will to know and share
in the challenges, burdens and blessings of homosexual persons living a Christian life within the Catholic tradition.
5. Mission St. Sergius chooses to follow a prudent pastoral course, accepting people where they are in their discipleship
with Jesus Christ, and their membership in the Church, and challenging them to live out fully the call of Christ and the
teachings of the Church.
6. Mission St. Sergius supports movements for homosexual and lesbian persons that are consonant with Church teaching,
especially those which safeguard human dignity and promote human rights.
7. Mission St. Sergius supports and encourages all Church’s pastors to condemn any treatment in which lesbians and
homosexual men are the object of violent malice in speech, action, and law, wherever it occurs.
8. Concomitant with ministry to homosexual men and women, yet distinct from it, Mission St. Sergius offers care to all
persons living with HIV/AIDS. "Our fidelity to the teachings and example of Jesus Christ make it a moral imperative that
we, like Him, reach out in a loving manner to give spiritual and physical help to those who suffer." (Cardinal Roger
Mahoney)
The words of Jesus found in: (Matthew 9:13;& 12:7 ) "I desire mercy, not sacrifice! I have come to call, NOT the
righteous, BUT SINNERS. If you understand the meaning of the text, It is mercy I desire and not sacrifice, you would not
have condemned these innocent Men."
Rev. Robert Johnnene OFD
Mission Saints Sergius and Bacchus
Franciscans of Divine Mercy
Reformed Catholic Church International
Holliston, MA 01746
508-429-0992
STATEMENT OF BELIEFS
The Reformed catholic Church International Inc. is an Interfaith Christian Church recognizing the existence and need
for diverse expressions of faith and spirituality among the human race and believes that no church or ecclesiastical body
has the authority or power to dictate a set of religious beliefs or precepts.
However, The Reformed catholic Church International Inc. Recognizes basic Articles of Faith we believe will always fall
under the phrase “Interfaith Christian.” Members of The Reformed catholic Church International are expected to accept
the following Articles of Faith:
1. THE BIBLE
We believe the Holy Bible is the inspired Word of God, but is not exclusive of all knowledge of our Savior nor is it
entirely accurate in it's present state of interpretation. Whenever error or conflict arises between Scriptures, we seek the
"original tongue" of the conflicting works to determine their true meanings. If this fails, it is not the fault of the
Scriptures, but our own inability to understand what is presented because of our own desire to reach a man made
conclusion not based in Scripture. We reject the idea that the Holy Bible is complete, as it is common knowledge the
Lost Books of the Bible were rejected by the early Catholic Church for inclusion in the Holy Bible, yet they came from
the same period of time and are still relied upon as sound Scripture for reference purposes.
2. THE NATURE OF GOD
We believe in the majesty and greatness of God, a God who dwells throughout the Universe and is in all things. He is the
force of life itself. By any name a man calls out to the Heavens for intervention in time of need, he has called upon the
One, True God. Many names, many paths, but only one God. At this moment in time, He is the same God that breathed
the first breath of life throughout the Universe, and will be the same tomorrow.
We believe there is but ONE GOD and ONE SON and ONE HOLY SPIRIT. Combined, they set mankind free into God's
will for their lives. We worship the Father in all things, fellowship with Him at all times, and do so through the teachings
of His Son, Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit connects us to the Father twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week and
allows God to know of our needs before we realize what they are. Our ability to heed It's still, small voice in our lives
wholly determines if we are acceptable human beings before the throne of God.
JESUS CHRIST
We believe Jesus Christ truly was the Son of God. This is not only proclaimed in the Holy Bible, not only by the
authority of our faith, but by the shear weight and vastness of His displayed intellect, in both His teachings and His
knowledge of all things hidden from mankind until recent modern times.
We believe that He was crucified and while He laid in the grave for three days and nights, He preached the way to
salvation to all those souls who had gone on before in the Spirit Prison.
We believe Jesus Christ came into this world to bring the message of salvation to all of mankind.
We believe He arose from the dead and began a Ministry that reached into every hollow and mountaintop on every
continent of this world.
We believe that by His words, He proved He was Master of Astrology, Medicine, Physiology, Psychology and all the
Earth Sciences. And, by faith we believe He sits at the right hand of God, the Father, the Creator of all.
3. THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit dwells in every child born of man, and allows us to be in constant communion with the Father, twenty-
four hours a day, seven days a week. The Holy Spirit allows the Father to know of our wants and needs before we become
aware of them ourselves. It allows us to worship the Father in the Spirit, for He is of the Spirit and desires us to worship
Him as such.
4. THE NATURE OF GOOD AND EVIL
We believe that in the beginning God created the Heavens and the earth. Our understanding of Genesis determines our
ability to identify the root cause and truth of the nature of good and evil in the world. We further believe that whether
Satan is still in the employ of God (as in the story of Job) or not, truly mankind is the pinnacle of evil without the
stirrings and acceptance of the Holy Spirit in one's life.
5. SALVATION
We believe that God proved He is the God of all creation and that His Son, Jesus Christ, is the Savior of all creation. For
we worship the Father through the Son and heed God's call through the Holy Spirit in all that we undertake in life.
We believe that to believe on Christ, to follow Him, to take up His cross means more to us than to merely call ourselves
Christians. For it is to physically hear, understand and act upon the urgings of the Holy Spirit in our lives that
determines our salvation, and nothing else; not our faith, nor our declarations, nor our lack of faith, nor to what name
we call upon the Father in, but by our actions and our works.
We believe that water is the true symbol of purification; therefore, we believe that baptism in some form is an essential
part of salvation.
We believe the book of Revelation holds the key to understanding; for at the time of the Final Judgment, Jesus Christ
will stand at the right hand of God, and judge everyone out of His Lamb's Book of Life, "...According to their works."
Those who fulfill those wishes of the Father will be found acceptable before the Throne of God as human beings
originally intended by the Creator. Those who have not followed the Holy Spirit in their lives, relying solely upon their
own corrupt doctrine and dogma will be unworthy of God's mercy.
6. THE TRUE CHURCH
We believe through knowledge of the original tongues, that the term Church does not refer to any group or any house of
worship, as this term does not appear in the Holy Scriptures.
The term, as used by Paul, was ECCLESIA, which means the whole people of God who follow the Christ, with Christ at
it's head. It was used again and again by him to remind the City/State congregations their fruits and gifts belonged to a
greater body, the Body of Christ.
We believe that in this light, we call ourselves a Church insofar as we desire to declare to the world that we wish to return
to that Body of Christ which existed during our Master's ministry and directly after, before mankind convoluted it's
meaning and made it into something else.
7. OTHER RELIGIONS
The Interfaith Christian embraces all positive spiritual paths including Shamanism and earth-based traditions, often
being called upon to heal gaps between the many disparate religious faiths using the original teachings of Jesus Christ,
minus convoluted man made doctrine
We believe and know that our Savior, Jesus Christ, said all good things come from the Father. In this light, we belittle no
other religion that follows a positive spiritual path to the Creator. We also respect Shamanism and all earth-based
traditions, for as those who revere and honor even the simplest and smallest of God's creations will in no less wise be
rewarded by the Father in Heaven for their good works. We will not judge, for to do so, our Savior says we will be judged
by the same measure.
We believe that in the final measure, Jesus embraced all who follow Him through the Holy Spirit and their actions,
regardless of their faith, or lack of it. For He knew of their deeds before they knew of Him. Thus, we welcome all who will
bear the label of Interfaith Christian, which boldly proclaims the validity of labels such as Christian/Wicca,
Christian/Pagan, Christian/Hindu, Christian/Muslim, Christian/Humanist, etc.
8. DIVINE HEALING
We believe in the practice and use of alternative healing, which includes, but is not limited to, the Biblical practice of
laying on of hands.
9. THE PURPOSE OF LIFE
We believe that the purpose of life is to follow the will of the Holy Spirit, and thereby, the will of the Father in all things;
the end result being the uplifting of the people of God and a returning to the God seed given in the beginning of creation.
10. CIVIL AUTHORITIES
We believe that although many hold that governments must be by the wish of the people, we may declare to you that all
governments, free or dictatorship, exist at the will of the Father. You are commanded by the Son and by all the
Scriptures to honor and follow that government. But, you are also commanded to guard your heart lest you become less
than you were in following your government. Jesus said, "Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's and unto God that
which is God's." The man who reluctantly swings the axe at the will of his government is not the same as the man who
swings the axe at the will of his government and for his own enjoyment.
11. FRANCISCAN’S OF DIVINE MERCY AND LOVE OF GOD
On the Feast of Divine Mercy, March 30th 2008 , Rev. Robert J. Johnnene OFD founded a religious community within
the RCCINE.
The name of the new community is the Order Franciscans of the Divine Mercy and Love of God or Franciscans of Divine
Mercy. The initials which members of the Order place after their names will be OFD.
Following the evangelical counsels of poverty, and obedience we experience and live our vows as partnered/married or
single persons, male and female, under the rule of life established by St. Francis.
Members of the order may choose to make a vow of Chastity but it is not a requirement. We desire to have Saint Francis
as a guide to our following of Jesus. We identify strongly with Jesus’ call to Saint Francis to “go, rebuild My Church”.
We understand this in the contemporary world as a call to affirm and proclaim the Divine Mercy and Love of God for all
people regardless of their race, nationality, sexual orientation.
God’s Love is shown us in the person of Jesus His beloved Son and in the sacrifice Christ was willing to suffer so we
could gain eternal live.
As Franciscans of the Divine Mercy and Love of God we dedicate ourselves to live out the call to St. Francis “go rebuild
My Church” as a call to each one of us to encourage unity within the Mystical Body of Christ, The Church, and to
gather all who accept Christ as their redeemer and Savior together, regardless of their race, marital condition,
nationality, religious affiliation or sexual orientation into one flock with Christ as the Shepherd.
Our ministry is totally supported by donations and our clergy do not receive any salary but support themselves in
accordance with the rule of St. Francis by working in employment that provides them with their basic needs. Some of our
clergy work as nurses, counselors, musical Directors for Faith communities, Fr. Robert lives on his Social Security of
$947.00 a month some of which he has to use to maintain the expenses of the ministry.
The Reformed catholic Church International Inc. is an Interfaith Christian Church recognizing the existence and need
for diverse expressions of faith and spirituality among the human race and believes that no church or ecclesiastical body
has the authority or power to dictate a set of religious beliefs or precepts.
However, The Reformed catholic Church International Inc. Recognizes basic Articles of Faith we believe will always fall
under the phrase “Interfaith Christian.” Members of The Reformed catholic Church International are expected to accept
the following Articles of Faith:
1. THE BIBLE
We believe the Holy Bible is the inspired Word of God, but is not exclusive of all knowledge of our Savior nor is it
entirely accurate in it's present state of interpretation. Whenever error or conflict arises between Scriptures, we seek the
"original tongue" of the conflicting works to determine their true meanings. If this fails, it is not the fault of the
Scriptures, but our own inability to understand what is presented because of our own desire to reach a man made
conclusion not based in Scripture. We reject the idea that the Holy Bible is complete, as it is common knowledge the
Lost Books of the Bible were rejected by the early Catholic Church for inclusion in the Holy Bible, yet they came from
the same period of time and are still relied upon as sound Scripture for reference purposes.
2. THE NATURE OF GOD
We believe in the majesty and greatness of God, a God who dwells throughout the Universe and is in all things. He is the
force of life itself. By any name a man calls out to the Heavens for intervention in time of need, he has called upon the
One, True God. Many names, many paths, but only one God. At this moment in time, He is the same God that breathed
the first breath of life throughout the Universe, and will be the same tomorrow.
We believe there is but ONE GOD and ONE SON and ONE HOLY SPIRIT. Combined, they set mankind free into God's
will for their lives. We worship the Father in all things, fellowship with Him at all times, and do so through the teachings
of His Son, Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit connects us to the Father twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week and
allows God to know of our needs before we realize what they are. Our ability to heed It's still, small voice in our lives
wholly determines if we are acceptable human beings before the throne of God.
JESUS CHRIST
We believe Jesus Christ truly was the Son of God. This is not only proclaimed in the Holy Bible, not only by the
authority of our faith, but by the shear weight and vastness of His displayed intellect, in both His teachings and His
knowledge of all things hidden from mankind until recent modern times.
We believe that He was crucified and while He laid in the grave for three days and nights, He preached the way to
salvation to all those souls who had gone on before in the Spirit Prison.
We believe Jesus Christ came into this world to bring the message of salvation to all of mankind.
We believe He arose from the dead and began a Ministry that reached into every hollow and mountaintop on every
continent of this world.
We believe that by His words, He proved He was Master of Astrology, Medicine, Physiology, Psychology and all the
Earth Sciences. And, by faith we believe He sits at the right hand of God, the Father, the Creator of all.
3. THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit dwells in every child born of man, and allows us to be in constant communion with the Father, twenty-
four hours a day, seven days a week. The Holy Spirit allows the Father to know of our wants and needs before we become
aware of them ourselves. It allows us to worship the Father in the Spirit, for He is of the Spirit and desires us to worship
Him as such.
4. THE NATURE OF GOOD AND EVIL
We believe that in the beginning God created the Heavens and the earth. Our understanding of Genesis determines our
ability to identify the root cause and truth of the nature of good and evil in the world. We further believe that whether
Satan is still in the employ of God (as in the story of Job) or not, truly mankind is the pinnacle of evil without the
stirrings and acceptance of the Holy Spirit in one's life.
5. SALVATION
We believe that God proved He is the God of all creation and that His Son, Jesus Christ, is the Savior of all creation. For
we worship the Father through the Son and heed God's call through the Holy Spirit in all that we undertake in life.
We believe that to believe on Christ, to follow Him, to take up His cross means more to us than to merely call ourselves
Christians. For it is to physically hear, understand and act upon the urgings of the Holy Spirit in our lives that
determines our salvation, and nothing else; not our faith, nor our declarations, nor our lack of faith, nor to what name
we call upon the Father in, but by our actions and our works.
We believe that water is the true symbol of purification; therefore, we believe that baptism in some form is an essential
part of salvation.
We believe the book of Revelation holds the key to understanding; for at the time of the Final Judgment, Jesus Christ
will stand at the right hand of God, and judge everyone out of His Lamb's Book of Life, "...According to their works."
Those who fulfill those wishes of the Father will be found acceptable before the Throne of God as human beings
originally intended by the Creator. Those who have not followed the Holy Spirit in their lives, relying solely upon their
own corrupt doctrine and dogma will be unworthy of God's mercy.
6. THE TRUE CHURCH
We believe through knowledge of the original tongues, that the term Church does not refer to any group or any house of
worship, as this term does not appear in the Holy Scriptures.
The term, as used by Paul, was ECCLESIA, which means the whole people of God who follow the Christ, with Christ at
it's head. It was used again and again by him to remind the City/State congregations their fruits and gifts belonged to a
greater body, the Body of Christ.
We believe that in this light, we call ourselves a Church insofar as we desire to declare to the world that we wish to return
to that Body of Christ which existed during our Master's ministry and directly after, before mankind convoluted it's
meaning and made it into something else.
7. OTHER RELIGIONS
The Interfaith Christian embraces all positive spiritual paths including Shamanism and earth-based traditions, often
being called upon to heal gaps between the many disparate religious faiths using the original teachings of Jesus Christ,
minus convoluted man made doctrine
We believe and know that our Savior, Jesus Christ, said all good things come from the Father. In this light, we belittle no
other religion that follows a positive spiritual path to the Creator. We also respect Shamanism and all earth-based
traditions, for as those who revere and honor even the simplest and smallest of God's creations will in no less wise be
rewarded by the Father in Heaven for their good works. We will not judge, for to do so, our Savior says we will be judged
by the same measure.
We believe that in the final measure, Jesus embraced all who follow Him through the Holy Spirit and their actions,
regardless of their faith, or lack of it. For He knew of their deeds before they knew of Him. Thus, we welcome all who will
bear the label of Interfaith Christian, which boldly proclaims the validity of labels such as Christian/Wicca,
Christian/Pagan, Christian/Hindu, Christian/Muslim, Christian/Humanist, etc.
8. DIVINE HEALING
We believe in the practice and use of alternative healing, which includes, but is not limited to, the Biblical practice of
laying on of hands.
9. THE PURPOSE OF LIFE
We believe that the purpose of life is to follow the will of the Holy Spirit, and thereby, the will of the Father in all things;
the end result being the uplifting of the people of God and a returning to the God seed given in the beginning of creation.
10. CIVIL AUTHORITIES
We believe that although many hold that governments must be by the wish of the people, we may declare to you that all
governments, free or dictatorship, exist at the will of the Father. You are commanded by the Son and by all the
Scriptures to honor and follow that government. But, you are also commanded to guard your heart lest you become less
than you were in following your government. Jesus said, "Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's and unto God that
which is God's." The man who reluctantly swings the axe at the will of his government is not the same as the man who
swings the axe at the will of his government and for his own enjoyment.
11. FRANCISCAN’S OF DIVINE MERCY AND LOVE OF GOD
On the Feast of Divine Mercy, March 30th 2008 , Rev. Robert J. Johnnene OFD founded a religious community within
the RCCINE.
The name of the new community is the Order Franciscans of the Divine Mercy and Love of God or Franciscans of Divine
Mercy. The initials which members of the Order place after their names will be OFD.
Following the evangelical counsels of poverty, and obedience we experience and live our vows as partnered/married or
single persons, male and female, under the rule of life established by St. Francis.
Members of the order may choose to make a vow of Chastity but it is not a requirement. We desire to have Saint Francis
as a guide to our following of Jesus. We identify strongly with Jesus’ call to Saint Francis to “go, rebuild My Church”.
We understand this in the contemporary world as a call to affirm and proclaim the Divine Mercy and Love of God for all
people regardless of their race, nationality, sexual orientation.
God’s Love is shown us in the person of Jesus His beloved Son and in the sacrifice Christ was willing to suffer so we
could gain eternal live.
As Franciscans of the Divine Mercy and Love of God we dedicate ourselves to live out the call to St. Francis “go rebuild
My Church” as a call to each one of us to encourage unity within the Mystical Body of Christ, The Church, and to
gather all who accept Christ as their redeemer and Savior together, regardless of their race, marital condition,
nationality, religious affiliation or sexual orientation into one flock with Christ as the Shepherd.
Our ministry is totally supported by donations and our clergy do not receive any salary but support themselves in
accordance with the rule of St. Francis by working in employment that provides them with their basic needs. Some of our
clergy work as nurses, counselors, musical Directors for Faith communities, Fr. Robert lives on his Social Security of
$947.00 a month some of which he has to use to maintain the expenses of the ministry.