1. Introduction
The Old Orthodox Church, as well as its dioceses and parishes, is committed to maintaining the integrity of its mission and ensuring that its financial support comes from faithful members who are actively participating in the life of the Church. This policy outlines the Church’s position that contributions of any type, including financial donations, in-kind gifts, or property, are only to be accepted from registered members of the Church.
2. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to:
- Ensure that the Church’s financial and material support comes from members who are committed to the teachings and mission of the Church.
- Prevent the acceptance of contributions that may come with conditions, expectations, or obligations contrary to the Church’s values.
- Uphold the spiritual and pastoral integrity of the Church by focusing on the stewardship of its own members.
3. Definitions
- Non-Member: Any individual, organisation, or entity that is not a registered, practising member of a parish or diocese within the Old Orthodox Church.
- Member: An individual who is baptised into the Church, registered with a parish, and actively participates in the sacraments and life of the Church.
- Contribution: Any financial donation, material gift, real estate, service, or other tangible or intangible resources offered to the Church, a diocese, or a parish.
4. General Policy on Contributions
4.1. Prohibition on Accepting Contributions from Non-Members
Neither the Church, nor its dioceses or parishes, are permitted to accept any form of contribution from non-members. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Financial donations in cash or through electronic means.
- Donations of real estate, vehicles, or other property.
- Gifts of goods, services, or in-kind support.
- Bequests or legacies from wills or estates.
4.2. Rationale for the Policy
The Church holds that its financial and material support should come exclusively from those who are fully integrated into the faith and mission of the Church. Accepting contributions from non-members could:
- Compromise the Church’s spiritual autonomy and its mission.
- Create potential conflicts of interest, especially if contributions are offered with the expectation of influence over Church decisions, practices, or teachings.
- Lead to complications if the donor’s beliefs or values conflict with those of the Church.
The policy ensures that the Church’s resources are sustained through the faith and generosity of those who actively live out their Catholic faith.
5. Identifying Members and Non-Members
5.1. Definition of Membership
A member of the Church, diocese, or parish is defined as an individual who:
- Is baptised into the Old Orthodox Church of Jerusalem.
- Is registered with a local parish and participates in its sacraments (Mass, Confession, etc.).
- Actively supports the mission and teachings of the Church, including adherence to its moral and doctrinal positions.
5.2. Screening of Contributions
When a contribution is offered, parishes and dioceses must ensure that the individual or organisation offering the gift is a recognised member of the Church. This may involve:
- Verifying the individual’s parish registration.
- Consulting with the parish priest or diocesan office to confirm membership.
- Requesting identification or proof of membership where necessary.
6. Special Circumstances
6.1. Contributions from Non-Member Family Members of Parishioners
In cases where non-member family members of a registered parishioner wish to make a donation, such as in memorial gifts or family events, the parish may accept these contributions under pastoral discretion. However, these contributions must be reviewed and approved by the Bishop’s office or parish priest to ensure they align with Church values and carry no conflicting expectations.
6.2. Contributions from Organisations
Organisations that are not explicitly Orthodox or are not affiliated with the Church are also prohibited from making contributions. Exceptions may be made in cases where Orthodox-affiliated groups, such as certain fraternal organisations or charities, offer donations, provided they have approval from Church authorities and align with Church doctrine.
7. Handling Offers of Contributions from Non-Members
7.1. Declining Contributions
When a contribution is offered by a non-member, the Church, diocese, or parish must respectfully decline the gift. The following guidelines should be followed:
- Express gratitude for the offer and appreciation for the individual’s interest in supporting the Church.
- Politely explain that the Church only accepts contributions from registered members to maintain the integrity of its mission and avoid conflicts of interest.
- Offer to discuss how the individual may become a member of the Church, if they express interest.
7.2. Referrals for Non-Members
If a non-member wishes to contribute as part of a larger charitable effort, the Church may direct them to appropriate charitable organisations or outreach ministries that are designed to work with external donors. In such cases, the contribution is made to the charitable organisation rather than directly to the Church.
8. Pastoral Considerations
While this policy is firm in its prohibition against accepting contributions from non-members, the Church must always approach such situations with charity and pastoral sensitivity. In declining contributions, priests and Church leaders should:
- Offer pastoral care and spiritual guidance to non-members, explaining the importance of membership and participation in the life of the Church.
- Encourage non-members to explore the Orthodox faith and become integrated into the parish community if they desire to support the Church.
9. Exceptions
9.1. Emergency Situations
In rare and extreme cases, such as natural disasters or emergencies where immediate resources are required to serve the community, the Bishop may grant a temporary dispensation to accept contributions from non-members. Such exceptions must be reviewed and approved by the Bishop’s office, and contributions will be strictly used for the emergency relief effort.
9.2. Bequests and Estates
If a non-member has left a bequest to the Church in their will, the Church must first verify if the individual had a prior relationship with the Church or expressed a desire to join the Church. In cases where the bequest could lead to legal complications or conflict with this policy, it should be referred to the Bishop’s office for guidance.
10. Enforcement
The Bishop’s office, along with parish leadership, is responsible for ensuring that this policy is upheld. Any instance of accepting a contribution from a non-member must be reported to the Bishop’s office for review. Parish priests and diocesan officials are tasked with educating staff and volunteers about this policy to prevent misunderstandings or accidental violations.
11. Conclusion
This policy underscores the Church’s commitment to maintaining its financial and spiritual independence, ensuring that its resources come from faithful members who are actively involved in the life of the Church. While the Church gratefully acknowledges the goodwill of non-members, it is crucial to safeguard the integrity of its mission by upholding this policy and ensuring that contributions are received solely from within the Church’s own community.
November 21, 1999; August 7, 2005; January 15, 2009
