Principles of Canon Law common to the Anglican Communion
Whereas the Anglican Communion Legal Advisers` Consultation has established that: there are principles of canon law common to the Churches within the Anglican Communion; their existence can be factually established; each Anglican Province or Church contributes through its own legal system to the principles of canon law common within the Anglican Communion; these principles have a strong persuasive authority and are fundamental to the self-understanding of each of the Churches in the Communion; these principles have a living force, and contain in themselves the possibility for further development; and the existence of these principles both demonstrates unity and promotes unity within the Anglican Communion.
And whereas the Primates have: recognised that the unwritten law common to the Churches of the Anglican Communion and expressed as shared principles of canon law may be understood to constitute a fifth instrument of unity in the Communion; and requested a statement of principles which may be added to and developed.
And whereas the Anglican Consultative Council has welcomed the establishment of a Network of Anglican Legal Advisers which will produce a statement of principles of Canon Law common within the Communion.
The Network of Anglican Legal Advisers identifies the following as principles of canon law common to the churches of the Anglican Communion, as to:
Part I: Order in the Church Part II: The Anglican Communion Part III: Ecclesiastical Government Part IV: Ministry Part V: Doctrine and Liturgy Part VI: The Rites of the Church Part VII: Church Property Part VIII: Ecumenical Relations