The Episcopal Church Act of 2025
Décret-Loi Royal n° 19-2025
Année IX du Règne de Sa Majesté Marie-Adélina Première
On the Creation of the Established Christian Church of the Realm
PREAMBLE
Whereas We, desiring that the spiritual and artistic life of Our Kingdom be nourished by reverence, beauty, and devotion, and that the enduring values of the Anglican and Episcopal tradition be reflected in the ceremonial culture of Our Realm;
And whereas it is meet that Our Nation should possess within its ceremonial life an institution to embody faith, grace, and service in symbolic form, without presuming the prerogatives of the Church Universal;
Know ye therefore that We, of Our especial grace, certain knowledge, and mere motion, do by these Presents constitute, ordain, and establish within Our Realm and Territories a cultural and ceremonial body to be known as The Episcopal Church in Navassa, commonly called The Church of Navassa, to the honour of God and the edification of Our People.
ARTICLE I — Establishment of the National Church
The Church of Navassa shall serve as a cultural and ceremonial expression of the Anglican and Episcopal heritage within the Kingdom of Navassa.
It shall not claim ecclesiastical or sacramental authority, nor any jurisdiction within the Episcopal Church in the United States of America or the Anglican Communion.
It shall exist to foster reverence, moral reflection, and artistic celebration of faith, as part of the cultural patrimony of the Realm.
ARTICLE II — Role of the Sovereign
The Sovereign shall exercise no authority in matters of doctrine or clerical appointment, save in the ceremonial investiture of the appointments to the Royal Court and Household and in granting support for ecclesiastical projects and initiatives on behalf of Navassa.
The Sovereign of Navassa shall be styled Patron of the Church in Navassa, maintaining the Crown’s charge to uphold faith, beauty, and community service among the people.
ARTICLE III — Freedom of Conscience
The Church of Navassa shall operate in a spirit of respect toward all faiths, affirming liberty of conscience and the diversity of religious life within the Kingdom.
Nothing herein shall infringe upon the doctrines, rights, or jurisdictions of any recognized religious body.
The cultural works of the Church shall be offered for the public good, without claim to authority over the souls of humankind.
ARTICLE IV — Of Continuation and Record
The Church of Navassa shall remain under the Crown’s protection as a national cultural institution devoted to faith, art, and service.
This Charter may be amended by Royal Decree upon the advice of the Privy Council.
ARTICLE V — Implementation and Promulgation
This Decree-Law shall enter into force upon its promulgation and publication in the Gazette Royale.
