Anglican Legal Society

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Uniting those interested
in Anglican canon law

The Anglican Legal Society (ALS) brings together diocesan chancellors, attorneys, and others who are interested in Anglican canon law and related legal issues. Its gatherings, whether in person or by Zoom, offer instruction, fellowship, and an opportunity to learn from each other about wise practices and good order for Anglican parishes and dioceses. ALS is open to lawyers and non-lawyers, to lay people and to clergy—to anyone who shares an interest in Anglican governance and canon law.

Upcoming events

chancellor's ONLINE SEMINAR

 Please join us for this special online seminar, Thursday April 18 from 9am-5pm, on best practices to help leaders respond to misconduct allegations well, care for all involved, and preserve the Church’s testimony. 

While the love that believers have for one another is our greatest testimony (John 13:35), sinful misconduct within is a church’s greatest threat. Responding poorly to inside threats like misconduct allegations can tear a congregation apart. The good news is that handling allegations well strengthens a congregation. The church’s response must be appropriate spiritually, legally, and practically, and there are many pitfalls to avoid. The seminar will address responding initially to an allegation: how to respond appropriately, meet legal standards, care well for those who may be victims, keep everyone safe, and provide a fair process for those who are accused. Then it will review when investigations are needed, whether they should be internal or external, and what standards should be put in place. It will cover ongoing care for everyone involved during the investigative process. Lastly, it will cover appropriate wrap-up: needed decisions, possible discipline, needed communications, and follow-up care.

SCHEDULE: Thursday, April 18, 2024

  • 9:00 AM Session 1: Checking Out the Gates of Hell—Evaluating Allegations with Q&A
  • 10:30 AM Break
  • 10:45 AM Session 2: Shock, Triage, and Safety—Initial Responses with Q&A
  • 12:00 PM Lunch
  • 1:15 PM Session 3: On this Rock—Fair Process, Justice, and Mercy with Q&A
  • 2:45 PM Break
  • 3:00 PM Session 4: Building the Church—Actions, Communication, Insurance with Q&A
  • 4:30 PM Wrap-up Session with Canon Phil Ashey and Q&A
  • 5:00 PM Dismissal

ABOUT OUR SPEAKER

Theresa Lynn Sidebotham founded Telios Law in 2012, where she advises organizations in the USA and abroad, with a focus on 1st Amendment protections, international law, religious / nonprofit law, employment law, child safety, and investigations—including large historical investigations. Telios law also coordinates legal audits and assists with internal investigations, including sexual harassment, child abuse, and other alleged misconduct investigations. Theresa directs Telios Teaches, an affiliate company that provides online training for organizations that are pressed for time & talent for response and prevention. Telios Teaches specializes in sexual harassment prevention, child protection, and other HR issues.

Resources from our latest Annual Meetings

Contemporary Issues
in Canon Law

The 2020 and 2021 annual gatherings of the Anglican Legal Society were held at the annual meeting of the Christian Legal Society. These gatherings aimed to develop interest in Anglican canon law, to facilitate communication between members, to share best practices, and to learn more about topics such as the relationship of law and religious liberty. Sessions were held in person and by Zoom, and they included panel presentations on Title IV Ecclesiastical Discipline, the implications of the ABA Model Rule 8.4G for Christian attorneys, and paper presentations covering a variety of topics pertinent to Anglican canon law. We have been able to post segments of these gatherings below.

Anglican legal society 2020

Play Video
The Vision of the Anglican Legal Society – Canon Phil Ashey
Play Video
Title IV of the ACNA Canons – Scott Ward, Esq.

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