COMMITMENT; DOCTRINE AND CONDUCT
Doctrine
From history, and the link with St Leonard, the parallels of St Leonard’s life with OSL are apparent. It was from the challenge of Genesis 26 ‘the reopening of old wells’ that Bishop David Carr formed the Order.
This ‘old well’ puts a great emphasis on healing and the strong belief in the Word of God; feeding the poor, seeking the salvation of the lost, praying for the freedom of those held captive – whether emotionally, physically or by lifestyle – and being a positive influence on our communities, both in the UK and Internationally, with practical support, training and mentoring.
OSL still experiences (and expects) miracles as part of the legacy of fourteen centuries and has reasserted its relevance in the modern world by building on the vision of unity with a vision of ‘Oneness’.
The Vision of the Order of St Leonard is an Order of Christian partnership; Evangelical, Charismatic, Liturgical and Sacramental.
It is Anglican, Wesleyan and Charismatic. It is open to Christians of any tradition.
As organisations grow, the knowledge about each individual lessens. To ensure that the Order of St. Leonard operates under the highest ethical standards throughout the world we believe it is in all our interests to establish a common code of conduct.
It simply covers our commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ and His work and the people we serve.
It covers respect for others, particularly those who do not believe in the Christian Gospel, our competence in our daily work, our responsibility for our own actions and personal integrity in our personal lives.
Chaired by the Rt Revd Dr David Carr, Bishop Abbot of the Order, OSL looks to its House of Bishops for oversight and governance. Further, the Order’s Chapter of Canons offer individual direction in specific areas.
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The Order of St Leonard has grown exponentially since its foundation in 2009. People from many differing denominations and streams are embracing the opportunities afforded through membership of OSL, joining and working together with the common purpose of bringing the Word of Jesus Christ to the world; supporting the disadvantaged, liberating those captives of physical, spiritual and emotional bonds, and loving one another, and our communities.
OSL Members understand that our wider, secular, communities do not necessarily understand, or relate to, denominations and doctrine. Whilst freedom of expression of faith is important to each individual stream, the Order of St Leonard seeks to promote the Christian faith without confusion – deploying a unified presence within our towns and cities.
Churches and Leaders benefit from discourse and sharing of information and resources. OSL is a sounding board of ideas and concepts – increased opportunities, shared visions, unified projects, information, training and fellowship.
Regardless of your Christian denomination, OSL welcomes your application to be part of this global Order – together, we are greater than our disparate parts. One body, in Christ.
The Order of St Leonard is a lifestyle, not a denomination. This means that the Order is not responsible for the work of its members and any views represented by members are not necessarily the views of the Order.
Commitment to Conduct
OSL’S EXPECTATIONS OF ITS MEMBERS
Each Member confirms that they will live to this Code of Conduct:
I will take my standard for living from the Scriptures as contained in the Bible and from godly people whom God places in my path.
I will daily read the Scriptures and develop a prayer life.
I solemnly pledge, in my Christian life and witness, to consecrate my life to the service of the Lord Jesus Christ and the people I serve.
I will give to my leaders the respect which is their due.
I will practise my faith with a clear conscience and dignity.
I will respect the information confided in me ensuring from the first contact that individuals are aware of the limitations of maintaining confidentiality, with specific reference to potentially conflicting ethical or unlawful admissions.
I will maintain the honour and the noble traditions of the Christian faith.
I see my fellow Christians as my brothers and sisters in relationship irrespective of denomination and tradition.
I will not permit considerations of age, disease or disability, creed, ethnic origin, gender, nationality, political affiliation, race, sexual orientation, social standing or any other factor to intervene between my duties to others.
I will respect the knowledge, insight, experience and expertise I find in others.
I will not criticise any other individual Christian or organisation without finding out the facts, then going to them to explain my dilemma. If the matter remains unresolved, I will then use the facilities of another person or persons, and finally bring the matter to the church leadership for resolution if it involves Christian issues or the proper authorities in other scenarios.
I will not listen to gossip and will rebuke it at every opportunity trying to bring reconciliation to the situation.
I will keep my life free from private sin or seek help where appropriate from trusted leaders.
