PRIESTHOOD WITHOUT BORDERS is an initiative to renew the Christian Priesthood into deep rethinking. To do this, we want to maintain complete independence in respect of all political powers, economic and religious.

Is an ecumenical priesthood possible? We believe that yes, it is possible, as long as it remains detached from ecclesial institutions.

Who can receive the priesthood? We believe that the priesthood is a sacrament, i.e. it is an expression of God's presence among us, and therefore, the unveiling or revelation of one aspect of God. As such, like all sacraments, it is available to all who sincerely desire, without regard to sex or state of life.

Who may confer the priesthood? It is God who calls to the priesthood. It is He who sees the depth of each heart and prepares and chooses whom He wills. We believe it is the responsibility of communities or groups of Christians to discern who among them is capable of the priesthood.

Here is what St. Paul recommends to Timothy about the choice of the "servant"*:
 

"If someone aspires to be a servant, he desires a good work.
      It is therefore necessary that the officer is above reproach, (...) sober, balanced,
      orderly, hospitable, able to teach;
      nor a drinker, but neither fighter affable, enemy of baffles, detached from money,        carrying out his home, with children subject with dignity.
      If someone does not know how to conduct his own house,
      how would he take care of a community of Elohim?
That this is not a new convert, lest he fall, blinded by pride, under condemnation brought against the devil. He must also have a beautiful testimony to those outside.
Similarly, assistants ** will be serious, without duplicity,
    unworn to wine, not greedy for shameful gain,
    Holding the mystery of adhesion (faith) in a pure conscience.
    And these, they are first tested,
    so they are being blameless.
Similarly, women are dignified, not slanderers,
sober, adherent (loyal) in total. (...)

Yes, those who serve well gain for themselves a beautiful place
and a lot of confidence in the adherence to Iéshoua messiah. "

* "servant" is the translation by André Chouraqui. Other versions translate "periscope" (meaning "overseer" in the ancient language), designating community leaders. It also translates as "old".

** "assistants" is the translation by André Chouraqui. NRSV translates as "deacons", ie those who are responsible for helping the poor and sick. Could also be translated as "servants"

We are currently drafting a code of ethics can serve as benchmarks for others to engage in such a priesthood free. Here are the first elements:

  • Serve God first
  • Serving others with care and respect, is also a way of serving God
  • Always maintain your awareness that the diaconate is the foundation of the priesthood. If the service comes to the most needy, in practice, away from the life of (the) "servant(s) ", the priestly spirit is also dislocate.
  • A "officer" is above all, that they who are in the presence of the Lord to give God the needs and suffering of those whom they are responsible for, is to speak to everyone around them. Through the Eucharist, they raise the world to God.
  • For the rest, try to be a guide, a beacon for those around them - even more so by their actions than by words, by providing encouragement and support.
  • Establish structures and practices to promote the spiritual growth of everyone.
  • Do not ask for any compensation for their services: "You have received, freely give." Mt 10:8 (When in the community, they may think the following passage: "The worker deserves his wages!" 1Tim 5:18)
  • Knowing they are weak, fragile, while being more and more aware of the power of God that is in weakness of the instrument.
  • Remain ever vigilant by fasting, prayer and personal training.
  • Maintain contact and fruitful living with other Christian communities.

                                                                                                                                                                                                      

The corporation of "Les Ouvriers de Paix" members include a couple who were both ordained deacons in Quebec May 19, 2007 by Bishop Patricia Fresen of Roman Catholic Women Priest. The RCWP is an initiative to make the sacrament of ordination accessible to both women and men.

 

Women priests

Roman catholic women priests

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Jean received the priestly consecration on February 22, 2008, and was appointed moderator of "Les Ouvriers de Paix".

Johane was devoted to the priesthood 19 March 2008.