Vade Mecum - Code of Canon Law for the African American Diaspora

There will be three volumes outlining a proposed Code of Canon Law for the African American Diaspora Church, aiming to establish standardized governance and organizational principles to enhance unity and recognition within the broader Christian community. This first volume covers a range of topics. Here are some:

Importance of Canon Law for African American Diaspora, the Establishment, and the Historical Context and Apostolic Succession

The volumes outline a proposed Code of Canon Law for the African American Diaspora Church, aiming to establish standardized governance and organizational principles to enhance unity and recognition within the broader Christian community. The establishment of a standardized system of canon law is crucial for the governance and unity of the African American Christian community. The historical foundations of church governance emphasize the importance of apostolic succession and orderly arrangements.

The Foundation of the African American Church

The African American church has its roots in the establishment of the first black Baptist congregation in the United States, highlighting its historical significance which was founded by Reverend George Leile in Savannah, Georgia.

A Call for Unity and Recognition

The effort to establish canon laws for the African American church aims to create a structured and recognized framework for leadership. The council led by Bishop Roger Hardiman Phillips, Sr. Ph.D. aims to author a set of Code of Canon Laws specific to the African American Diaspora. The council's mission includes promoting Christian unity and establishing legitimacy as successors to the Apostle Peter.

Bishop Roger Hardiman Phillips is a graduate of Newburgh Theological Seminary with a Ph.D. in Biblical and Theological Studies. His dissertation was researched and written on the history and origins of Christianity roots in Africa. It was published as a book in 2012 titled, Bringing The Word From Africa, Cradle of Civilization Birthplace of Christianity. He began researching and writing on this historical subject while in the final year of completing his master's studies. The acclaimed book was hailed as a great praxis in the field of apologetics concerning the intrinsic values and the extrinsic strength of the Afro-centric presence, which has been historically hidden throughout the ages. Dr. Phillips received holy orders from Bishop Larry D. Trotter and served as presiding Elder of the Ministerial Alliance at his local church assembly Sweet Holy Spirit Chicago. He was an Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies, Canon Law, Church Leadership Management & Administration at the Chicago Baptist Institute and Christian Bible College International. He also was a guest lecturer at the Sons of Gideon Institute where he lectured senior pastoral leaders on subjects ranging from topical preaching and exegetical expository skill presentations, advance hermeneutics and homiletics. He also was a distinguished lecturer at local church assemblies and conferences, on historical and theological aspects of Christianity. He received episcopal dignity and was consecrated a Bishop with dual Apostolic Succession on August 1st, 2014, and served as Vicar General to the Presiding Bishop of The New Century Fellowship of Churches & Ministries International under the leadership of Bishop Larry D. Trotter.