Original Franciscan "Third Order" -- Confraternity of Penitents
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Governance of Confraternity of Penitents
The governance of the of Confraternity of Penitents is primarily in its local, regional, and international councils.
The Spiritual Advisor of the Confraternity of Penitents advises the CFP Council.
Regional Spiritual Assistants advise the Regional Ministers regarding certain concerns in their region.
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Each local CFP Chapter or Circle has its own Spiritual Assistant to advise it.
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Therefore, the governance of the CFP looks like this:
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Bishop (consulted only for matters which the Bishop must handle such as clearing someone of heresy)
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CFP International Council with input from the CFP Spiritual Advisor
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Regional Minister with input from Regional Spiritual Assistant
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Local CFP Chapter or Circle with input from the Chapter’s or Circle’s Spiritual Assistant
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Members take their concerns to their local CFP Chapter or Circle Minister first.
If they are not in a local group, then they consult their Regional Minister.
If the concern cannot be addressed at the local or regional level, then it is brought to the CFP International Council which will deal with it.
Only if the matter is something that canonically requires the Bishop’s attention, then it is brought to the Bishop.