Anserisan Apertian Congregation (Pacifica)

Anserisan Apertian Congregation Congregationa Apertiana Anserisana
The logo of the Anserisan Apertian Congregation
Abbreviation	CAA
Classification	Apertiaism
Polity	Congregational
Region	Anserisa
Headquarters	Brantavilla, Anserisa
Origin	1823 (1823)

The Anserisan Apertian Congregation (Anserisan: Congregationa Apertiana Anserisana) is a religious organisation of Apertian places of worship. It was formed in 1889 in Anserisa. Apertiaism is the most populous religion in Anserisa, with approximately 80,37% of the population identifying to the religion.

Organization

Principles and purposes

The CAA does not have a central creed in which members are required to believe, as is the case with Apertiaism. Historically, it found it useful to articulate its common values in what as become known as the Principles, Purposes and Sources statement, which has been adopted by all Apertian congregations in Pacifica. The first version of the principles was adopted in 1966, and the modern form was adopted in 1992 (including the 7th principle). They were amended once again in 1999 to include the 5th source.

Principles

We, adherents of Apertiaism covenant to affirm and promote:

• The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
• Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
• Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
• A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
• The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
• The goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all;
• Respect of the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

Sources

The living tradition which we share draws from many sources:

• Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life;
• Word and deeds of prophetic people which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love;
• Wisdom from the world's religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life;
• Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit;
• Spiritual teachings of Pacifica-centred traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.

Purposes

The Anserisan Apertian Congregation as adopted to devote its resources to and exercise its corporate powers for religious, educational and humanitarian purposes. The primary purpose of the CAA is to serve the needs of its members, organize new congregations, extend and strengthen the Apertian institutions and implement its principles. It has often funded political movements and campaigns, especially in the civil rights movements.

Inclusion

The CAA has declared and affirmed its special responsibility, and that of its members, to promote the full participation of persons in all of its and their activities and in the full range of human endeavour without regard to national origins, gender identity, disability, affectional or sexual orientation or age and without requiring adherence to any particular interpretation of religion or to any particular religious belief or creed.

Freedom of belief

The CAA is enforcing a strict freedom of belief, and anyone is welcomed to believe in any religious beliefs and still be considered a member of the Congregation.

Politics

The Congregation has been active, especially in Anserisa, in the women's right movement, the civil rights movement and the LGBT movement and in the shaping of the nation's Declaration of Rights within the Constitution of Anserisa.

Separation of church and state

The CAA is strongly opposed to the inclusion of religion in the affairs of the state and even though they lobbied for the inclusion of the Declaration of Rights never made any pressure for the inclusion of any reference to the religion or faith.

Ordination of women

The Congregation as been ordaining women since its inception in 1823. One of the first religious organization to do so.

See also

• Apertiaism