Polity

The CNI accepts the episcopal, presbyteral and congregational elements in Church order as the means through which the Lordship of Christ in His Church may be realized. The harmony of these elements is seen in the oversight relating to the legislative, administrative, liturgical and pastoral matters assigned to the synod, diocesan councils and other organs of the Church’s life. The personal oversight of a diocesan Bishop goes hand in hand with this corporate responsibility, shared by Bishops, Presbyters, Deacons and Lay people acting together as well as the corporate responsibility of the episcopate of the Church as a whole in three levels – Synod, Diocese and Congregation.