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Our History
The Ecumenical Franciscan Order, was established in Sydney, Australia in 2003. The Order (known by its initials as the EFO), is a community of the United Ecumenical Catholic Church (the UECC).
Bishop Ronald Langham of the UECC, is the EFO's Bishop Protector. Br Luke is the current Brother Shepherd.

Structure of the Order
The EFO has no First, Second or Third order distinctions.  The world in which we live is in a constant state of  change.  We only have to look around us to see, that what was available and relevant yesterday, is probably not going to be so tomorrow.  To survive in this shifting world requires us to be flexible.  So we have structured the order to reflect this flexibility.

 EFO members may:
  •  be of either gender;
  •  be single or partnered;
  •  live in EFO community houses, or in their own homes;
  •  have a short (up to 5 years) or long term (life) profession;
  •  retain secular lives, jobs and relationships.  We do ask that where possible, members have jobs that are with not-for-profit organisations. 

Apostolate Focus
The emphasis of the order is on a practical apostolate where the intention is to model the compassionate example of Christ. And following St Francis exhortation that we are to: “Preach everywhere, if necessary using words”.  The following are the main focuses of the EFO:
  •  Pastoral Care;
  •  Parish work, currently the EFO is serving the UECC Parish of the Holy Redeemer;
  •  Chaplaincy;
  •  Development and encouragement of Franciscan Spirituality;
  •  The use and advocacy of Spiritual Direction;
  •  Social Action;
  •  Welfare services – partnerships with the UECC;
  •  Social Justice.

Contemporary Nature
We believe that the contemporary nature of the Order are encompassed in the following general principles:
  •  There is no distinction made between male or female members (such as a First Order for men and Second Order for women).
  •  All members generally share the same formation process - with some discretion for individual variations.
  •  People who are partnered, may be considered for membership.  Each person/couple will be dealt with on a case by case basis.
  •  Members can make a short term (promised or vowed) commitment to the Order, and then return to secular (non- religious) lives.
 There is no special status or designation for ordained clergy, other than what is automatically inherent in being ordained. All ordained members are referred to as either Brother or Sister as appropriate.
About Us