The following is the first Rule of Life for the World Community of Saint Francis.

1. The Sisters and Brothers of the WCSF have been drawn together by the Holy Spirit through their desire to be instruments of peace in the world. They have felt the call and they have said yes, asking to be transformed through service, study and prayer. They give of themselves fully and commit themselves to being a force for peace through their actions and deeds. Following the example of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi, they give everything to this ideal – their energy, their supply and their heart, knowing that it is their true and highest call.

2. The WCSF is an ecumenical and inter-religious order of men and woman who resonate with the spiritual example and lifestyle of St. Francis and St. Clare. Their common creed shall be that of peace and love, and varied manifestations of this ideal are welcome. The WCSF realizes that Divine Wisdom reveals itself in an infinite multitude of ways, and so we honor this revelation however and wherever it appears.

3. The particular focus of the WCSF is that of Spiritual Peacemaking, or being instruments of peace. We commit ourselves to being living examples of the peace that surpasses understanding, demonstrating the possibility of unity and cooperation in a world desperately in need of both. Our foundation lies in the prayers of peace from the twelve major religions of the world that were prayed in Assisi in October,1986. This Sacred Office of Peace is prayed by all members of the WCSF two times daily, along with various readings and prayers from other spiritual traditions.

Formation Process:

4. Members of the Order may live in established communities or in their own homes. There will be no distinction between the members of the order, including throughout the various levels of formation and profession. However, a distinct formation process will be in place that will last a period of four years. When a member feels drawn to be a member they will send a letter to the Director of Vocations sharing the details of their desire and call. Once accepted as a Postulant, candidates will spend up to four months learning about the order and a deeper study of Spiritual Peacemaking. Once complete a candidate may be accepted as a Novice in the order and remain so for a period of one year. After the year of novitiate the member enters into Simple Profession, renewed once a year for three years. After the three-year period is complete, and the formation team agrees that the brother or sister is ready, they receive their lifetime or Solemn Profession.

Ministry:

5. First and foremost, the WCSF is a prayerful community committed to creative and peaceful action in the world. Our unique charism is following the example of St. Francis when he traveled into the Muslim territory during the Crusades to share his faith with the Sultan. We choose to extend a similar message of peace around the world to every nation and religion. We are an inclusive community that welcomes a diverse expression and membership. Each member of the order will be expected to conduct their own personal peace ministry, and to participate in the overall ministry of the WCSF.

Leadership:

6. The elected leaders of the order will include – General Minister, Director of Ministries, Director of Novices, Director of Vocations. Each shall hold their position for a period of three years, and there shall be no limit to the number of elected terms.

1. General Minster – The overseer and servant-leader of the order
2. Director of Ministries – overseeing the individual and collective peace ministries of the order
3. Director of Novices – Guiding the novitiate process of the members
4. Director of Vocations – Guiding the entering members who are exploring the order

When electing new servant-leaders in the WCSF, all novices, simply professed and solemn professed members shall have a vote.

7. The WCSF fervently strives to demonstrate the possibility of True and Lasting Peace in the modern world. Though a serious pursuit, we adopt this mission with joyful gratitude, which is the essence of the example of St. Francis. We live in a similar time as our Seraphic Father, an age that longs for individuals who will apply these truths in dramatic and inspiring ways. If we are resolute in this then we will each receive our Heavenly reward, not one of worldly goods, but those that do not perish in time. By living the vows of Surrender, Trust and Gratitude and sharing them through the ordinary moments of our lives, we transform our lives, and in doing so, initiate the Peaceful Kingdom on Earth.

Pace e’ Bene