Who We Are
We are the Channel of Peace Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order (SFO). We are one of 33 local Fraternities in the Brothers and Sisters of St. Francis Region encompassing the states of Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. The SFO is an Order within the Catholic Church (not a organization or club), and is governed by its own Rule of Life (approved by the Holy See) as well as general Church law. We are married and single men and women who strive to live the Franciscan charism in our daily lives by bringing the "Gospel to Life and Life to the Gospel" at work, at home, and in our relationships.
In monthly Fraternity meetings that include prayer, formation, and fellowship we become a living and active Christian community where we experience and develop a greater sense of Church, the Franciscan vocation and ministry, Fraternity level service projects and activities to bring the love of God to the poor and marginalized.
For more details see Way of Life.
Vision
The Channel of Peace Fraternity looks to Jesus Christ through our Seraphic Father, Francis, to help us live as Secular Franciscans by prayerful and active Gospel living.
It is in the same dynamic spirit of St. Francis that we work toward the formation and full communion of each member within the Order. Through a spirit of prayer, love and example, we joyfully seek to encourage the growth of the Franciscan family through the building up of the Church and to witness to the Gospel through action.
Historical
The Channel of Peace Fraternity was Canonically established on June 24, 1995. The Celebration of Establishment was held at St. Jude Catholic Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Channel of Peace is currently a part of the Brothers and Sisters of Saint Francis Region, within the National Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order (United States).