Ecclesial and Civil Recognition
I. Canonical statutes
On 20th April 1984, the Chemin Neuf Community was established as a Public Association of Christ’s Faithful by Cardinal Albert Decourtray, Archbishop of Lyon.
On 24th June 1992, the Chemin Neuf Institute for priests and religious was erected as a Clerical Religious Institute of Diocesan Right by Cardinal Albert Decourtray, Archbishop of Lyon.
On 14th September 2009 the Chemin Neuf Institute was recognised as a Clerical Religious Institute of Pontifical Right by Cardinal Franc Rodé, Prefect of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, at the Vatican in Rome. The motherhouse is Hautecombe Abbey (73310 Saint Pierre de Curtille, France).
The opening of new houses of the Public Association of the Christian Faithful or of the Religious Institute takes effect in dioceses in a way that is consistent with Canon Law, in agreement with the local Bishop.
II . Civil statutes
The Chemin Neuf Community applies for civil recognition in the countries where it is called to be. The type of recognition varies according to national legislation.
In France, for example, the Community is a legally recognised Congregation, as decreed by the Minister of the Interior on 23rd July 1993, and having appeared in the parliamentary bulletin (Journal Officiel) on 30th July 1993. Its registered office is at 49, Montée du Chemin Neuf, 69005 Lyon, France.
In the UK it is a Registered Charity (N° 1084546).
In Canada, the Community is a Canadian Registered Charity.