St. Vincent of Lerins
"We must hold fast to that faith which has been believed everywhere, always, and by all the Faithful."
-- St. Vincent of Lerins
Who are the Old Catholics?
"Our bishops have a special connection that goes back in time through different historical paths (like Old Catholic, Anglican, Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and the Brazilian Catholic Apostolic Church) all the way to the early days of the Church. We have our roots in the Old Catholic tradition of Europe. This started with St. Willibrord’s mission in the 700s to what is now the Netherlands. Back then, churches could choose their own bishops, a tradition reaffirmed in 1215. But later, the Roman Catholic Church started appointing its own bishops, which led to differences with what we now call the Old Catholic Church.
We're not part of the Roman Catholic Church, and we're also independent of other similar churches like the Old Catholics of Europe, the Church of England, and the Episcopal Church in the USA. Even though we share many beliefs and ways of doing things, we're different. In the U.S., some of our groups cover multiple states and have a main bishop and other local bishops, while others are smaller and more informal. Unlike in Europe where groups are often based on nationality, we come together because of our shared faith and way of organizing our church.
The Old Catholic Church in the Americas is separate from the Roman Catholic Church. Since 1871, Old Catholic Churches in Europe and later in the U.S. have not seen the Bishop of Rome (the Pope) as their leader. Instead, we view the Bishop of Rome as a symbol of unity for all Christians.
What we believe: In the Old Catholic Church, we think all bishops are equally important, and no one bishop is above another. We celebrate the same seven sacraments as the Catholic Faith and use the Nicene Creed to express our beliefs. We believe Christ is truly present in the Eucharist, and our communion is open to all baptized Christians. Even if you're not baptized, you're welcome to receive a blessing at our altar. We really value each person's own judgment in making moral decisions.
Who's welcome here? Everyone! Every part of the Old Catholic Church in America is open to all people. We don't turn anyone away. We invite everyone to fully join in our church life and sacraments, no matter who they are, their background, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, race, or past religious experiences. We believe in including everyone, not excluding. We welcome people from all paths of life, with no exceptions. Jesus said, 'I came that they may have life and have it to the fullest.' He was there for everyone from the rich to the poor, the ordinary people to the outcasts. We aim to do the same. So, you're welcome just as you are."
Why the Old Catholic Church of the Americas?
- We observe authentic catholic liturgies emphasizing the divine nature of God and our humble worship before God;
- Our worship is authentic and deeply spiritual;
- Thinking is allowed - your common sense is welcome;
- We will never discriminate against you under any circumstances for any reason, ever;
- We are radically inclusive - all races, colours, ethnicities, orientations, single, married, divorced, LGBTQ, etc.
- Birth control is a matter of personal conscience rather than a rigid dogma of shame;
- We will officiate, recognize and bless same sex marriages and unions;
- Non-Catholics or people from other traditions are always welcome - let us share our spirituality with you;
- No guilt, never shame. Church is not a club for the self-righteous, it is a place for worship and healing.
-- St. Vincent of Lerins
Who are the Old Catholics?
"Our bishops have a special connection that goes back in time through different historical paths (like Old Catholic, Anglican, Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and the Brazilian Catholic Apostolic Church) all the way to the early days of the Church. We have our roots in the Old Catholic tradition of Europe. This started with St. Willibrord’s mission in the 700s to what is now the Netherlands. Back then, churches could choose their own bishops, a tradition reaffirmed in 1215. But later, the Roman Catholic Church started appointing its own bishops, which led to differences with what we now call the Old Catholic Church.
We're not part of the Roman Catholic Church, and we're also independent of other similar churches like the Old Catholics of Europe, the Church of England, and the Episcopal Church in the USA. Even though we share many beliefs and ways of doing things, we're different. In the U.S., some of our groups cover multiple states and have a main bishop and other local bishops, while others are smaller and more informal. Unlike in Europe where groups are often based on nationality, we come together because of our shared faith and way of organizing our church.
The Old Catholic Church in the Americas is separate from the Roman Catholic Church. Since 1871, Old Catholic Churches in Europe and later in the U.S. have not seen the Bishop of Rome (the Pope) as their leader. Instead, we view the Bishop of Rome as a symbol of unity for all Christians.
What we believe: In the Old Catholic Church, we think all bishops are equally important, and no one bishop is above another. We celebrate the same seven sacraments as the Catholic Faith and use the Nicene Creed to express our beliefs. We believe Christ is truly present in the Eucharist, and our communion is open to all baptized Christians. Even if you're not baptized, you're welcome to receive a blessing at our altar. We really value each person's own judgment in making moral decisions.
Who's welcome here? Everyone! Every part of the Old Catholic Church in America is open to all people. We don't turn anyone away. We invite everyone to fully join in our church life and sacraments, no matter who they are, their background, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, race, or past religious experiences. We believe in including everyone, not excluding. We welcome people from all paths of life, with no exceptions. Jesus said, 'I came that they may have life and have it to the fullest.' He was there for everyone from the rich to the poor, the ordinary people to the outcasts. We aim to do the same. So, you're welcome just as you are."
Why the Old Catholic Church of the Americas?
- We observe authentic catholic liturgies emphasizing the divine nature of God and our humble worship before God;
- Our worship is authentic and deeply spiritual;
- Thinking is allowed - your common sense is welcome;
- We will never discriminate against you under any circumstances for any reason, ever;
- We are radically inclusive - all races, colours, ethnicities, orientations, single, married, divorced, LGBTQ, etc.
- Birth control is a matter of personal conscience rather than a rigid dogma of shame;
- We will officiate, recognize and bless same sex marriages and unions;
- Non-Catholics or people from other traditions are always welcome - let us share our spirituality with you;
- No guilt, never shame. Church is not a club for the self-righteous, it is a place for worship and healing.