​Old Catholics are small and growing communities. The term “Old Catholic” was coined in 1870 when a group of Dutch bishops broke with the Roman Catholic Church. The rift came about because the Roman church declared a new doctrines including the infallibility of the Bishop of Rome (the Pope).  The group of Christians who broke with Rome declared themselves loyal to apostolic Christianity rather than the “new” Catholicism that Rome was attempting to define.

 

Most Old Catholic jurisdictions are derived by means of apostolic succession through validly consecrated Bishops. We do not fall under the authority or rule of the Roman Catholic pontiff. Moreover, we do not feel the need to compare or judge ourselves based on their standards. We are a separate and unique church tracing its linage back to the Old Catholic churches of Utrecht (please read “Our History” for more details). 

 

You will be warmly welcomed and accepted just as you in all the churches of the diocese for we are a loving church who welcomes you.  We also have priests who exercise their ministries in special ways such as hospital and hospice chaplains, prison ministry, elder care, grief counseling, marriage counseling and more. 

 

I hope you find our web site enlightening, informative, and inviting.  Please visit the websites of our churches and we hope to see you soon.

​

In Christ's Service,

​

The Most Rev. Steve Harris, D.D., D.Min.

​Diocesan Bishop