What does it mean to be an independent Catholic?
Our Church is autonomous and independent of Roman Catholic, Anglican or Orthodox Jurisdiction.
How can you be independent of Rome and still be considered Catholic?
- Because we believe in all the doctrines and dogmas of the undivided Holy Catholic Church as
taught and believed during the first 1000 years of the Churches history prior to the Great Schism
of 1056 AD. - We hold valid Apostolic Succession... meaning our bishops, priests and deacons can trace
their succession of Holy Orders in an unbroken line back to the Apostles through both the
Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Orthodox Churches. - We believe in and administer all seven sacraments of the Holy Catholic Church. These
sacraments are all valid due to our lines of Apostolic Succession. - We believe the Bishop of Rome (The Pope) has a primacy of honor and give him due
reverence. We look to him as the spiritual head of the church on earth and the vicar of Christ.
How does the Roman Catholic Church view your Church?
- We are considered schismatic (meaning separated) by Rome because, while we recognize the
supremacy of the pope, we are not under his jurisdictional control. - The Roman Catholic Church considers us a "sister" church in that we hold to the same faith,
have maintained apostolic succession and administer all seven sacraments validly with proper
form, matter and intent.
How do you as Independent Catholics disagree with the Roman Catholic Church?
- We stand in disagreement over the allowance of married deacons, priests and bishops. We
call for the Church to make celibacy optional except when living in a community of nuns or
monks. - We are in disagreement over the level of autonomy each bishop should have over his own
diocese. - We call for an end to the Marriage Tribunal system for handling divorce cases in the Church.
We believe "sacramental annulments" should be handled by the pastor of each individual
parish and that those who are divorced and remarried should be reconciled to the church.. - We believe the sacraments should be given freely to all baptized Christians who believe as the
Church does and desires them. We should find every reason to administer the sacraments
NOT withhold them. It is up to the individual to judge themselves worthy to receive
The Independent Catholic Church
About Us
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