What if Rabbi Jesus didn’t come to start a church, but instead to inspire a revolution?
And what if that revolution was a revolution of love… of service… our healing and compassion? What would “church” look like?
Around the time that the Roman Empire conspired with the Roman Catholic church to consolidate power and claim supremacy, in the 18th and 19th centuries of the Common Era, the well-established faith communities shepherded by the Bishop of Utrecht rejected the power-grab and separated from Rome after the First Vatican Council, in 1870 C.E.
Out of that movement, almost a century and a half-later, the North American Old Catholic Church emerged as a progressive spiritual community, rich in tradition, dedicated to the values taught by Rabbi Jesus and His disciples — values like compassion, forgiveness, peace, justice and equality. Our two-thousand year old history rooted deeply in Apostolic Succession, ancient tradition and progressive, post-modern insight reminds us that faith is dependent on our actions towards the care of the oppressed, disenfranchised, poor, and unwell.
We are a church that honours God by living our faith every day of the week, speaking out against injustice, and praying for healing in the world by being active believers, committed to loving our neighbors.
We are a Catholic tradition inspired by the works of science and the deepest mysteries of God. Our faith is for believers and skeptics alike, as we have been a sanctuary and refuge to those disaffected by mainstream traditions and politically distorted teachings of Christ for nearly two centuries.
As the progressive Catholic tradition, we believe in ecumenical and interfaith collaboration as an essential way to build a more holistic and loving world in accordance with the Gospels.
Throughout our many ministries, North American Old Catholics are redefining what it means to be a universal catholic church in a modern world needing prophetic voices. We gather together to worship God and share God’s love in our lives, and to feast on our bountiful blessings through a Eucharistic meal.
We are a tradition of faith and works, love and action, hope and spiritual transformation. We believe that the Bible is a love letter from God and his Son, Jesus Christ. It’s our guide to love and redemption, not a brick to beat people with into spiritual submission.
We welcome you to join us. No matter your personal or faith story, your questions, or your aspirations, all are welcome. We celebrate the beautiful tapestry of human diversity, including all genders, all sexual orientations, and all cultural heritages and customs.
We are North American Old Catholics!