The Evangelical Old Catholic Communion

The Evangelical Old Catholic Communion is a Catholic communion founded in 2006 associated with the Old Catholic Church, which cut ties with Rome in 1870 (1723). The apostolic succession of its bishops is derived from various lines of apostolic succession: The Patriarchate of Antioch, Antiochian Orthodox Catholic Church, Roman Catholic, Old Catholic Church, Antiochian-Jacobite Church, Russian Orthodox Church, Protestant Episcopal Church of the United States of America, Armenian Uniate Church, Syro-Chaldean Church, Anglican Church including Celtic origin, Greek Melchite Church, Orthodox Patriarchate of Constantinople, Non-juring Anglican/Episcopal bishops of Scotland. It also claims to be part of the evangelical and charismatic movements which claim to seek to bring back the reality of first century Pentecostal experience noted in Acts 2:4.
History
The Evangelical Old Catholic Communion was established under the mandate of Archbishop Rodney Rickard, presiding bishop and primate of the Reformed Catholic Church of America. Bishop Francis John Sahuque became the church's first presiding bishop. On April 25, 2007, Archbishop Rickard elevated Fr. Sahuque to the position of archbishop. Fr. Sahuque was also consecrated archbishop of the Archdiocese of St. Martin, as well as that of the Evangelical Anglican Communion.
The Evangelical Old Catholic Communion then erected parish churches in Utah, Idaho and Nebraska.
Beliefs
The Evangelical Old Catholic Communion's stated goal is to ordain and consecrate clergy. They also seek to establish churches both in their jurisdiction or to start new jurisdictions throughout the world. EOCC's trinitarian beliefs are based on the Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed. The Church believes the Bible is the literal Word of God and the seven sacraments are outward signs instituted by God to give believers inward grace. In order for a sacrament to be valid, it must be administered by a minister properly ordained by a bishop possessing the valid lines of apostolic succession with the proper form, intention and matter. The EOCC believes the Church is the one, holy, catholic and apostolic church in which Christ is the root and the church universal is the main stem, and the church a branch of the vine. Saints are defined as all baptized people, both living and dead, who are in perfect harmony with God.
Practices
The Evangelical Old Catholic Communion admits ordination of women to the offices of deacon, priest or bishop, and celibacy is not an obligation. Birth control is not prohibited. The church does not ordain those in same-sex relationships nor those that live with someone outside of the state of marriage.
The liturgy of the Evangelical Old Catholic Communion is a modified version of the Old Catholic liturgy. The use of all historic liturgies are permitted. They believe in the spiritual gifts and in the moving of the Holy Spirit. Although they follow a set liturgy, they also allow for the operation of the gifts of the Spirit. They use contemporary worship music as well as historic hymns. The church could be described as Pentecostal in belief and Catholic in practice.

Main Menu

See Also

Main Menu