Questions and Answers

What is Independent Catholicism? 

• Independent Catholicism encompasses various groups that identify as Catholic but are not in communion with the Roman Catholic Church (the Vatican). 

• They maintain the Catholic tradition and apostolic succession, while rejecting some traditional Catholic teachings or structures. 

• Some examples include the Old Catholic Church and other groups that see themselves as a constituent part of the church

Why the Term "Independent Catholic"? 

• The term "Independent Catholic" highlights the fact that denominations like ours affirm their belonging to the Catholic tradition while asserting their independence from Rome. 

Key Differences from the Roman Catholic Church:    

• •  Authority: Independent Catholics do not recognize the authority of the Pope or the Roman Catholic Church hierarchy. 

  • Doctrine: While often sharing core beliefs, Independent Catholic groups may differ from the Roman Catholic Church on certain doctrines or practices. 

  • Structure: Independent Catholicism is a diverse movement with various jurisdictions, communities, and clergy, often with a more decentralized structure than the Roman Catholic Church. 

Some Independent Catholic churches have joined the International Council of Community Churches, a denomination based in Loudon, Tennessee, in the United States. In doing so, it gives them a place and voice in national and international Christian organizations such as Churches Uniting in Christ, the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA and the World Council of Churches, membership of which is usually reserved to larger, longer-established church bodies. 

Validity of Independent Catholic Churches

•  Pope John Paul II mentioned Old Catholic and Independent Catholic churches in his 2000 encyclical letter Dominus Iesus, saying, "The Churches which,  while not existing in perfect communion with the [Roman] Church, remain united to her by means of the closest bonds, that is, by Apostolic Succession and a valid Eucharist, are true particular Churches. Therefore, these separated Churches and communities as such...have by no means been deprived of significance and importance in the mystery of salvation. For the Spirit of Christ has not refrained from using them as means of salvation which derive their efficacy from the very fullness of grace and truth entrusted to the Catholic Church. Therefore, the Church of Christ is present and operative also in these Churches, even though they lack full communion with the [Roman] Church."