Frequently asked questions
Is the Old Catholic Church truly Catholic?
Indeed, there are several manifestations of Catholicism, and numerous denominations exist within the universal "one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church" professed by all. Although the Roman Catholic Church is the most significant and familiar expression of Catholicism worldwide, in regions like Asia and Eastern Europe, the Orthodox Catholic Church is a prominent presence. This Orthodox Catholic Church boasts over 300 million followers and historically excommunicated the Roman Catholic Church in 1054 A.D. due to doctrinal disagreements such as the use of unleavened bread and the practice of clerical celibacy.
What unites all Catholic churches?
All Catholic and most Christian communities affirm their belief in the "one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church." Interacting as sister churches, these congregations uphold the idea that individuals join the single Body of Christ through baptism and receive sustenance through the Eucharist. Additionally, the apostolic tradition teaches the celebration of sacraments during significant life moments.
As siblings in the same family, these churches share commonalities while also possessing distinctions. Typically, our variations are related to governance and discipline, though some differences touch on theological and ecclesiological matters. Such diversity among sisters is natural, emphasizing that not all churches are identical. Nevertheless, we remain connected by our shared values: baptism, Eucharist, and apostolic succession.
How can Old Catholic churches assert their apostolic roots?
The fundamental criterion for any Catholic church is its adherence to apostolic succession. Most Old Catholic church bishops have been consecrated validly by other bishops, and authentic lines of succession trace back to the apostles. These lines often derive from sources within the Roman Catholic Church, the Old Catholic Church, the Malankara/Syrian/Jacobite Churches, and various Orthodox Churches.
Indeed, there are several manifestations of Catholicism, and numerous denominations exist within the universal "one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church" professed by all. Although the Roman Catholic Church is the most significant and familiar expression of Catholicism worldwide, in regions like Asia and Eastern Europe, the Orthodox Catholic Church is a prominent presence. This Orthodox Catholic Church boasts over 300 million followers and historically excommunicated the Roman Catholic Church in 1054 A.D. due to doctrinal disagreements such as the use of unleavened bread and the practice of clerical celibacy.
What unites all Catholic churches?
All Catholic and most Christian communities affirm their belief in the "one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church." Interacting as sister churches, these congregations uphold the idea that individuals join the single Body of Christ through baptism and receive sustenance through the Eucharist. Additionally, the apostolic tradition teaches the celebration of sacraments during significant life moments.
As siblings in the same family, these churches share commonalities while also possessing distinctions. Typically, our variations are related to governance and discipline, though some differences touch on theological and ecclesiological matters. Such diversity among sisters is natural, emphasizing that not all churches are identical. Nevertheless, we remain connected by our shared values: baptism, Eucharist, and apostolic succession.
How can Old Catholic churches assert their apostolic roots?
The fundamental criterion for any Catholic church is its adherence to apostolic succession. Most Old Catholic church bishops have been consecrated validly by other bishops, and authentic lines of succession trace back to the apostles. These lines often derive from sources within the Roman Catholic Church, the Old Catholic Church, the Malankara/Syrian/Jacobite Churches, and various Orthodox Churches.
