OLD CATHOLIC
F A Qs
Compiled and Edited by Bishop Benjamin Evans, FSP
Old Catholic Bishop
Christ Our Teacher Old Catholic Ministry
Copyright 2011 Benjamin Evans, FSP
Christ Our Teacher Old Catholic Ministry
1
OLD CATHOLIC
F A Qs
Compiled and Edited by Bishop Benjamin Evans, FSP
Old Catholic Bishop
Christ Our Teacher Old Catholic Ministry
The following is offered to help the inquirer better
understand the Old Catholic Church.
What is the Old Catholic Church?
The Old Catholic Church was first called the Ancient Catholic Church as it
traces its roots from the early Christian Church to the mission to the “low lands”
of Europe (now the Netherlands) by St. Willibrord in the 700’s. In this period of
the Church, Cathedral Chapters were given the right to elect their bishops. The
Fourth Lateran Council in 1215 re-enforced the right of all Cathedral Chapters to
elect their bishops. Philip of Burgundy, 57th Bishop of Utrecht (1517–1524),
through a family connection with Charles the V, Holy Roman Emperor, secured a
significant concession from Pope Leo X granting internal autonomy in both
church and temporal affairs for himself and his successors without interference
from outside their jurisdictional region. This greatly promoted the independence
of the See of Utrecht, so that no clergy or laity from Utrecht would ever be tried
by a Roman tribunal. By papal decree, the church of Utrecht was given the right
to select its own Bishop forever. However, some centuries later, a successor
Pope Clement IX during efforts of Counter Reformation suspended the Bishop of
Utrecht, Petrus Codde and installed his own bishop without consent of and in
opposition to the church of Utrecht. This began the tension between the church
of Utrecht and the church of Rome.
Old Catholics have held to the model of the early church where all bishops
are equal and no bishop is higher than another. As Old Catholics, we hold to the
same seven sacraments of the Catholic Faith. We use the Nicene creed as our
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Christ Our Teacher Old Catholic Ministry
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statement of faith and recognize 7 ecumenical councils of the church (1st Council
of Nicea-325; 1st Council of Constantinople-381; 1st Council of Ephesus-431;
Council of Chalcedon-451; 2nd Council of Constantinople-553; 3rd Council of
Constantinople-680 and the 2nd Council of Nicea-787). The individual's primacy
of conscience in ethical matters is stressed. Private confession is not mandatory,
though it is practiced, and decisions regarding the use of artificial contraception
are individual and discretionary. While Old Catholics affirm the Real Presence of
Christ in the eucharist, Old Catholics do not emphasize transubstantiation as the
sole dogmatic explanation for this presence. Old Catholics generally refrain from
using filioque and deum de deo clauses in the Nicene Creed and also reject a
dogmatic understanding of Purgatory; however, Old Catholics generally do
recognize purification by Christ's grace after death and include prayers for the
dead in their liturgy and devotions.
We are an Old Church for the modern day!
Is the Old Catholic Church under the Pope of Rome?
The Old Catholic Church since 1871 is no longer under the Pope of Rome
who leads the ROMAN Catholic Church not the OLD Catholic Church. The Old
Catholic Church is Ultrajectine. Ultrajectine thought rejects papal infallibility and
holds to the belief that only the Church in Ecumenical Council may speak
infallibly. Old Catholics in Europe are “unionized” where several national Catholic
Churches (Holland, Switzerland, Germany and now other countries) have
banded together under a presiding Bishop with a governing body comprised of
clergy and laity. Each country has a bit different model of governance but is
unified on matters of faith and polity.
In the United States each Old Catholic jurisdiction is independent. Some
jurisdictions are multi-state with a presiding bishop and several diocesan bishops
while others are smaller and less formalized. To be a true OLD Catholic
community, the jurisdiction must trace apostolic succession through valid Old
Catholic Episcopal lines and some have also included the addition of valid
Episcopal lines from other national Catholic churches such as through the
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Christ Our Teacher Old Catholic Ministry
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Catholic Apostolic Church which originated in Brazil – both of these can trace
valid apostolic succession back to the Early and Roman Catholic Church. Old
Catholic Churches in the United States are usually not part of the Union of
Utrecht but adhere to the theology, nature and mission of that body of Old
Catholics.
How Do Old Catholics hold to Catholicity?
Old Catholics adhere to the definition of orthodoxy as defined by St.
Vincent of Lerins (d 445) quod ubique, quod semper, quod ab omnibus: that
which has been believed in the Church "everywhere, always, by everyone."
This is the basic definition and it is what the Old Catholic Bishops strive to
maintain. Catholic faith and identity has nothing to do with rigid uniformity but
with the faith of God’s people which can be manifest in a diverse manner. That is
why the liturgical rites of Old Catholics may vary a bit in wording and style from
country to country or jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Each Bishop is free to set the
liturgical norms for the jurisdiction overseen as long as the “quod ubique” is
maintained through conciliar consultation.
Who is the head of the Old Catholic Church?
The true head of the Old Catholic Church is God-Creator,
Teacher/Redeemer and Sanctifier. In keeping with the early Christian Catholic
Church, bishops oversee local Old Catholic Communities. No bishop is the
“head” bishop with sole authority over all Old Catholics. Old Catholic Bishops
work together in a consultative and synod model to continue the adherence to
the faith. Some jurisdictions especially in the United States have chosen to elect
an Archbishop or Presiding Bishop who presides over groups of like-minded
parishes and ministries who follow approved canons and constitutions. Once
elected, the Archbishop usually serves for life until retirement or death; Presiding
Bishops may be elected for set terms. For just cause, a Synod may remove an
Archbishop and elect a new one.
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Christ Our Teacher Old Catholic Ministry
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What are Some Differences between Old Catholics and Roman Catholics?
A visitor to an Old Catholic Parish or Ministry may notice a striking
similarity between an Old Catholic Liturgy and that of the Roman Catholic Liturgy
with just a few minor differences. The Old Catholics do not include the “filioque”
statement in the recitation of the Creed-The filioque clause is a heavily disputed
part of Christian Trinitarian theology and one of the core differences between
Roman Catholic and Orthodox traditions. The Latin term filioque means "and
[from] the son," referring to whether the Holy Spirit "proceeds" from the Father
alone or both from the Father and the Son. In the Orthodox tradition, the Nicene
Creed reads, "We believe in the Holy Spirit … who proceeds from the Father,"
while in the Roman Catholic tradition it reads "We believe in the Holy Spirit…
who proceeds from the Father and the Son." The Orthodox position is based on
the tradition of the ecumenical councils, which specify "from the Father" only.
Another difference is that many Old Catholic jurisdictions have placed the
Sign of Peace after the prayers of intercession and before the start of the
Eucharistic consecration prayers. Additionally, in the prayers, the Old Catholics
do not pray for the pope by name but rather pray for all bishops everywhere.
Other differences include the option for baptism and chrismation
(confirmation) of infants. This is common in orthodox churches.
Clergy in the Old Catholic Church are not required to remain celibate;
however, the Old Catholic Church does not adhere to the ruling of the Quinisext
Council (692) where it was ruled that a priest may not marry after ordination and
that a bishop may only be consecrated from celibate monks. Old Catholics allow
clergy to marry before or after ordination and also allow bishops to be married.
Some do place limitations on how soon after ordination a marriage may occur.
It may be noted that while the Polish National Catholic Church of America
was part of the Union of Utrecht and stemmed from Old Catholicism, in 2003 the
church withdrew from the Utrecht Union due to Utrecht's acceptance of the
ordination of women and open attitude towards homosexuality.
Copyright 2011 Benjamin Evans, FSP
Christ Our Teacher Old Catholic Ministry
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Some not all Old Catholic jurisdictions accept the ordination of women and
the full inclusion of homosexuals-LGBT in the life and sacraments of the Church;
this is in keeping with “quod ubique” of St. Vincent of Lerins which allows for
diversity within the Church.
Of course the Ultrajectine position of Old Catholics in which papal
infallibility is rejected is a major point of difference between Old Catholics and
Roman Catholics. This was a Roman Catholic change to the episcopal
functioning in 1871 (Vatican I) that was not part of Catholic theology or practice
historically and did not arise from an ecumenical council.
The Roman Catholic dogma of the Immaculate Conception of Mary and
that of the Assumption of Mary are rejected by Old Catholics as there is no
scriptural or historical support for this dogma (required belief). This dogma was
proclaimed by the Roman Catholic Church in 1854 again without ecumenical
consultation. While the Orthodox Churches and Old Catholics have always held
that Mary is sinless, it has been understood that she participated in some manner
in the fallen nature of humanity. Old Catholic diversity allows for an individual to
accept the belief in the Immaculate Conception but it is not a required belief,
rather a matter of personal faith.
Who is welcome in the Old Catholic Church for full participation?
The Old Catholic Church welcomes all to full participation in the life and
sacraments of the church. We are a church of inclusion not exclusion. People of
all walks of life’s journey are welcome: straight, gay, woman, man, child, adult
and elderly, any race or income level is welcome. Jesus stated: “I came that they
may have life and life to the fullest”. The witness of Jesus was that of presence to
the rich and poor, the common citizen and the outcast-should we do less? No!
Are Old Catholics the Same as Old Roman Catholics?
The short answer is NO. Old Catholics trace their history to the Church of
the Netherlands and St. Willibrord. Old Roman Catholics arose from
dissatisfaction with the changes occurring in the Roman Catholic Church and so
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Christ Our Teacher Old Catholic Ministry
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maintained adherence to laws and practices that had subsequently been revised
or deleted in the Roman Catholic Church.
What are the Old Catholic thoughts on reunification with the Roman
Catholic Church?
Some within the Old Catholic tradition advocate for work toward
reunification with the Church of Rome however, it cannot be solely on Roman
terms. Most Old Catholics have no desire to reunify with the Roman Church
based on the Old Catholic Ultrajectine stance and a view that some Roman
dogma is not scripturally nor historically based. Church governance was
changed from a consultative, conciliar model to that of a hierarchy in the Roman
Catholic Church which is not in keeping with the early Church. Old Catholics
hold that the Pope of Rome has a place of honor among bishops and patriarchs,
but is not the “head” bishop who can speak infallibly on matters of faith when
speaking “ex cathedra”.
The prayer of Jesus “that all may be one” (John 17:21) is best viewed from
an Old Catholic perspective of the mutual acceptance and recognition of the
diversity among the Catholic and Orthodox churches not that the diverse
expressions must be subsumed by one group with rigid conformity.
What is the Declaration of Utrecht?
The Union of Utrecht is a federation of Old Catholic Churches (from which Old
Catholic Churches share apostolic lines) not in communion with the Roman
Catholic Church. The Old Catholic Church seceded from the Roman Church over
the issue of Papal infallibility. The Declaration of Utrecht solidified this movement
in 1889. The Declaration of Utrecht sets out the 8 issues of concern for which the
Old Catholic Churches had with the Roman Catholic Church thus forming the
Utrecht Union. This document was promulgated on September 24, 1889 by the
five bishops who were: +Heykamp +Rinkel +Diependaal +Reinkens +Herzog.
The Union of Utrecht is in full communion with the Anglican Communion, as per
the Bonn Agreement of 1931, and with the Philippine Independent Church.
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What is the Bonn Agreement?
In 1931 at the Anglican Lambeth Conference, Old Catholic Bishops were
in attendance to discuss theological issues surrounding dogmatics, sacraments
and orders with the Anglican Communion. This presence at the Lambeth
Conference followed many years of work between the 2 churches. An historical
agreement based on 3 points was reached and set out the following:
1. Each Communion recognizes the Catholicity and independence of the
other, and maintains its own.
2. Each Communion agrees to admit members of the other Communion to
participate in the Sacraments.
3. Intercommunion does not require from either Communion the
acceptance of all doctrinal opinion, sacramental devotion or liturgical
practice characteristic of the other, but implies that each believes the
other to hold all the essentials of the Christian Faith.
This implies for:
Lay people
The members of both churches may participate in each other's pastoral,
congregational and sacramental life.
Priests
Since the orders of each church are recognized by the other, priests and
deacons of Anglican and Old Catholic Churches can fully participate in each
other's ministries. Old Catholic clergy can serve Anglican congregations and vice
versa.
Bishops
Bishops participate in the consecrations of bishops of both churches and have
regular consultations at many levels. They also administer the sacrament of
confirmation in each other's churches.
Source: Swiss Willibrord Society
Copyright 2011 Benjamin Evans, FSP
Christ Our Teacher Old Catholic Ministry
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What Sacraments are held in the Old Catholic Church?
The Old Catholic Church holds to the 7 sacraments of the Catholic faith.
Baptism and Eucharist are seen as the 2 primary sacraments with a focus
centralized on Eucharist.
Baptism
Baptism is the sacrament of initiation into the faith. Baptism imparts an
indelible seal on the individual’s soul. The element of Baptism is that of natural,
preferably free flowing water. Baptism is usually done in infancy but may be
received at any point in life.
Chrismation/Confirmation
Chrismation/Confirmation is the validation of a one’s faith. Chrismation is
often combined with Baptism in many Old Catholic Churches as well as in
Orthodox Churches. In some Old Catholic Churches, the practice of confirmation
is done later than infancy such as in the Roman Catholic Church as a sign of a
mature faith.
Reconciliation/Penance
Reconciliation or Penance is the sacrament of forgiveness where we
encounter God’s forgiveness of our failings and likewise are called to forgive
others. There are 3 sub-elements: conversion, confession and celebration.
Holy Eucharist
Eucharist is the real presence of Jesus, who died for our sins. As we
receive Christ's Body and Blood, we also are nourished spiritually and brought
closer to God. It is both sacrifice and holy meal.
Holy Matrimony/Marriage
Marriage, or Holy Matrimony, is a public sign that one gives oneself totally
to this other person. It is also a public statement about God: the loving union
speaks of family values and also God's values. Marriage is until death; however
death may not be just physical death as there also is emotional, psychological
and spiritual death. For this reason, Old Catholics permit remarriage after
divorce. Should there be serious notable impediments or multiple failed
marriages; the Bishop has the right to seek consultation of the synod before
approving future marriages.
Holy Orders
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Christ Our Teacher Old Catholic Ministry
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Holy Orders, or Ordination, is a public sign that the priest being ordained
vows to lead other Catholics by bringing them the sacraments (especially the
Eucharist), by proclaiming the Gospel, and by providing other means to holiness.
Old Catholic clergy are not required to be celibate-they may marry as this was in
keeping with the early Christian church and is similar to the Orthodox Church.
The Old Catholic Church does not adhere to the ruling of the Quinisext Council
(692) where it was ruled that a priest may not marry after ordination and that a
bishop may only be consecrated from celibate monks. Old Catholics allow clergy
to marry before or after ordination and also allow bishops to be married.
Unction
Holy Unction or Sacrament of the Sick (formerly called the “Last Rites”)
has always been seen in the Old Catholic Church as a sacrament of healing.
This anointing and prayer is for the renewal of body, mind and spirit and is not
reserved solely for the purpose of physical illness. Should it be obvious that the
individual will not recover, then prayers for the imminent death are offered.
Does the Old Catholic Church have Religious Orders?
Traditionally, Old Catholic Churches especially in the Utrecht Union have
not favored the development religious orders as these were seen as more
regimentation stemming from the Roman Catholic Tradition. Later development
has led to the formation of some apostolic societies and within the Old Catholic
Churches of the United States there are recognized religious communities of
varying spiritualities such as those that are Benedictine, Franciscan, etc. Again,
the concept of diversity in practice but unity in all things fundamental is the key.
Do Old Catholics worship Saints?
Again, here the short answer is No. However, Saints are not “worshipped”
in any Catholic or Orthodox church. Catholics (Old, Roman, Anglican, and
Independent) and Orthodox believe in the resurrection and life after death. As
such, saints are individuals who have led an exemplary life-they are role models
for us. As Catholics, we believe that these individuals live on with God. We
believe in the “communion of the saints” and our prayers to them are seeking
their intercession with God on our behalf. Saints are not gods and we do not
worship them-or prayer is a communication with them seeking their prayerful
assistance on our behalf.
Copyright 2011 Benjamin Evans, FSP
Christ Our Teacher Old Catholic Ministry
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Do Old Catholics believe in Purgatory and Hell?
Old Catholics reject the doctrine of Purgatory. Old Catholics believe that
there is a cleansing of our sinfulness and failures after death however this occurs
through the grace of God.
Hell is the permanent separation from God and is achieved only by a
conscious willful turning away and rejection of God by the individual through free
will.
What is the meaning of the “One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church” if
there are so many divisions?
The Church is One because there are key elements of faith upon which all
Orthodox and Catholic believers draw. These have been identified through the
seven ecumenical councils of the church.
The Church is Holy because it is founded in the Trinitarian God. It is
sustained by the Holy Spirit.
The Church is Catholic because it is UNIVERSAL. It has many diversities
but holds to the definition of orthodoxy as defined by St. Vincent of Lerins (d 445)
quod ubique, quod semper, quod ab omnibus: that which has been believed in
the Church "everywhere, always, by everyone."
The Church is Apostolic because it’s line of faith, succession of priests
and teachings stem from the work of the first Apostles of Jesus. It is an ongoing
expression of God’s love for us.
What Resources can I find on Old Catholics?


Caruso, R.W. The Old Catholic Church. (2009) Apocryphile Press. CA
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Catholic_Church
http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Old_Catholic_Church
Moss, C. B. The Old Catholic Movement Its Origins and History. (2005)
Apocryphile Press. CA
Copyright 2011 Benjamin Evans, FSP
Christ Our Teacher Old Catholic Ministry
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Old Catholic Church of the United States. Credo: The Catechism of the Old
Catholic Church (2004).
Queen, A. Old Catholic: History, Ministry, Faith and Mission (2003).
Saint, R. A Short Catechism of the Old Catholic Church. (2007).
Wagner, W. A Pilgrim’s Guide to the Old Catholic Church. (2009) Dallas TX
NOTES:
Copyright 2011 Benjamin Evans, FSP
Christ Our Teacher Old Catholic Ministry
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Copyright 2011 Benjamin Evans, FSP
Christ Our Teacher Old Catholic Ministry
13