Mission Statement
The mission of our church is to offer an affirming, evangelical, and sacramental presence in the world. It is our calling to carry the gospel, sacraments, and God’s love to all. This includes the unchurched, the alienated, and the disenfranchised. We welcome all to the altar of the Lord and exclude no one from taking part in the life of the church. As an ecumenical body, we strive to work with all churches. By doing so we are fulfilling the prayer of Christ “that all may be one.”
Vision Statement
The vision of our church is to build up the Kingdom of God. We do this by reaching out to those marginalized and disenfranchised in society. In keeping with this vision, the following points best describe the work of our church:
- It is our goal to offer an environment where everyone can know, love, and serve the Lord. The reception of the Sacraments, and participation in the community of believers helps make this possible.
- As catholics, we encourage all Christians to enhance their own lives by reclaiming our shared heritage. We encourage them to become active participants in building a future of ecumenism and spiritual growth.
- We strive to look beyond the sectarian details and seek in a deliberative fashion to understand what it means to be a committed Christian today. We perceive the Scriptures, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, in the light of the experience of Reason and Apostolic Tradition. We hold a vision for a more mature and relational Christianity. A Christianity which reconciles genuine faith and commitment with intelligence and experience.
- We recognize the right of women to equality at all levels of society and the Church, including ordained ministry.
- Our church respects a couple’s right to plan their families in a responsible way.
- Through the Church we offer the opportunity for lay or ordained ministry. We admit men and women to religious life and to all levels of Holy Orders. We do this without regard to marital status, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, or physical disability.
- We offer the Sacrament of Marriage for prepared couples regardless of gender. Divorced couples are welcome to seek a second marriage.
- We strive to help those less fortunate by offering services and help to those who are homeless, mentally, or physically ill. We also help those who are struggling with a wide variety of addictions.
Vocations
As independent clergy, our ministers experience a diverse range of situations. Some lead communities, parishes, religious orders or sodalities. Others are active in such areas as wedding and funeral ministry. Some provide outreach ministries, counseling, scholarship, and workshops on aspects of spirituality. Our ministers have to complete theological and ministerial training before ordination. You can find more information on our Vocations page.
During the past few years, our church has experienced dynamic growth. We have seen many inquiries about our work from people all over the world. Those who seek to join us in ministry find our church’s spiritual and jurisdictional approach attractive. They appreciate that the church maintains a spirit of a fellowship of Christian love. We are less concerned with money, buildings, and temporal power.
As of June 19, 2013, the Old Catholic Church International, Inc. is an incorporated entity within the State of South Carolina.
We thank you for your interest in our work and pray for your onward journey in faith.