General Questions about the OCCI
We hold to the historical and Scriptural position of the catholic and orthodox tradition. The fetus is a part of their mother from the moment of conception. Making a decision to terminate a pregnancy is a very difficult situation that should be approached by the pregnant individual with her family and doctor.
We do not condone any form of assisted suicide. However, we do not believe it is immoral to remove artificial life support systems with the informed consent of the patient.
We believe that good Christian parenting requires loving parents to make the determination on the size of their family. We do not oppose pre-conception means of birth control. We do encourage natural methods of birth control over artificial ones. However, under no circumstances should abortion ever be considered a permitted method of birth control.
Essentially, nothing. But, because of the emphasis given to the above factors, both the Old Catholic Churches International and its members tend, perhaps, to be rather more open and free. In this we try to bear witness to Saint Paul’s promise that ”Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is perfect freedom” (2 Corinthians … Read more
All the great religions of the world are expressions of God’s graceful presence. The Old Catholic Churches International therefore looks to that presence, wherever it may be, that its understanding of the Christian tradition may be strengthened and deepened. We further deplore those religions or churches that seek to promote the doctrine that their members … Read more
We aspire to work with other churches in all aspects of ministry and regards ecumenism as a way of manifesting that ‘diversity in unity’ that should characterize the Body of Christ. We believe that all Christian churches have an element of truth in them and that their members are no less worthy of eternal life … Read more
Homosexuality is part of the human condition and gay men and women are encouraged, along with their heterosexual brothers and sisters, to live full creative lives under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. All the sacraments are open to those who are homosexual.
We are mindful that there are times that continuing in a marriage is either detrimental to one’s physical well being or that serious defects in the marital relationship exist and thus divorce is necessary (1 Corinthians 7:15). It is for this reason that we allow divorced persons to remarry in our churches. Divorced people are … Read more
Ours is an independent denomination. We are solely supported by the donations of our members. Our clergy are currently a “worker priesthood” with many of us holding a secular position as well as carrying out the duties of Deacon, chaplain, priest, or Bishop. Our donations currently go entirely to the growth and support of the … Read more
A list of our parishes is on our website under Our Communities.