Does the OCCI have valid orders?
Yes, all the Old Catholic Churches International’s clergy are validly ordained within the Apostolic Succession, passed on to it directly through the Roman and Old Catholic traditions and many more.
FAQ Category: Vocation Questions
Questions about the vocations process in the OCCI
If I am divorced, can I still become a cleric in your church?
We recognize divorce as a reality, and we allow divorced persons seek admittance as clergy in our church.
What if I am LGBTQIA+, can I be a cleric too?
Homosexuality is part of the human condition and our friends and family in the LGBTQIA+ community are encouraged, along with their heterosexual brothers and sisters, to live full creative lives under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We therefore place no prohibition on our LGBTQIA+ friends and family that would bar them from the priesthood … Read more
Do you have female priests?
Yes, we do. The Old Catholic Churches International does not choose its clergy on the basis of gender but rather their individual suitability for ministry.
Does the OCCI have married clergy?
Yes, as in the ancient church, its clergy are free to marry should they wish. We totally and completely reject the doctrine of forced clerical celibacy.
What is the procedure for becoming a cleric in your church?
The following outlines the procedures and steps required by potential candidates for Ordination to the Priesthood and Diaconate and also for Candidates for Secular Incardination: (The requirements for clerical Incardination are very identical up to step 8. A cleric seeking Incardination normally has already completed the required studies and received all the Minor Orders. After … Read more
What is a vocation?
A vocation is God’s invitation or calling to each individual to love and serve Him and His Church in a particular state or way of life. That state or way of life may be a call to be a doctor, lawyer or even a priest.
If I were to become a priest in your church, where would I have to go to have a church?
We are a young and growing church. That means you have the opportunity to define your ministry, whether parish priest or hospital chaplain. We have both in our organization, and there is room for more. If you feel inclined to “grow” a parish where you are currently living, we offer you all the support and … Read more
Does your church admit LGBTQIA+ to holy orders?
Yes we do. We accept women and LGBTQIA+ to the priesthood. We believe that all people are created in the image of God and therefore we do not deny them the opportunities to serve God as clergy. For more information about our views of LGBTQIA+ please click here and for more on Female Clergy please click … Read more