Is there a hierarchy in your church?

The Old Catholic Churches International does have a Clerical Hierarchy. The head of our Church is the Presiding Bishop. He is chosen from among the Bishops of the church as “First among Equals” and is the Spiritual father of the Old Catholic Churches International. He is not infallible, but serves as Vicar to all of the Clergy. Beneath him are the Bishops over Dioceses, which may be geographical or organizational divisions. Churches are served by a priesthood and Bishops are assisted by the Diaconate. While this hierarchy is similar in nature to some other liturgical denominations, the important difference here is that all are equal in the sight of God, and decisions are made after much deliberation and without political influence. As you may see by reading our Canon Law, posted elsewhere on this web site, decisions are made by the entire body of the church, not a small group of unreachable leaders locked behind closed doors. The newest parishioner has access to the Presiding Bishop and all other members of the clergy.