Old Catholic churches are an outgrowth of the Old Catholic movement in the See of Utrecht in the Netherlands.
Conflicts between Dutch Catholics and the Church, over such issues as original sin, human depravity, predestination, and grace, resulted in a schism within the Church in Holland.
A significant number of mostly Swiss, German and Austrian priests also refused to accept the doctrine of papal infallibility and were excommunicated in 1871, many of them presiding over churches that no longer looked to Rome for authority. Some of these later joined with Anglican or Orthodox bodies but others continued as Old Catholic Church bodies.
The Declaration of Utrecht was issued as the doctrinal statement of the Old Catholic Church in 1889, affirming the main lines of the Catholic tradition up to the year 1000, but rejecting several of the more recent doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church, especially papal infallibility, the immaculate conception of Mary, and the celibacy of priests.
The Old Catholic Church maintains that the five patriarchal Sees of the ancient Church remain the equal heads of the Church.
The Slavic branch of the Old Catholic Church has a separate history. In the United States, the Old Catholic movements originated from Pére Joseph René Vilatte in Wisconsin, where several parishes were organized. Another group of English-speaking Old Catholics was brought together in Illinois by Augustine de Angelis, a former Roman Catholic monk. The Old Catholic episcopacy in the United States was established in 1914. However, this body split into several ecclesial bodies, not all of them recognized by European Old Catholics, the major ones being the Old Catholic Church of America, the Old Roman Catholic Church of North America, the North American Old Catholic Church, the North American Old Roman Catholic Church, and the Old Roman Catholic Church (English Rite). Old Catholics sometimes represent a conservative form of Catholicism, although some are quite liberal.
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Feature Article
Is Mel Gibson an Old Catholic?
The first time that I heard about the Old Catholic movement, it was in
reference to the actor
and producer, Mel
Gibson. The story was that Gibson was a member of a sect that left the
Roman
Catholic Church over the changes that the Church had made in Vatican
II. As I heard it, Mel Gibson's father had been instrumental in forming the
group that broke away from Rome
because he and his followers disagreed on the modernization that was made to
the Church with Vatican II, primarily the Latin Rite.
One of the things that I enjoy about being an editor for a web directory is
that I am able to learn about a lot of things that I might not otherwise be
exposed to and, in this case I learned that this wasn't correct. Actually,
Mel Gibson was raised in a sect of the Traditionalist
Catholic movement, which is the sect that does not accept the reforms
of the Second Vatican Council. Mel Gibson's father, Hutton Gibson, has
indeed been outspoken in his criticism of the liberal changes that were made
to the Church, and has identified with the Traditionalist Catholic movement.
But I don't know that it's fair to say that he was a founder, or that either
Mel or his father are poster children for the movement.
In other words, the answer to the opening question is no, Mel Gibson is not
an Old Catholic. He is a Traditionalist Catholic, and many of his religious
views are perhaps independent of that movement as well.
Who are the Old Catholics?
The Old Catholics are much older than the Traditionalist Catholics. The
split between Roman Catholicism and Old Catholicism has its roots in the
Roman Catholic Church in the Netherlands.
The Dutch became used to being on its own, as they were pretty much ignored
by the Holy See. In 1125, the Roman Catholic pope, whom the Old Catholics
view merely as the Bishop of Rome, referred to the Dutch church as
independent, granting it the right to name and ordain its own bishops,
making the Bishop of Utrecht the head of the Dutch Catholic Church. This was
confirmed by the Fourth Lateran Council in 1215.
Relations were amicable, and both the Roman Catholic and the Dutch Catholic
churches considered themselves to be part of the One, Holy, Catholic, and
Apostolic Church. Changes in doctrine imposed by Rome were not forced on
Catholics in the Netherlands. This changed in 1854 when Pope Pius IX
declared himself to be infallible, with the entire Church subservient to
Rome. In this case, the issue was over the Immaculate Conception. Pope Pius
declared that the Immaculate Conception was the dogma of the Church,
mandating that all Catholics accept the teaching. The larger issue wasn't
over the Immaculate Conception, however. The essential dispute was over the
idea of papal infallibility, with all other bishops answerable to the Bishop
of Rome.
During the First Vatican Council of 1868, those bishops who disagreed with
papal infallibility walked out, and the issue passed with a unanimous vote
of those who remained. Several of the bishops who had walked out of First
Vatican Council went to the Catholic Church in the Netherlands and requested
to be added to their communion. Thus began the Old Catholic Church.
The Old Catholic Church does not consider itself to have broken away with
Rome - rather, they believe that it was the Roman Catholic Church that broke
away, through the introduction of new doctrine that was unsupported by
either Scripture or tradition.
Vatican Two had nothing to do with it. In fact, most Old Catholic churches
are more liberal than the Roman Catholic Church, welcoming LGBT members and
women to the clergy, allowing priests to marry, and using common language
liturgies long before the the Second Vatican Council introduced the practice
to Roman Catholicism. With the changes brought about by Vatican II, many
traditionalist Catholic churches have sought and received closer relations
with Rome, and some are now in full communion with Rome.
Mel Gibson, on the other hand, has nothing to do with the Old Catholic
Church, and never has.
Recommended Resources
American Apostolic Catholic Church
The Diocese of Michigan-Georgia-Minnesota is part of the American Apostolic Catholic Church, an Old Catholic jurisdiction. Its mission statement, member congregations, contacts and announcements are posted to the site. Other resources include the the Book of Common Life in a PDF file, the Declaration of Utrecht, and a profile and history of the Old Catholic Church. Those who are interested in becoming a deacon or priest are invited to contact the diocese.
http://www.amcatholicchurch.org/
The ACC is an Old Catholic fellowship that derives its Apostolic Succession through the independent Archbishop of Utrecht, and is closely related to other Catholic communities that have become independent of Rome. Established in 1995, the ACC came from the Old Catholic Movement, which became an international communion in 2009. Its history, doctrinal essentials, faith communities, and requirements for ordination are featured.
http://www.aocc.org/
Part of the Universal Church, the AOCC is a Catholic church not under the authority of the Bishop of Rome, yet part of the Universal Church, founded on the 7 Ecumenical Councils. Its locations and parishes are featured, with an overview of its ecclesial services, department contacts and staff. Vocations within the Church are defined and those wishing to take part in the ministry are encouraged to complete an online form. Its canons and clergy requirements are defined.
https://www.americanoldcatholicchurch.org/
The independent Catholic and Orthodox Church is composed of small faith communities or parishes, often meeting as house churches, its Apostolic orders given through the Old Catholic Church of Utrecht and the Catholic Apostolic Church in North America, both of which trace their lineage back to Rome. Its liturgies, spiritual direction, a statement of beliefs, and ordination process are put forth.
http://www.celticchristianchurch.org/
Community Catholic Church of Canada
Organized as the Old Catholic Church of Canada in 1960, the Body has its roots in the Old Catholic tradition, with valid orders, sacraments and apostolic succession, as well as an inclusive and progressive expression of the Catholic-Anglican tradition. Its beliefs and practices are set forth, and its clergy and parishes are identified, along with its seminary, and online worship practices.
http://www.communitycatholicchurch.com/
The autocephalous Church body claims roots in the tradition of the Old Catholic Church. Its practices, rites, and clergy requirements and policies are set forth, along with its beliefs and principles, traditions and sacraments, and apostolic succession are discussed, along with its ministries and goals. Those who believe they are called to the priesthood in the CCC are invited to make contact with the Church.
http://www.contemporarycatholicchurch.org/
The ECC shares a common theology and liturgical tradition with the Catholic Church, as its deacons, priests and bishops participate in the same historic apostolic succession as the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Churches, and other apostolic churches, although its history traces through the Old Catholic movement. Its constitution and distinctives are defined, and its leadership, regions, and contacts are posted.
http://www.ecumenical-catholic-communion.org/
Independent Old Catholic Church
The IOCC is a worldwide denomination that traces its roots through the European Old Catholic Churches to the Apostolic Era, offering traditional sacraments and beliefs found in the traditions and beliefs of the Early Christian Church. Its history, a statement of beliefs, and its ordination requirements and policies are set forth, along with an official clergy list, announcements, and contacts.
http://www.independentoldcatholicchurch.org/
North American Old Roman Catholic Church
Descended from the Roman Catholic See of Utrecht, which was granted autonomy by the Holy See in 1145, the NAORCC is an Old Roman Catholic Church not in full communion with the Holy See of Rome, a status known as valid, but canonically independent. A history and profile of the Church is offered, including a statement of basic beliefs, its locations, contacts, terms and definitions.
http://www.naorcc.com/
The Old Catholic Apostolic Church stems from the Liberal Catholic Apostolic Church, which came about through the union of the Ancient Catholic Church and the Liberal Rite in 2008. The history is told here, along with its codes of practice, ordination and incardination, sacraments, apostolic successions, educational outrereligious orders and societies. Photographs, publications and other resources are included.
http://www.liberalcatholics.co.uk/
Old Catholic Apostolic Church of the Americas
Also known as the Ecclesia Apostolica Catholica Antiqua Americarum, the Church was created from the ancient churches of Caesarea, Glastonbury and Utrecht, a history of the Old Catholic Church and the OCACA is published, along with its creeds, a letter from the Patriarch, official Church announcements, its parishes and ministries, clergy contacts, and an overview of its seminary.
http://www.oldcatholicapostolic.org/
Old Catholic Church in the United Kingdom
The OCC traces its ancestry through Archbishop Arnold Harris Mathew, its first Bishop in Great Britain, holding to the Apostolic Succession of its bishops, to the early Middle Ages, beyond which the records of all branches of the Catholic Church become vague, which which is shared with the Church at Rome. Its history, a statement of belief, canons, and policy information are posted. Its leadership team is introduced, with office contacts and hours.
http://www.oldcatholicchurchuk.co.uk/
Old Catholic Church of British Columbia
An independent communion deriving its Apostolic Succession from the Old Catholic Church of Utrecht, the Old Catholic Church of BC was established in 1921. General information about the Church is presented, along with its history, and clergy. An overview of its sacramental and worship life is given, several online publications are featured, and its locations and contacts are posted to the site.
http://oldcatholicbc.com/
Old Catholic Church of New Utrecht
The Diocese of New Utrecht is an Apostolic Catholic Church not under Roman authority, but which enjoys a true Apostolic Succession and a valid Eucharist. A description of what this means is given, along with the history of the Old Catholic Church’s break with Rome, and the Declaration of Utrecht of 1889, in which they accept the first seven ecumenical councils and doctrine prior to 1054, but reject communion with the Pope.
http://new-utrecht.org/
Old Catholic Church, Province of the United States
Claiming roots in the teachings of the ancient Christian Church, as well as in the Old Catholic Churches in Europe, through the Utrecht Union of Old Catholic Churches, the TOCCUSA is episcopal and synodal in structure. Welcoming diversity, LGBT persons and women are welcome and encouraged to the orders of deacon, priest and bishop. Its location, dioceses, and access to various reports and documents are included.
http://www.toccusa.org/
Old Catholic Churches International
Tracing its apostolic succession to the Apostles through the historic Old Catholic movement, the self governing Church describes itself as a Christocentric, Christian, Liturgical denomination founded on the principles of biblical and apostolic worship and doctrine, which utilizes Novus Ordo as well as many of the Orthodox and Anglican liturgies. Its organizational structure, dioceses, religious orders, schools, and clergy are featured.
https://www.myocci.org/
Old Catholic Communion of North America
The OCCNA is a provincial Old Catholic Church in North America, and independent, not affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. Orthodox in its beliefs and theology. Administratively governed by the Province of St. Thomas, serving the Rocky Mountain and Pacific time zones, and the Province of the Archdiocese of the Holy Spirit, serving the Eastern and Central time zones, its beliefs and ordination requirements are featured, and various documents may be downloaded from the site.
http://www.occna.org/
The OCC is a union of Old Catholic Churches and Dioceses under the canonical authority of the Synod of Bishops of the Old Catholic Confederation, in ecclesial partnership with the Church of the Province of West Africa (Anglican Communion) and the World Council of Churches. The Synod of Bishops, Primate and Archbishop are introduced, and a profile and history of the Old Catholic Church and the Union of Utrecht are featured.
http://www.occus.org/
Old Roman Catholic Church in America
Established in 1910, the Old Roman Catholic Church in America united with the ORCC in Great Britain in 2013. A historical narrative and chronology are put forth, with an overview of its beliefs, its liturgy and leadership are presented, and books, pamphlets and other documents are available for downloading in PDF format. Local, national and international ministries are highlighted and its vocations are discussed.
http://www.old-roman-catholic.org/
Old Roman Catholic Church in Great Britain
Serving as a self governing body within the One, Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, the ORCC in Great Britain united with the ORCC in America in 2013. Its beginnings, episcopal succession, and an overview of its facilities and programs are put forth, including the Spital Chantry Trust of St. Edmund, the Tomb of Archbishop Mathew, and a gallery of photographs are presented, with contacts and links to additional resources.
http://www.oldromancatholic.org.uk/
Orthodox Catholic Church of America
The OCCA is a self-governing jurisdiction of Orthodox Christianity that was established in the United States about a century ago, and is part of the universal Catholic Church, especially in its non-Roman, Oriental forms. A profile of the OCCA, its beliefs, background, constitutions and canons is put forth, along with information about vocations, affiliations, and clergy contacts. Informational videos are included.
http://www.orthodoxcatholicchurch.org/
Polish National Catholic Church
With parishes throughout the world, the PNCC is a Christian denomination formed in Scranton, Pennsylvania in 1897 as an offshoot of the Old Catholic Church that was formed in response to the First Vatican Council. Its beliefs on apostolic succession are stated, and its constitution and other policy papers are available for viewing, along with a history of the Church, a parish directory and affiliated organizations.
http://www.pncc.org/
Reformed Catholic Church International
The RCCI is an independent Catholic Church community that stems from the Old Catholic Church of the Netherlands, and is currently open to anyone regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Although not in allegiance to the Roman Catholic Church or the Vatican, it is catholic in its sacraments, liturgy, creeds, and order of ministry. The offices of the bishop and vocations are set forth, along with a calendar of events and contacts.
http://www.rccine.org/
The North American Old Roman Catholic Church
The Church body claims its place as part of the Church that was founded in Jerusalem in 33 AD, organized at Utrecht in 696 AD, established in Great Britain in 1908 AD and in America in 1914 AD. Its history, doctrine and beliefs, polity and guidelines for communion are offered, and its clergy and churches are identified. Seminary degree programs, course schema, tuition and fees are posted. Photos, documents and other media are included.
http://www.naorcc.org/
United American Catholic Church
Formed in 2002, the UACC is an independent Catholic denomination that originated through the Old Catholic movement of 1853, supported by the Old Catholic Archbishop of Utrecht, and the work of Joseph Rene Vilatte, who brought the Independent movement to North America. The UACC is defined, including its principles, beliefs and canons, vocations, and incardination. Its locations and parishes are identified, with contacts.
http://www.uacatholicchurch.org/
