What does the OCCNA believe about the current “modern” teachings of the both Old Catholic Churches the Utrecht Union of Europe and some in the USA, some Anglican Churches, as well as other churches?
As an Orthodox Old Catholic we must first look to the Declaration of Utrecht for an answer which begins by stating, “We adhere faithfully to the Rule of Faith laid down by St. Vincent of Lerins in these terms: “Id teneamus, quodubique, quod semper, quod ab omnibus creditum est; hoc est etenim vere proprieque catholicum.” (We hold that which has been believed everywhere, always, and of all people; for that is truly and properly Catholic.) For this reason, we preserve in professing the faith of the primitive Church, as formulated in the Oecumenical synods and specified precisely by the unanimously accepted decisions of the Oecumenical Councils held in the undivided Church of the first thousand years.
Therefore, based on the Declaration of Utrecht we both accept and profess that the Scriptural interpretations and Traditions of the greater Catholic Church (Orthodox, Roman, and vast majority of Anglican) and when they differ we turn to the inspired wisdom of the undivided Church, especially in council. For these reasons we do not bless same sex unions nor do we ordain women to the priesthood and episcopacy.
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Dear Reader,
As you can imagine as an Old Catholic Bishop I am asked many questions about the Old Catholic Faith. If you have a question that is not covered here please do not hesitate to send me an Email.
God Bless,
Most Rev Michael Nesmith – Archbishop
[1] Excerpted from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Third Edition © 1996 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Electronic version licensed from INSO Corporation; further reproduction and distribution in accordance with the Copyright Law of the United States. All rights reserved.
[2] Old Catholics, Christian denomination organized in Munich in 1871 by Roman Catholics who protested the dogma, proclaimed the previous year by Vatican Council I, of the personal infallibility of the pope in all ex cathedra pronouncements. Excerpted from Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia 2000