American Catholic Church in the United States
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The American Catholic Church in the United States is an Old Catholic Christian denomination. The American Catholic Church, being an Old Catholic denomination largely holds similar theological beliefs and practices of the Roman Church. However like Anglicans, and Old Catholics it is not in communion with the Roman Catholic Church.
While the American Catholic Church shares many theological and moral teachings with the Roman Catholic Church, there are some key differences. The Church teaches that compassion and nonjudgementalism take precedence in regard to more difficult questions. The Church rejects what it deems "legalistic moral pronouncements" regarding such issues, holding that one's faith in Jesus Christ along with an informed and enlightened conscience, molded on the Gospel principles of truth, justice, compassion and love, should be the ultimate motivating force in one's life. The Church does not require its priests to be celibate; members of the clergy may be married or in a domestic partnership; it also permits the ordination of women and homosexuals. All members of the clergy are required to support themselves through outside employment; clergy are prohibited from receiving a stipend or fee for their services, although gifts and offerings are permitted.
This church belongs to the family of the Old Catholic churches, from which it derives its claim to apostolic succession. It is in consortium with many other Old Catholic and Anglican/Episcopalian Churches. Founded by Reverend Lawrence J. Harms DD on June 13, 1999, the church is based in Frederick, Maryland. Harms leads the church, and holds the title of Presiding Archbishop.
