Catholic Orthodox Union of Saints Peter and Paul

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COUSPP or 'The Catholic Orthodox Union of Saints Peter and Paul' was an organisation of traditional English speaking Old Catholic bishops in the United Kingdom designed to promote cooperation between Old Catholic denominations. The OCCE withdrew amicably from COUSPP in May 2008. Following the departure of the OCCE, The current status of COUSPP is unknown.

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[edit] Reasons for the formation of COUSPP

Old Catholic Ministry in the United Kingdom is very small in scale compared to the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church. Old Catholicism in England has sometimes been associated with disputes between like minded denominations who often share doctrinal points in common and share a common apostolic succession. Disputes between English speaking Old Catholics have split the movement, been divisive and prevented partnership working.

In July 2007 a mutually agreed move towards coordination was initiated between three Old Catholic denominations which see themselves as traditional and Orthodox, to form a coordinating council that would coordinate development and be a forum for joint discussion and debate. The OCCE withdrew amicably from COUSPP in May 2008 when the OCCE determined that COUSPP had served the purpose for which it was originally created.

[edit] The London Agreement

The foundation of the ‘Catholic Orthodox Union of Saints Peter and Paul' or COUSPP’, was agreed and formed by Metropolitan bishop Robert McBride, Thomas Bonkin, Alan Munday and Anthony Earl-Williams. COUSPP’s governing document is ‘The London agreement’ signed by participants on 31st March 2007.

[edit] The work of COUSPP

This agreement of Union provides a formal forum whereby the bishops from several related churches with much in common can share experience and Old Catholic ministry. The Union draws the Old Catholic Church in Europe Arch-Confraternity of Our Lady of Victories; and the Ecumenical Orthodox Catholic Church closer together. The recent admission of Bishop Metropolitan David Bowler of The Society of Christ The King or ‘SCR’ (UK) increases the range and scope of COUSPP.

The founders of COUSPP have committed to ensure that there is a fraternal environment to discuss opportunities for a shared mission and for developing ministries. COUSPP members took part in the consecration of Bishop Dennis Beevers as Titular Bishop of Dunstanburgh in July 2007 for the Old Catholic Church in Europe.

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