User:Father Stuart
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Contents |
[edit] Old Catholic Church in Europe
Although numerically small in clergy and laity, the Old Catholic Church in Europe [1](OCCE) is a Christian Church, in the Old Catholic tradition, dedicated to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is a worshipping community, a family of believers and a fellowship of persons living in charity and the love of Christ. The OCCE aims to create a stable and vibrant Old Catholic[[2]] jurisdiction in Europe that not only survives but has a leadership role in the years to come for those that wish to accept leadership from an orthodox Old Catholic jurisdiction.
The OCCE is a Catholic Church of the Western tradition[3] and Latin rite. The OCCE is also a recognised Church enjoying fellowship with the Universal Church internationally through international ecumenical bodies and is related through Apostolic Succession[4] to the Catholic Churches of the East and West (Orthodox and Roman Catholic).
[edit] The OCCE as part of its mission exists,.....
- One To provide for Old/Independent Catholics [5]unable in conscience to accept the new practices and faith of the Utrecht Union in Europe[6].
- Two To provide a point of reference for those individuals and Churches wishing to know more about or communicate with orthodox Old Catholics.
[edit] The OCCE and orthodox Old Catholicism in Europe
Two orthodox Old Catholic Churches retired from the Utrecht Union (Polish National Catholic Church [7]USA and the Old Catholic Church of Slovakia) in 2004 regarding the new teachings and practice of the Union but neither have an English language organisation in Europe.
The English Catholic Church (ECC) formed in the year 2000 was an orthodox Old Catholic daughter Church formed from the “Old Catholic Church of the United States” [8] or OCCUS. In 2006, in consultation with other orthodox Bishops the English Catholic Church, re-named itself the “Old Catholic Church in Europe” (OCCE)[9]. This was change of name was achieved so that the OCCE would become not just an English language representative for orthodox Old Catholicism in Europe but also provide an organisation for orthodox Old Catholics to relate to and be cared for on the Western side of the European Continent
The change of name has had a very positive effect and on a regular basis the OCCE Chancellery in Northampton (UK) receives enquiries from individuals and groups on the Continent requiring pastoral and sacramental support. The ability to locate, license and provide appropriate language-speaking priests is difficult due to the distances involved. It is hoped this situation will be addressed as more people become aware of our mission and that Sacred Ministers and vocations will be forthcoming.
[edit] The OCCE and other orthodox Catholics
The OCCE does not regard itself as the sole expression of traditional Old Catholicism in Western Europe but is already regarded as a representative body through its membership of various ecumenical and interdenominational bodies and relationships with orthodox Old/Independent Catholic Churches internationally. Certainly the OCCE would welcome and has sought collaboration from other similar jurisdictions locally to share in this important work and discussions are ongoing.
The Old Catholic Church in Europe has already been approached by traditional Anglicans [[10]both within and without the Canterbury Communion[11] seeking cordial relations. The OCCE sees no immediate objections to the formulation of relations with orthodox Anglo-Catholics [12]in this way.
There is great concern generally by Western and Eastern Catholics for reunion with the Holy See and the successor of Peter at Rome. Remaining true to the stance of the Declaration of Utrecht, the OCCE feels that any such reunion would require discussion and agreement on the understanding and practice of the Petrine Ministry necessarily different from that promulgated as doctrine by the Roman Church in 1870[13]. The OCCE prays for the day when such discussion and agreement can be made that Christ's Church may be united once more on earth.
[edit] Current state of the Old Catholic Church in Europe
Falling numbers in the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Churches indicate a disaffection with what was once considered mainstream religion. There is arguably a role for ‘niche chaplaincy’ that meets the needs of smaller groups of people who are neglected in their Church of origin. Those who wish for the Latin Mass[14], the Tridentine Mass[15], English Missal or Novus Ordo[16] may be accommodated without problem.
Resources: Given the lack of funding available to Old Catholic Churches in the United Kingdom, the OCCE has no Church buildings. This lack of resources is often a problem when larger groups wish to gather although it does lead to positive partnership working arrangements with other Christian groups and community organizations. The positive feature of such innovative partnerships is that resources are not wasted and we see the linkage of real people with ministry.
Religious services: are often held in a private house reflecting the house Church of ancient Rome. Sometimes services are held in a spare room or a garage converted into a small private chapel for the celebration of the sacred mysteries. Such spaces are often beautiful and reflect a wish to give back to God some of his creation.
Geography: means that the bishops and priests sometimes travel considerable distances to bring worship to small groups. Whilst time consuming and personally exhausting for individual clergy, this ministry demonstrates a real need for a responsive chaplaincy [17]and reflects needs that are not being met by mainstream denominations.
Missions: Despite a lack of state funding and prejudice from the more established denominations, the missions of the OCCE continue to grow slowly over time and continue to spread the word of God to the corners of the United Kingdom. The missions[18] of the OCCE have brought the Gospel to people from very different backgrounds in Wales[19], The North, The South, The Midlands and East Anglia[20]. With the recent incardination of a Parish in Southampton [21]the church grows and flourishes
Ministry: Priests and bishops within OCCE have evidenced and demonstrated their commitment to a real ministry working with real people and will not have relations with those who believe that an internet ministry is adequate or appropriate as a means of knowing the Risen Christ.
Though a small jurisdiction, the OCCE enjoys fellowship and fraternal relations with a number of Catholic Churches and warmly invites approaches from any others in pursuit of granting Our Lord's prayer for His Church "Ut unum sint"[[22]] "that they may be one John" 17:21 {{Christian-denomination-stub}}
