Part of a series on the Liberal Catholic Movement |
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Background | |
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Christianity |
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People | |
Arnold Harris Mathew |
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Rites | |
Churches | |
Liberal Catholic Church |
The Young Rite is a center for spiritual development based on the Western esoteric mystery tradition[1]. One of the primary objectives is that the Holy Eucharist is celebrated frequently by as many priests as possible. One of the more unique features of the Young Rite is its advocacy of a free and universal priesthood. The Young Rite is a denominational member of the Independent Liberal Catholic Fellowship[2] and all its bishops are members of The Sophia Circle[3].
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The Young Rite has its roots in the Liberal Catholic Church from which they derive their Apostolic Succession[4]. Much of the Liberal Catholic tradition has been maintained. The Young Rite was born with the consecration of bishop Markus van Alphen[5] on 4 June 2006 by the independent bishops Johannes van Alphen, Mario Herrera Jorges and Benito Rodriguez Cruz using the rite of the Liberal Catholic Church. Bishop Johannes (South Africa) was an active bishop in this new movement up until his death in 2009[6]. Bishop Aristid Havlicek (Slovenia) was consecrated to the Episcopacy in 2007[7] and Bishop Gregoire Amougou (Cameroun, who died in 2010) joined the Young Rite in 2009. In 2010 Bishop Louise Lombard (Netherlands) was consecrated to the Episcopacy[8]. In 2010 Bishop Markus retired from active service to pursue an individual spiritual path whilst remaining connected to the Young Rite. The Young Rite now operates internationally with bishops in Slovenia, South Africa, Netherlands and Belgium
A basic precept is the voluntary nature of those who implement the work of the group. No one is paid for their services. The major differences may be summarized by what they call their three points:
In Rt Rev Alistair Bate's book A Strange Vocation[9], a chapter expounds on the views that led to the creation of the Young Rite.
The Young Rite believes that the individual is the final authority on any matter of experience or belief. Doctrine can therefore only be seen as a rough framework. Being esoterically-minded the scriptures and tradition are not interpreted literally.
The Young Rite uses its own liturgy instead of the Liberal Rite. This liturgy is constantly under revision as they experiment with more inclusive and affirmative language, different forms, etc. Currently in use is the 'Traditional Form of the Holy Eucharist', the 'Circle Form of the Holy Eucharist', and the 'Universal Eucharist'. A printed Liturgy is available from St Alban Press. In the book The Pillars of the Temple[10] the working of the liturgy from the viewpoint of the Young Rite is explained.