Old Catholic Union of the West

What is Old Catholicsm

Our roots date back to 1871 as a result of a separation from the Roman Catholic Church, initiated by the "Old Catholics" in Utrecht, Netherlands. Our Church emerged in response to specific decrees of the First Vatican Council, particularly those concerning Papal Infallibility and Papal Authority.

Who we are

We are a community of devoted followers of Jesus, and we actively serve as a positive force for good in our world.

We are Sacramental

At the heart of our faith, we devoutly practice the seven sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Matrimony, Holy Orders, and Anointing of the Sick.

We are Apostolic

Our bishops are consecrated in lines of succession that can be traced back to the very Apostles themselves.

Historical Roots

The Old Catholic Church was established in 1871 in response to the Roman Catholic Church's increasing assertion of papal primacy and infallibility. Prior to the First Vatican Council, the Bishop of Rome was considered one of five patriarchs of the global Church, with equal authority to the patriarchs of Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem. Over time, particularly after the Great Schism with Orthodoxy, the Roman Church began to assert its authority more strongly and gradually moved away from the traditional understanding of the Church as a communion of equal patriarchates. The Old Catholic Church took a stand against this progression, maintaining the traditional view of the Church and rejecting the new emphasis on papal primacy. Hence, the name "Old Catholic" signifies their adherence to the traditional understanding of the Church, which they considered to be "old" in contrast to the "new" emphasis on papal primacy.

Is this even relevant?

Yes. As recent as 2006, Pope Benedict XVI removed the title "Patriarch of the West" from use. This title was previously used to designate the Bishop of Rome (the Pope) as the head of the Western Patriarchate. However, Pope Benedict XVI believed that the title was outdated and could be misleading, as it implied a parallel between the Western Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church.

Is this a real Catholic Church?

The Old Catholic Union of the West (OCUW) affirms its identity as a "true particular Church" as defined in Dominus Iesus. This papal document, authored by then Cardinal Ratzinger (later Pope Benedict XVI), acknowledges Churches like ours that, while not in full communion with Rome, maintain apostolic succession and a valid Eucharist.

As an Old Catholic body, the OCUW adheres to the ancient Christian faith expressed in the Nicene Creed and preserves the sacraments instituted by Christ. In alignment with Dominus Iesus, the OCUW recognizes the unique and universal role of Christ Jesus as the mediator of salvation while also affirming its own participation in the Church of Christ. This theological foundation underpins the OCUW's mission to spread the Gospel and serve the marginalized through acts of prayerful love and service.

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