Old Catholic Union of the West
The Old Catholic Union of the West is a Catholic, Traditional, Inclusive, and Affirming church committed to open arms and diverse spiritual journeys. We uphold rich Catholic traditions while embracing all individuals with love and acceptance.
Traditional
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.
Inclusive
We believe that everyone, regardless of their background or identity, deserves to feel welcomed and valued. Our community is dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive space where all are celebrated. We encourage those who may feel marginalized by other faith traditions to join us in building a truly inclusive spiritual home. We affirm and support individuals of all gender identities and sexual orientations, believing that everyone has a place of belonging in our community of faith.
Affirming
At the Old Catholic Union of the West, our commitment to being affirming means actively embracing every individual with unconditional love and acceptance. We firmly believe that everyone, irrespective of their background, gender identity, or sexual orientation, deserves to feel welcomed and valued within a spiritual home. Our community is intentionally built as a safe and inclusive space where diversity is not just tolerated, but truly celebrated. We extend a particular invitation to those who may have felt marginalized or unwelcomed by other faith traditions, encouraging them to discover a place of belonging and spiritual growth with us. Here, every person is affirmed, supported, and recognized as an integral part of our vibrant community of faith.
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