Ecumenical Relations
The Independent Catholic Christian Church believes that the Church in all of its fullness consists of all baptized Christians of every time, place, and denominational affiliation, and our jurisdiction is merely one small expression of the Universal Church.
We welcome all people of good will to worship with us and work with us on common concerns.
Every baptized Christian, regardless of denominational affiliation, is welcome to receive Holy Communion at any celebration of the Eucharist within our jurisdiction and to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and Anointing of the sick. We are happy to administer Baptism and Confirmation with preparation to those who wish to receive them, and to work with all couples wishing to marry, regardless of sex or gender makeup, to celebrate the sacrament of Marriage in the church.
This jurisdiction is happy to work with other faith communities on areas of common concern, such as the expansion of civil marriage to include same-sex couples. We are eager to share fellowship with other Christian churches, whenever possible.
We will enter into agreements of full communion with those other jurisdictions with whom we have a substantial relationship that share these beliefs and practices in common with us:
- Adherence to the Nicene Creed (with or without the filioque), sharing faith in the full divinity and full humanity of Jesus Christ as God Incarnate and Christ’s salvation of humankind through his death and physical resurrection.
- Practice of the apostolic succession of bishops, priests, and deacons and the seven sacraments.
- Full inclusion in the church of both women and men, and of heterosexual, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Christians, offering the sacraments without discrimination on these bases, including ordination and marriage
The Presiding Bishop may revise this policy in consultation with the Chapter of Canons, in accordance with the Canons of this Church.
Jurisdictions wishing to explore establishing a relationship with the Independent Catholic Christian Church should contact the Presiding Bishop, Timothy Cravens, at stmikeandsttim@yahoo.com.