Why The Title?

The designation “Old Catholic Church of America” is quite misleading. For in that title, one is apt to gain the impression that this Church is but another of those various sects or schismatic groups, which have sprung, at various times, from the Roman Catholic Church. The “Old Catholic Church of America” is in very fact the “Roman Catholic Church”. Its existence is identical with the Roman Catholic Church – in government, in doctrine, in principle, in authority, and its history, until the year 1702 A.D. is the history of the Roman Catholic Church in every detail.

In the year 1702, the See of Utrecht, presided over by Archbishop Codde, rightfully and validly consecrated Bishop of the Roman Catholic Church, was denied communication with the Holy See. In other words, the Roman Catholic Church withdrew itself from this group of loyal, staunch Roman Catholics. To claim, then, that this group becomes automatically a schismatic group is an error of principle and of parliamentary / ecclesiastical law. This is especially true in a case where judgment is rendered and forced by judge, permitting the defendant not even the recourse of trial, at which testimony might be offered to show the injustice and error of condemnation.

That the offence, claimed to have been committed against the Church and the Pope by Archbishop Codde was of little importance, is apparent from several facts relative to the case. The apparent fact is that the Archbishop Codde was merely suspended without his orders of consecration being cancelled. Archbishop Codde was not excommunicated. If the offense had been a serious one, a more severe punishment other than suspension would have been inflicted. Another startling fact is the manner in which the suspension was administered. Wherever the Church has just cause to administer her laws, she does not hesitate to declare the facts upon which she so acts. Nor does she deny the defendant the right, ecclesiastically and civilly, to present such testimony, as the defendant may be able to use. The records show that the Pope gave his decision contrary to all that is just and worthy of one in his position, and therefore unconstitutional and unbinding. Archbishop Codde, as well as all his followers, considered the decision unfair, biased, and illegal is evident from the fact that an appeal was made from the decision, and this appeal, standing now for over two hundred years has never been heard. The question may be asked: “ Does the Roman Catholic Church through its ecclesiastical powers, dare, even at this time, hear this appeal?” It is not consistent to believe the Church is afraid that she would be forced to admit her error, that she be forced to repeal the decision so wrongfully rendered? The Old Catholic Church of America asks these questions, not in an attitude of antagonism, but in the spirit of fairness, honorableness and true Christian love.

For this group, thus denied further communication with the Holy See, to continue under the name “Roman Catholic” would be confusing. Although continuing as before, using the same ritual and liturgy as the Roman Catholic Church, abiding by the same doctrines and dogmas, following the teachings as given to the apostles of Christ, yet they were denied such communication to, and recognition by the Holy See. Thus to designate the fact they are still Roman Catholics, the prefix “OLD” gradually was attached to them, not to create a new sect, not to start a movement competitive with the Roman Catholic Church, but rather to definitely classify them as implicitly and faithfully following all the precepts, doctrines and dogmas so clearly and unmistakably given the Mother Church by the Apostles. Therefore, the “Old Catholic Church of America” was, is now, and ever shall remain the One, True, Holy and Apostolic Church. She is in fact the “Roman Catholic Church of 1702.”

Doctrines, Rituals and Dogmas

The “Old Catholic Church of America” rightfully claims that it is the one and only “Holy and Apostolic Church”.

This may seem absurd and a very egotistical statement to proclaim, but an impartial and intelligent investigation will reveal to any scholar that this claim is not an idle or untruthful declaration. It will at once become evident why the “Old Catholic Church of America” questions and takes exception to several doctrines and dogmas proclaimed by the “Roman Catholic Church” while at the same time claims itself to be part and a parcel of that church.

All Doctrines and Dogmas proclaimed and taught in the “Old Catholic Church of America” are those given to the Church by Our Lord Jesus Christ and His Apostles, which are recorded in the Holy Scriptures. The Church rejects all Doctrines and Dogmas not recorded and given.

In the matter of ritualism, the Church has retained in its entirety all those forms and formulae established by the early Church Fathers. Formulae deemed most essential and absolutely necessary if the Church is to receive the full benefits in its contact with the reservoir of power centered in the Christ the Head and Cornerstone of the Church. That these formulae are not evident to the lay mind does not in the least destroy their authenticity nor their genuineness. That these formulae are given in secret through the power of the Apostolic Succession is recognized for in them lay the great powers, which would be wrongly and disastrously used if given into the hands of the ignorant and profane. However, the “Old Catholic Church of America” does not recognize the additions, which have crept into the rituals in modern times as authentic, nor does she condone the expurging and depleting of parts of the ritual, which has transpired throughout the periods, notably since the dark ages.

Hence, it is evident, that, in retaining the true laws and the principles given to the first Church, the “Old Catholic Church of America” is in fact, The Church founded by Saints Peter and Paul.

Being true principles and laws, they are not subject to change, either through additions or depletions; they remain forever gloriously true and applicable. Changing social and political conditions do not force nor make necessary any changes either in the original forms or formulae. It is these changes, which “Old Catholic Church of America” strenuously opposes. And among these, she finds the following: The Dogmas of Infallibility and Celibacy.

To enter into an individual discussion of these Doctrines and Dogmas of faith would be impossible, if an intelligent, understandable, un-debatable conclusion was to be reached. However, it is possible to herein give some clue as to why this Church does take its unalterable position, being satisfied to rest the burden of proof upon the other Church knowing that such cannot, and therefore, will not be forthcoming.

Dogma of Infallibility:

Question: If the Dogma of Infallibility existed at the time of St. Peter, why did 1870 years elapse before was put into Dogma?

Question: Why was it necessary at this late date (Vatican Council, A.D. 1870) to declare it formally, when in all the preceding years it was unnecessary and unessential? And to add these words: “If any men, ‘which Heaven forefend’, shall venture to deny this definition, let him be accursed.” Such threat is ridiculous.

Dogma of Celibacy:

Question: Upon what Scriptural basis does the Roman Catholic Church presume the doctrine of Celibacy as imperative?

Question: Can she deny that Peter, the very rock upon which the Church herself is founded, was not married? (MarkII-Verse 30). If Jesus believed Celibacy so essential why was Peter admitted, and afterwards raised to the highest rank among the Apostles?

The “Old Catholic Church of America” does not deny the many advantages of Celibacy among its priesthood, but also recognizes the many dangers and errors.

Question: “How does the Roman Catholic Church declare the doctrine of Celibacy imperative for the clergy of the Western Churches, yet admit the Eastern Churches to its communion, in which the Churches Celibacy is not demanded or observed. In the Greek Roman Catholic Church, the Coptic, the Armenian, the Russian, the Syrian, and many others, all under the jurisdiction of the Papacy, marriage of its clergy is not only permitted, but is urged. Why is it wrong for the one but right for the other?

These questions are by no means exhaustive, but they are essential. Do our brethren dare give an intelligent, authoritative answer to them? Or will they use the same tactics they have so often used? We ourselves are not in doubt as to what they will do.

Purpose and Ideals of the Old Catholic Church of America

The “Old Catholic Church of America,” through her integrity and sacrifice, has constantly adhered to the truth of Scriptural teachings; Her Ritual, Doctrines and Dogmas are based upon an intelligent, reasonable, and apparent interpretation of the Holy Word given to us by Our Lord and His disciples. She believes that by only a firm adherence to these truths and a consistent integrity in their teaching, can the Church fulfill its mission and be, what it claims, the Church of the world. The Church teaches two fundamental truths, Love of God and Love of Fellowmen. The Churches teachings and ideals center on these spiritual concepts.

Her purpose is to re-establish a United Church, a bringing together of all the Christian Churches of the world. As she is the only Church that has remained intact all that taught by the Apostles and Saints, and given to the world as the One, Holy and Apostolic Church. It is apparent that She has retained that upon which all Christians can agree. She has no objectionable tenets to which the Protestant Churches can object, and She has all the essentials, which the Roman Catholic Church demands. Her mission is idealistic, constructive and helpful. To fulfill her mission nobly, is the earnest prayer of all Her clergy, and the uppermost desire of Her Archbishop Metropolitan, the Most Rev. James E. Bostwick and all the followers of the Old Catholic Church of America.

For more information:

The Most Reverend James E. Bostwick, D.D.
Archbishop Metropolitan
Old Catholic Church of America
409 North Lexington Parkway
DeForest, Wisconsin 53532-1015

608-846-5608
Fax: 608-846-5608

obispo@charter.net
www.oldcatholic.org