About Us

 

History of the church

The Metropolitan Old Catholic Church was originally founded in 2021 by The Most Reverend Shane Hughes. It was founded as a Safe Haven for all of God's creation including the LGBTQIA+ Community. As an openly Queer person Primus Archbishop Shane wanted other people to feel at home where they don't need to hide who they are.

 

Mission and vision

(Mission Statement)

The Metropolitan Old Catholic Church exists to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ through worship, sacramental life, pastoral care, and compassionate service. Rooted in the ancient Catholic faith and guided by the Holy Spirit, we seek to be an inclusive and welcoming community where all people are embraced with dignity, love, and respect. We are committed to nurturing discipleship, promoting justice and peace, and sharing the transforming love of God with the world.

 

(Vision Statement)

The Metropolitan Old Catholic Church envisions a Christ-centred, sacramental, and inclusive Church that reflects the boundless love of God. We aspire to be a vibrant community of faith where people from all backgrounds may encounter Christ, grow in holiness, and discover their gifts for ministry and service. Inspired by the wisdom of the ancient Church and responsive to the needs of the modern world, we seek to build communities marked by compassion, reconciliation, hope, and joy, bearing witness to God's kingdom through faith, love, and service.

 

What Makes The Metropolitan Old Catholic Church “Old Catholic”?

The Metropolitan Old Catholic Church stands within the Old Catholic tradition, a movement rooted in the historic and apostolic faith of the undivided Church. Being "Old Catholic" does not mean being old-fashioned, but rather remaining grounded in the ancient faith, sacramental life, and apostolic ministry that have been handed down through the centuries.

(Apostolic Succession)

The Metropolitan Old Catholic Church maintains the historic episcopate through apostolic succession. Our bishops, priests, and deacons stand within the continuity of the Church's sacramental and pastoral ministry, preserving the ancient pattern of ordained ministry.

(The Seven Sacraments)

As an Old Catholic Church, we celebrate and uphold the seven sacraments of the Church: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony. The Holy Eucharist is at the centre of our worship and spiritual life.

(Catholic Faith and Worship)

We profess the ancient creeds of the Church, honour the Scriptures, and celebrate the liturgical and sacramental life of the Catholic tradition. Our worship draws upon the riches of Catholic spirituality while allowing for vernacular language and pastoral adaptation.

(Freedom of Conscience)

Following the Old Catholic tradition, we affirm the importance of informed conscience, theological inquiry, and collegial governance. We seek to balance fidelity to the historic faith with openness to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in addressing the needs and realities of the contemporary world.

(Inclusive and Pastoral)

The Metropolitan Old Catholic Church seeks to embody Christ's radical welcome. We believe that all people are created in the image of God and are called to share fully in the life of the Church. We are committed to providing a safe, affirming, and compassionate spiritual home for all.

(Independent Yet Catholic)

While not under the jurisdiction of Rome, the Metropolitan Old Catholic Church remains fully Catholic in faith, sacramental life, and apostolic ministry. We cherish the heritage of the ancient Church while embracing a spirit of charity, inclusivity, and service.

(Ancient Faith, Living Tradition)

To be Old Catholic is to hold fast to the faith of the ancient Church while responding faithfully to the needs of the present age. Rooted in tradition, nourished by the sacraments, and guided by the Gospel, the Metropolitan Old Catholic Church seeks to proclaim Christ's love and serve God's people with humility and compassion.