A Brief History of the Old Catholic Church

The Old Catholic Church traces its origins to the early, undivided Church and seeks to preserve the ancient Catholic faith, apostolic succession, and sacramental life while embracing theological scholarship, pastoral sensitivity, and ecclesiastical reform.

The term "Old Catholic" emerged in the nineteenth century following the First Vatican Council (1869–1870) of the Roman Catholic Church. During this council, the doctrine of Papal Infallibility was formally defined, teaching that the Pope is preserved from error when proclaiming doctrine concerning faith and morals under specific conditions.

A number of bishops, priests, theologians, and lay faithful throughout Europe objected to this new dogma, believing it represented a departure from the teachings and practices of the early Church. Rather than accepting these developments, they sought to remain faithful to what they understood as the historic Catholic tradition. These communities became known as "Old Catholics" because they maintained adherence to the ancient faith of the Church before the recent innovations.

In 1873, the movement received episcopal leadership through the election and consecration of Bishop Joseph Hubert Reinkens in Germany. This ensured the continuation of apostolic succession and the sacramental life of the Church. Over time, Old Catholic Churches in various countries formed closer relationships and eventually united through the Union of Utrecht, established in 1889.

The Union of Utrecht affirmed the authority of Scripture, the ancient Creeds, the decisions of the first seven Ecumenical Councils, and the historic episcopate while rejecting excessive centralisation of authority within the Church. Old Catholics sought to balance catholic tradition with responsible reform and synodal governance.

Throughout the twentieth century, Old Catholic Churches became known for their commitment to ecumenical dialogue and cooperation with other Christian traditions. Many Old Catholic jurisdictions entered into full communion agreements with Anglican Churches and maintained positive relationships with Orthodox, Protestant, and other Christian communities.

Today, the Old Catholic movement exists in many forms throughout the world. While individual jurisdictions may differ in governance and pastoral practice, they generally share a commitment to:

• Apostolic succession and episcopal leadership.
• The celebration of the Sacraments.
• The authority of Scripture and Sacred Tradition.
• Synodal and collegial governance.
• Theological freedom and scholarly inquiry.
• Ecumenical cooperation.
• Pastoral care rooted in compassion and inclusivity.

The Old Catholic tradition seeks to be both authentically Catholic and genuinely responsive to the needs of contemporary society, preserving the faith of the ancient Church while proclaiming the Gospel in a modern world.

The Declaration of Utrecht (1889) – A Simple Explanation

The Declaration of Utrecht was agreed in 1889 by the bishops of the Old Catholic Churches who had separated from the Roman Catholic Church after the First Vatican Council. It became the foundational statement of belief for the Old Catholic movement.

In simple terms, the Declaration states that Old Catholics:

1. Remain part of the historic Catholic Church and uphold the faith of the early Church.
2. Accept the Bible, the Apostles' Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the decisions of the first seven Ecumenical Councils as authoritative expressions of Christian faith.
3. Reject the doctrine of Papal Infallibility and universal papal jurisdiction as defined by the First Vatican Council in 1870.
4. Recognise the importance of the Bishop of Rome (the Pope) as a historic figure in Christianity but do not believe he has supreme authority over the whole Church.
5. Maintain the sacraments and apostolic succession as essential parts of Catholic life.
6. Encourage reform and renewal within the Church while remaining faithful to the Gospel and the traditions of the early Christian Church.
7. Promote unity among Christians and seek closer relationships with other churches.

Our Relationship to the tradition of the Old Catholic Church

The Metropolitan Old Catholic Church is inspired by the historic Old Catholic tradition and values expressed in the Declaration of Utrecht (1889). As an autonomous church, it maintains its own governance and ministry while seeking to embody the principles of catholicity, apostolic continuity, inclusivity, and Christian unity in the modern world.