A Brief Overview of the Ecumenical Catholic Church+USA

Historical Context

Until 1054, there was only one Catholic Church. Both East and West were united under several equal patriarchs, with the Roman Pope being one of them. In 1054, Christendom experienced a major schism. As a result:

  • Rome became the seat of ecclesiastical authority in the West.
  • Constantinople became the seat of ecclesiastical collegiality in the East.

Western Christians became known as Roman Catholics, while Eastern Christians became known as Orthodox—a term derived from two Greek words meaning "correct" or "true belief."

Orthodoxy eventually became the state religion in countries such as Greece, Russia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania. Over time, it became divided by language, national loyalties, and politics.

Independent Catholicism in the United States

In the U.S., aside from the Eastern ethnic Orthodox churches (e.g., Greek, Russian, Coptic), most Orthodox or independent Catholic churches—like ours—are not affiliated with Rome or any central ecclesiastical authority. These churches are typically:

  • Western Rite
  • Autocephalous (self-governing, with their own bishops)
  • Non-ethnic and composed of small congregations

Many of these independent churches trace their apostolic succession to Archbishop Joseph René Vilatte, who was consecrated in 1892 by the Syrian Orthodox Catholic Church in India.

The reality is that independent Catholicism is highly fragmented. Our church, the Ecumenical Catholic Church+USA (ECC+USA), views itself as part of a loosely organized family of churches. We are:

  • Independent but ecumenical
  • Open to association with other independent churches

Clergy and Ministry in Independent Catholicism

In most independent Catholic jurisdictions:

  • Deacons, priests, and bishops may marry
  • Many clergy are bi-vocational, supporting themselves financially
  • Both men and women may be ordained to the priesthood
  • Many jurisdictions do not own property and hold services wherever possible

About the Ecumenical Catholic Church+USA

  • The ECC+USA ordains women to all levels of ministry.
  • Marriage is an option for clergy, before or after ordination.
  • While we have a few full-time or part-time ministries, most clergy are self-supporting through personal resources or employment.

National Presence

Despite being a small church, the ECC+USA is a national church with ministries (congregations, chaplaincies, and religious institutes) in:

  • Florida
  • Indiana
  • Kentucky
  • Maine
  • Missouri
  • Nevada
  • North Carolina

We are incorporated in the State of Missouri, where both our Presiding Bishop and National Church Office are located.

🔗 Website: www.ecc-usa.org


Church Mission

At ordination, every cleric presents a plan of ministry aligned with our mission.

Church Canons state:

"The mission of the Ecumenical Catholic Church+USA is fulfilled in ministering to all people by preaching the Word of God, offering the Seven Sacraments of the Church, and witnessing Christ's mercy and love using an ecumenical approach that maintains Catholic Faith Tradition."

In Simpler Terms:

Our mission is to:

  • Bring Christ and the sacraments to people
  • Break down barriers that divide or alienate people from Christ
  • Embrace ecumenical inclusivity

Church Beliefs

Our beliefs stem from Sacred Scripture and the first seven ecumenical councils of the undivided Church (before the 1054 schism). As such:

  • We do not accept later councils like the Council of Trent (1545–1563), which shaped Roman Catholic dogma.
  • We believe infallibility rests only in a universal council of the undivided Church.

Key Beliefs & Practices:

  • Married clergy
  • Remarriage after divorce permitted
  • Belief in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, without the doctrine of transubstantiation (seen as a sacred mystery)
  • Support for family planning
  • Emphasis on personal conscience and responsibility before God

Once beyond the foundational doctrines (e.g., the Trinity and Christology), individuals are encouraged to form their own conscience using Scripture and Catholic Faith Tradition.


Relationship with the Roman Catholic Church

While we share:

  • A common history
  • Similar liturgical rites and religious practices

...we are not affiliated with or under the jurisdiction of the Roman Catholic Church.

From their perspective, our status may be considered schismatic, similar to the Orthodox Churches, the Polish National Catholic Church, and the Old Catholics of Utrecht.

Our apostolic succession stems from the Old Catholic line, not from Protestant reform movements.

We do not identify as part of the Reformed (Protestant) tradition, nor do we seek to reform the Roman Catholic Church.

We are an authentic Catholic Church, existing under the broader umbrella of Catholicism, which includes:

  • Roman Catholic Church
  • Episcopal Church
  • Anglican Church
  • Polish National Catholic Church
  • Orthodox Catholic Church
  • Old Catholic Church
  • Some Lutheran Churches
  • Many independent Catholic churches like ours

Our Pastoral Vision

We welcome all people—especially those who feel disenfranchised or estranged from their previous church communities.

Whether as full members or just for key life moments (e.g., baptisms, weddings, funerals), we are here to minister with the love of Christ.

One may think of our community as an:

"Atmosphere of ecumenical grace,"welcoming all Christian believers and the unchurched,aiding them in their journey into the Divine.


Our Ecumenical and Community Purpose

As Christians—and more specifically as an ecumenical Christian body—we strive not to be insular, but rather:

  • To engage with the broader faith community
  • To learn from and share in the beliefs, traditions, and works of others
  • To collaborate for the common good, when shared values and missions allow

We hope to participate in worship and community action with other faith groups wherever possible.