sue ordination.jpgText Box: Love God and Love Neighbor- this is what we profess. We are an Independent Catholic Fellowship, an outgrowth of the Old Catholic Church in Utrecht, Netherlands, which is independent of papal jurisdiction.  Our bishops, priests, and deacons participate in the historic Apostolic Succession with other apostolic Churches. Like the early Christian communities we draw upon the gifts and talents of the faithful for ministry in teaching, liturgy, healing, prayer, and community care.  We practice the hospitality of Jesus toward all: women, men, youth, seniors, indigenous peoples, sexual minorities, families, married, partnered, and singles.  We recognize that all of us are children of God and respect the talents and calling of each as God has seen fit to bestow- encouraging and welcoming all to fully participate in the ministerial and sacramental life of the Church.    Img15.pngText Box: We practice Catholic liturgical traditions, but also reflect the customs of the local church, and  welcome those who for whatever reason have stayed away from Mass or Communion.  We do not seek to take Christians away from the churches they now attend, rather, we pray for a return to Christian unity and offer unconditional love and acceptance, and welcome everyone to the Lord's Table.  Text Box: As Christians we practice Christ's message- love, peace, forgiveness.  We understand that Christ calls each of us in a special way to follow him and that our response cannot be hindered by unnecessary rules and regulations. We have returned to practices of the early church such as optional celibacy for clergy, ordination of women at all levels of ministry, rejection of violence, and the participation of all members of the Community in the calling of clergy.  We challenge ourselves to make a difference in society and work towards building peace at every level.  We honor the holiness of work and family life and respect the conscience of couples in family planning.  Our doors are open to those who have experienced divorce and have remarried and welcome them to join us in the full sacramental life of the Church. This is your Church- a community of believers each offering their calling and talents to encourage and strengthen as we travel down the path together- striving to follow Christ, and to be Christ to others.  Come and share your gifts.   Text Box:   About Us   The Independent Catholic Church of the West has two Canons– Love God and Love Neighbor.  All our ministries flow from these Canons.    Everyone is welcome to fully participate in all aspects of our denomination, both as Community members and in ordained ministry.   Although we are Catholic, we strive to build Communities that are open to everyone– regardless of  their denominational affiliation or faith tradition, to build communities that seek to understand and learn from those who walk with us and those who have gone before us.  
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