Text Box: History of the Independent Catholic Movement     The Independent Catholic Church of the West (ICCW) finds its roots in the Old Catholic Church, which, while tracing its foundations to the early Christian Church of Jesus and the Apostles, formally distinguished itself from the Roman Catholic Church shortly after the First Vatican Council in 1870.  This Council promulgated the new monarchial understanding of the role of the Bishop of Rome called papal infallibility.  Rejecting these novel claims, churches in Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Switzerland and elsewhere together formed the Union of Utrecht.  The See of Utrecht had already exercised the right to appoint its own Bishops without Roman confirmation since 1145.    
Text Box:  The Independent Catholic Movement   With roots in the Old Catholic Church, the Independent Catholic Movement has been present and growing in the United States for many decades, but is just now coming into its own.    As the name indicates, Independent Catholics are autonomous jurisdictions each with their own organizational structure and ministries.  As such, the expression of their worship and ministry is rich and diverse.   Independent Catholic jurisdictions can be found in many places in the country.  If you are interested in finding one in your area, please contact us and we will do our best to assist you. Text Box:   As the Church grew and spread to the Americas, many communities deriving their succession from these communities came to new understandings and met new challenges in the times and cultures in which they found themselves and formed their own jurisdictions.  There is a broad array of independent Catholics who express their faith in traditional Western and Eastern liturgies as well as those who are creatively re-envisioning the essentials and liturgical expression to adapt to contemporary issues and needs.   The Independent Catholic Church of the West values its rich and long heritage while it seeks to respond to the needs of today and tomorrow.  A cherished characteristic of our communities and a cornerstone of our understanding of the Gospel is to provide a community that is open, inclusive and welcoming to all.  To that end, we accept all to the Table of the Lord and have but two canons:  Love God and Love Each Other.  Beyond that there are no others.  If we live these to the fullest, we are in no need of man-made regulations.  Our governance is centered in the people of the church and our clergy who are called to serve the community of believers.  We are committed to bring the Gospel message to all who seek it and to administer the sacraments without hesitation to those who request them.  Our calling is to help those who seek help and not allow legalisms to get in the way.  Jesus did not put limitations on forgiveness, love, and compassion.  He freely forgave, blessed, healed, loved, and taught the people.  He simply was the servant who served!  This is our tradition in the ICCW.     Text Box: Home  |  About Us  |  History  |  FAQ |  News  |  Church Leadership  |  Are You Called?  |  Steering Committee  | Affiliate Churches Our Clergy  |  Photos  |  Contact Information & Parish Directory  |  Policies On Sexual Misconduct  |  Coat of Arms |  Statement of Faith