| The
ACCNE is part of the Old Catholic Movement which first emerged
in the 1870's in response to the First Vatican Council, which
declared the doctrine of Papal Infallibility. Old Catholic
bishops rejected the doctrine of Infallibility of the Pope,
and his direct jurisdiction over local churches at the expense
of the bishops and their proper authority over their dioceses.
We recognize the Pope as the first among equals.
The
Declaration of Utrecht, the founding document of Old Catholics,
set forth the position of Old Catholics as those who hold
to the Ecumenical creeds of the Church and who reject the
doctrine of Papal Infallibility as an unwarranted innovation
of Pope Pius IX.
The
ACCNE is Old Catholic Church and has direct apostolic succession
from the Old Catholic Church in Utrecht to validly ordain
people called to Holy Orders. The Apostolic succession
of priests and bishops ordained in the Old Catholic Church
is unquestioned by the Vatican. Episcopal leadership
is accountable to the whole church for its actions.
The ACCNE affirms collegial responsibility not only among
bishops, but also with priests, deacons and all of the baptized
as members of the People of God.
The
ACCNE is duly registered as a non-profit corporation in the
states of MA, RI, PA, IL and CA where we have accredited clergy
serving the people of God.
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