Welcome to Extraordinary Catholics

Many Independent Catholics esteem the Union of Utrecht of Old Catholic Churches. Despite the fact that the Union of Utrecht has no clergy, parishes or affiliates in the United States, some clergy in the U.S. self-identify as “Old Catholic.” To avoid confusion and to respect the Union of Utrecht of Old Catholic Churches, as well as those who choose to self-identify as "Old Catholic," we sometimes use the term Old/Independent Catholic to distinguish the persons of our movement from our sisters and brothers of the Union of Utrecht.

Inclusive Catholicism is known by other names, including Independent Catholicism and Autocephalous Catholicism. It is situated within the larger context of the Independent Sacramental Movement (ISM), which also consists of Independent Anglicans and Episcopalians, Autocephalous Orthodox clergy and communities, individuals who self-identify with the Liberal Catholic tradition, with Celtic Christianity, and with esoteric traditions. Many ISM clergy possess apostolic succession and thus share valid sacraments with the People of God.