Welcome to Extraordinary Catholics, a website for Inclusive Catholic clergy & laity—and all who are interested in learning about the rich history and tradition of Old/Independent Catholicism in our world!
Many U.S. 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. continue to self-identify as “Old Catholic.” To avoid confusion, many clergy and communities have chosen other descriptors, like Independent Catholic, Apostolic Catholic, Ecumenical Catholic, Free Catholic, Reformed Catholic, etc. Because the Roman Catholic Church infamously excludes various groups of people, the term “Inclusive Catholic” has become vogue in recent years.
Inclusive Catholicism 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, and individuals who self-identify with the Liberal Catholic tradition, Celtic Christianity, and even with esoteric traditions. Many ISM clergy possess apostolic succession and thus share valid sacraments with the People of God.
Old/Independent Catholics are famously…independent! Together, we might be likened to the extremely diverse pieces that comprise a beautiful stained-glass window, each attempting in our own way to allow the light of Christ to shine through us!
Unlike the more than one-billion “ordinary” Catholics who comprise the Roman Catholic Church, we like to think of ourselves as…extraordinary!