OLD ROMAN CATHOLIC JURISDICTIONS

The history of the Old Roman Catholic Church has been routinely assaulted by numerous entities and individuals claiming linage to the Church. These range from those who would assert as to being Pentecostal, Charismatic, Orthodox or some other ecclesial derivative. Unfortunately all hold themselves out as being of the Old Roman Catholic Church yet have no administrative or canonical oversight by any of the valid major jurisdictions. This in itself causes much confusion to those individuals who are seeking to understand the true history and validity of the Old Roman Catholic Church.

The North American Old Roman Catholic Church - Archdiocese of California is a direct apostolic descendant of Archbishop Carmel Henry Carfora and recognized as one of the valid Old Roman Catholic jurisdictions. This parish exists as a member of that Archdiocese.

The jurisdiction of the Old Roman Catholic Church in America clearly addresses this conundrum and we take the liberty of quoting their statement concerning this perplexing situation below.

Statement on Old Roman Catholic Jurisdictions

06/20/2013

 

The Old Roman Catholic Church has, unfortunately, often been the victim of division. Since Archbishop Mathew’s tenure as Primate of the Church, some well-intentioned individuals have entered Old Roman Catholicism only to leave to join the Roman Catholic, Orthodox, or Anglican churches. Still others have entered for the intention of securing valid Holy Orders, but have had no interest in maintaining the tradition of this Church or staying loyal to the premises on which it stands.

Unfortunately, some individuals who exit the Church do so to start up their own faith communities. Often times these either uses a derivative of “Old Roman Catholic” or something similar, and can cause great confusion among the clergy and faithful. The Church appears to be a collection of various separate jurisdictions and entities.

Fortunately, among legitimate Old Roman Catholic groups there is often great cooperation and partnership. This culminated in the 1981 founding of the Council of Old Roman Catholic Bishops as well as in agreements like the Walsingham Declaration. While each entity may maintain differences in practices and their understanding of Old Roman Catholicism, they are committed to working together and promoting the common good.

The legitimate or “canonical” Old Roman Catholic Churches are those that are descended from a recognizable source as well as maintain the tradition of Old Roman Catholicism. The Old Roman Catholic Church in America recognizes the following churches as having a clear descent from the authentic Old Roman Catholic tradition:

Archbishop Arnold Harris Mathew
 - The Old Roman Catholic Church in Great Britain (the successor to Archbishop Mathew’s ORCCGB)—Archbishop Lewins
 - The Old Roman Catholic Diocese of Florida (the successor to Archbishop Mathew’s title of Archbishop of Caer Glow)—Archbishop Humphreys

Archbishop Carmel Henry Carfora
- The North American Old Roman Catholic Church, Archdiocese of New York—Archbishop Ford
- The North American Old Roman Catholic Church, Archdiocese of California—Archbishop Vellone
- The North American Old Roman Catholic Church, Archdiocese of Illinois—Archbishop Rematt
- The Old Roman Catholic Church, English Rite—Archbishop Kortenhof
- The Old Roman Catholic Church in North America—Archbishop Facione
- The Old Roman Catholic Church, Latin Rite—Archbishop Grosvold