Discover the Joys of Living Your Liberal Catholic Faith in a Welcoming Ecumenical Community

 About The Liberal Catholic Church - LCC

The Liberal Catholic Church represents a branch of Christianity attempting to harmonize Catholic sacramental practice with a freedom of belief that includes esoteric and mystical concepts. Rooted in Old Catholic traditions, we have developed a distinctive identity by emphasizing liturgical beauty and broad spiritual perspectives.

While we preserve elements of apostolic succession and Catholic liturgical form, differing interpretations of Scripture, the person of Christ, and our core doctrines set it apart from both Roman Catholicism and many Protestant traditions. For those seeking to understand the breadth and diversity within assemblies identifying as “Catholic,” the Liberal Catholic Church is a study in how older church structures can mingle with modern and sometimes eclectic spiritual concepts.

Ultimately, our church aligns historic religious frameworks to innovative theological perspectives. Whether viewed favorably or critically, the Liberal Catholic Church continues to attract individuals drawn to the aesthetics of Catholic worship while seeking freedom in doctrinal matters.

Definition and Historical Context

The Liberal Catholic Church is a Christian denomination that grew out of the Old Catholic movement in the early 20th century, placing emphasis on freedom of thought, liturgical ritual, and a generally more progressive approach within a Catholic framework. Its formation is often traced to bishops and clergy who separated from the Roman Catholic Church and subsequently incorporated theological concepts that differed from traditional Catholic teaching. The Liberal Catholic Church maintains apostolic succession through Old Catholic and other episcopal lines, while also adapting liturgical and doctrinal points to align with its more liberal stance.

In contrast to Roman Catholicism’s structure and dogma, the Liberal Catholic Church describes itself as remaining within the historical apostolic tradition yet promoting a wider range of personal interpretation. Its members often engage with esoteric ideas-elements that distinguish it from more traditional expressions of Catholic faith.

Doctrinal Distinctives

One hallmark of the Liberal Catholic Church is its openness to divergent beliefs regarding doctrines traditionally seen as central to historic Christianity, such as the nature of salvation and the precise authority of Scripture. While officially recognizing sacraments, apostolic succession, and the structure of the historic Church, the Liberal Catholic Church often embraces broader interpretive stances on biblical texts.

Some congregants view Christ as the supreme expression of divine love, yet they may allow for various interpretations of His incarnation, atonement, and resurrection. Within their liturgical framework, worship structures-like the Mass-resemble Catholic traditions, but they frequently incorporate language and teachings that accommodate a range of philosophical or mystical perspectives.

Relationship with Mainstream Catholicism

Though sharing historical and ritual elements with the Roman Catholic Church, the Liberal Catholic Church has never been in formal communion with the Vatican. From a historical standpoint, Rome views its lineage as genuine but points to critical divergences in core doctrines, especially regarding the authority of Scripture and the nature of traditional dogma.

Other Old Catholic communities, shaped heavily by the rejection of certain Roman Catholic declarations (particularly the first Vatican Council’s articulation of papal infallibility in 1870), often remain more aligned with classical dogma than the Liberal Catholic Church. Still, the shared heritage is visible in the liturgical vestments, church governance (with bishops, priests, and deacons), and sacramental rites.

Liturgical Practices

Services in the Liberal Catholic Church often mirror the ritual and beauty found in traditional Catholic liturgy. Incense, vestments, candles, and musical elements all feature prominently, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of historic Catholic worship. The Mass is central, celebrated in a manner the Church claims retains the sacramental presence of Christ. However, local congregations may adapt language, readings, and homiletic content to address a broader spectrum of beliefs.

This flexibility extends to Scripture readings, which may not always be exclusively from the biblical canon as recognized by historical councils. Some congregations might incorporate texts from other spiritual traditions, aiming to foster an inclusive environment.

Influences of Esotericism and Mysticism

The founders of the Liberal Catholic Church had connections to movements that explored mystical and occult philosophies. These influences contributed to an openness toward concepts like karma, reincarnation, and hidden spiritual knowledge. The Church generally avoids mandating such beliefs, yet it welcomes members who explore them.

This aspect of the Liberal Catholic tradition can set it apart from the broad historic consensus of the Christian faith, which has steadfastly maintained that salvation is found in Christ alone, as expressed not just in Scripture but affirmed by centuries of early church councils.

Contemporary Perspectives and Organization

Globally, the Liberal Catholic Church exists as multiple branches or jurisdictions, sometimes united by a common heritage but slightly differing in doctrinal emphasis. Adherents often describe their faith community as bridging sacramental worship with personal freedom of thought. The church’s organizational structure typically includes archbishops, bishops, priests, and deacons, all recognized as holding valid holy orders in the lineage of Old Catholic or independent Catholic episcopate successions.

Leadership within the Church promotes the idea of individual spiritual exploration, reflecting the broader liberal approach. This often means a welcoming stance toward those from various backgrounds, even beyond Christian traditions, who find comfort in the structured liturgy and sacramental life.

Biblical and Historical Considerations

From a biblical standpoint, adherence to traditional Christian statements on Scripture, the nature of Christ, and salvation has been a hallmark of Christianity since the apostolic era. Archaeological evidence, such as early manuscripts (including the discovery of early papyri fragments confirming key details of the biblical text) and historical documents from early church fathers, consistently highlight the centrality of Christ’s physical resurrection and the exclusive claims of the gospel of salvation (1 Corinthians 15:3-4: “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”).

By comparison, the Liberal Catholic Church’s eclectic assimilation of various spiritual ideas occasionally stands at odds with such historical testimonies. 

The word “ecumenical” comes from the Greek word “oikoumene,” meaning “the whole inhabited earth.” From the beginning, Christianity was not one unified institution, but rather a collection of communities in disparate places, each with its own varying set of beliefs, practices, and identities. 

According to Christian tradition, Saint Paul understood the church to be the “body of Christ.” In a letter to the church at Corinth, Paul wrote: “As in one body, there are many members, not all having the same functions, so there are many members of the body of Christ—we are one body, individually members one of another” (Romans 12:4-5). 

Within this theological perspective,  all congregations are seen as the “church”  in relationship to the worldwide body of Christ, with all its diversity of members. At St. Grace Church we are a small part of something very ancient,  world-wide, and beautiful.