Liberal Catholic Church
The Liberal Catholic Church (ECL), known worldwide under the English name (LCC) is an independent church and ceremonial, a religious movement inspired by theosophy. It has churches in many countries in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas.
Summary |
History
the beginnings
The bishop founded the liberal Catholic Church is James Ingall Wedgwood , who was a Theosophist , a Freemason and a martini. He was ordained priest in the Roman Catholic Church Old July 22, 1913 by Arnold Harris Matthew. The Liberal Catholic Church and its apostolic succession through the Old Catholic Church. To move closer to Rome, Arnold Harris Matthew cease all relations with the Union of Utrecht and advised his followers to resign from the Theosophical Society. This view is not taken seriously by many church members who are separating then Matthew.
James Ingall Wedgwood was consecrated bishop by February 13, 1916 Mgrs Frederick Samuel Willoughby , Rupert Gauntlet and Robert King, who were themselves consecrated by Matthew. He begins to organize the Liberal Catholic Church, becoming its first bishop-president. Wedgwood journal publishes articles in the Theosophical Society on the ceremony as well as in; other journals.
These writings are interested Charles Webster Leadbeater , a former Anglican priest who was consecrated bishop in Sydney in 1916. Leadbeater became the second bishop-president of the Liberal Catholic Church. In 1918, the name of liberal Catholic Church is finally adopted.
The first schism and the creation of the Liberal Catholic Church International
In 1941, there was a schism in the Liberal Catholic Church in the United States , about a controversy involving Charles Hampton who, while he was himself a Theosophist, is that the clergy is not necessarily Theosophist. That in accordance with the original intent of the founders of the church, although they were Theosophists, wanted the church remains open to all.
The controversy over Bishop Hampton led to a legal battle in the U.S. which eventually split into two entities, each claiming to be the Liberal Catholic Church. Frank W. Pigott , 3rd Bishop-President of the Church in England, more attached to Theosophy deposed Hampton and ordered the confiscation of certain church property.
At that time, the majority of liberal Catholics in the United States are supporting Hampton and its distance and replacement as a violation of canon law and certain laws of California, headquarters of the Church. These clergy have continued on their own initiative and won the right to be called Liberal Catholic Church in the U.S. (while being called Liberal Catholic Church International in the rest of the world). Those who followed Bishop Pigott in England is known as the Liberal Catholic Church of the Province of the United States of America.
After the withdrawal of Frank W. Pigott president as bishop, some clergy of the Liberal Catholic Church International returned to the Liberal Catholic Church of the Province of the United States of America. Hampton died before the dispute is resolved. While some clergy want greater cooperation between the two entities, they still exist independently.
Doctrine
The ECL practice communion open to which anyone who sincerely desires, can participate. Ceremonialist, this church belongs to a historical tradition (Mass of St. Pius V in French). Its goal is to combine the shape Catholic worship with its ritual and mysticism.
Non-dogmatic, it claims to be committed to intellectual freedom and respect for the conscientious individual. Men and women access to well-defined departments. The church also wants to be democratic :
- The Presiding Bishop is elected by the bishops.
- The Presiding Bishop has no authority over other bishops.
- The government is in the DCS hands of the Synod, including the Presiding Bishop shall implement the decisions.
Organization
The ECL is divided since 2005 into two courts, depending on two Synods. The first General Synod of Bishops (History, which does not accept women in Holy Orders), has since January 29, 2006, Bishop Graham Wale as Presiding Bishop, succeeding Bishop Ian Hooker. Another synod, which admits women as men in all Sacrati and duties, Bishop Warnon Maurice Bishop as president, succeeding since August 15, 2005 to Bishop Tom Degenaars , died June 14, 2005.
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