The Parish of Saints Francis and Clare
Staffed by
The Franciscans of Fort Lauderdale
954-731-8173
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Ecumenical Catholic Churches?
We are independent Catholic faith communities in that we are not under the jurisdiction of the Bishop of Rome not are we subject to the Canon Law or the guidelines of the Rome. We share common roots of the same bishop –
The Most Reverend Peter E. Hickman of Orange, CA. Though we share a common Catholic theology and liturgical tradition, we differ significantly in many of the disciples and rules of the Roman Catholic Church. Take a look for specific details.
How is the ECC a catholic church?
We uphold our catholic tradition with respect to the following principles:
The teaching and person of Jesus the Christ, the New Testament, the Nicene
Creed, the Sacramental & Liturgical tradition practiced, Apostolic Tradition
Succession affirmed.
Our Communion unites authentic Catholic faith communities that stretch across the USA. We are a communion of communities which are ecumenical and catholic in that we celebrate a characteristically Catholic faith tradition that is not sectarian.
We share a common theology and liturgical tradition with the Catholic Church. Our deacons, priests and bishops participate in the same historic apostolic succession as do the Roman, Eastern Orthodox and other apostolic Churches. We share the same historical developments as Western Christianity.
We trace our modern roots to the emergency of the Old Catholic movement which began in 1870 as a response to the first Vatican Council’s pronouncement of Papal Infallibility and the primacy of papal ecclesial community, in four ways:
1. We recognize that the body of Christ, the Universal Church, includes all baptized Christians regardless of denominational affiliation. All those who have followed the Lord Jesus in baptism and regarded as members of the “one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church.”
2. We are actively engaged in promoting Christian unity. Therefore, we seek to join together with all of our Christian brothers and sisters in the proclamation of the Gospel, in the celebration of the liturgy and the realization of the life of Christ.
3. We recognize the presence of the Spirit at work throughout the world in the faith experience of people of other religions. We recognize the divine presence in every human heart, believing that all people are beloved of God. Therefore, we seek mutual understanding and respect with those of other religions through dialogue and we seek mutual cooperation in the endeavor for peace and justice in our world.
4. Webster defines it as: universal.
What is the ECC’s understanding of clerical celibacy?
Clerical celibacy was not a requirement until 1274. In fact, it was enforced for relatively practical reasons: first to ensure that clergy would not be hindered by a call to ministry with respect to the responsibility of a family and second, to prevent the threat of hereditary claims placed upon church property by the children of clergy. Again, we follow the teachings of Jesus and allow individuals to respond to God’s call freely and therefore, marriage and ordination are not mutually exclusive.
How is the ECC authentically Catholic of it is separate from the authority of the Pope?
We are practicing the original understanding of the Church which existed for the first 800 years of Christianity and still exists in the current Eastern Orthodox tradition. In this ancient understanding of Catholicism, each faith community was led by its bishop and pastoral councils. The people of each local faith community participated in the life of the Church by electing their bishops and taking an active role in the ministry of their faith tradition. The Pope was considered to be a spiritual leader; however, each community upheld the autonomy of its own life and governance. Approval from Rome was not required in the decision making process of each local church.
Does the ECC support the ordination of women to the ministerial priesthood and why? Absolutely! In the ECC, women are encouraged to respond to a genuine vocation and to participate in all levels of ministry – lay or ordained. As St. Paul writes: “there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male or female, all are one in Christ Jesus.”
What is the ECC’s understanding of same-gender sexual relationships?
We are an open and affirming communion recognizing the value and dignity of every person, in our God given diversity. We promote the education and development of the People of God in their understanding of diversity of sexual orientation among their brothers and sisters. All sexual relationships are to be guided by the Christian moral principals of love and fidelity. We uphold the ideal of committed relationships blessed by the sacred rites of the church. We believe that all questions of sexual morality are best addressed through pastoral care and counsel.
Are the sacraments offered to denominations other than catholic?
We do not withhold the sacraments from any person based solely on their denomination or faith tradition. For example, we recognize that Jesus is the host of the Eucharistic celebration and therefore all are welcome to the table of the Lord.
I feel I have been called to be an ordained minister. What is the process for ordination in the ECC?
We attempt to create a nurturing path to ordination for all levels of interest.
We have established guidelines for those that have just identified their calling and for those that have already been validly ordained in other Sacramental Churches.
Who is the governing authority within the ECC?
The People of the ECC are the governing authority!
Our Constitutional document was ratified by both clergy and lay persons present at our 2003 Convocation. This Constitution establishes a polity structure including a House of Laity, a House of Pastors and an Episcopal Council – all possessing roles of decision-making and leadership in governing the Communion.
The Constitution of the Ecumenical Catholic Communion
We are People of God and members of the ecclesial body herein to be referred to as the “Ecumenical Catholic Communion” or “ECC” or “Communion”. We recall the words of the second century church father, St. Ignatius of Antioch, when referring to the Church: we are a “communion of communities”.
We are men and women, baptized in Christ. We are laity and ordained. We join together at the Messianic call of the Spirit to form the household of faith, to preach the Gospel of liberation and justice for the poor, the outcast, the sick, the disabled, the old, the young and the imprisoned; to offer a refuge in Christ for those who suffer prejudice because of race, color, culture, philosophy, gender, sexual orientation or educational deprivation; to conform our lives to the life and teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ through prayer and study, service, and the celebration of the liturgy and the sacraments.
We profess our faith in Christ in the living Catholic Tradition handed to us from the Apostles through many generations. And we hope to open a dialogue with those of other religious identities and faith traditions.
