American Catholic Church in the United States

The American Catholic Church in the United States is a small Catholic denomination originating from the 'Old Catholic' Christian denomination. The 'American Catholic' Church holds similar theological beliefs and practices of the Roman Catholic Church. However like Orthodox churches, it is not in communion with the Roman Catholic Church or under Papal jurisdiction.

While the American Catholic Church shares some theological and moral teachings with the Roman Catholic Church, there are major differences. The Church is a post-Vatican II Church and teaches that nonjudgementalism takes precedence in regard to more difficult questions. The Church rejects what it deems "legalistic moral pronouncements" regarding such issues, holding that one's faith in Jesus Christ along with an informed and enlightened conscience, molded on the Gospel principles of truth, justice, compassion and love, should be the ultimate motivating force in one's life. The Church does not require its priests to be celibate; members of the clergy may be married or in a domestic partnership; it also permits the ordination of women and those of various sexual orientations. All members of the clergy are required to support themselves through outside employment; clergy are prohibited from receiving a fee for their services, although gifts and offerings (stipends) are permitted.

This church belongs to the family of the Old Catholic churches, from which it derives its claim to apostolic succession. It is in consortium with some Old Catholic and Anglican/Episcopalian Churches. Founded by The Most Reverend Lawrence J. Harms DD on June 13, 1999, the National and International church is based in Frederick, Maryland. Archbishop Harms leads the church, and holds the title of Presiding Archbishop. The American Catholic Church in the United States is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit religious corporation.

External links

• Homepage of the ACCUS
• The Roman Catholic Church Stating the Validity of the Holy Orders In Their Documents

Notes

It should be noted that Mr. Lawrence Harm' "consecration" as a bishop was invalid. Mr Harms presented himself as a roman catholic priest ordained in New York. Requests of verification to the diocese shows he was never ordained there. He has since started claiming ordination in Boston...the diocese there has no record of him either. In a recent change to his “bio” he now claims to have been ordained a priest by an old catholic Bishop Roy Bauer April 7, 1977. I was a friend of the late Bishop Bauer and have records indicating a Lawrence Harms was once ordained – but he was excommunicated and reduced to the lay state. In addition – the “Lawrence Harms” who was ordained had a different middle initial.