Independent Catholic churches are Christian churches which identify with Catholic tradition but are not in communion with the See of Rome or any other churches whose sacraments are recognized by the Roman Catholic Church (such as the Eastern Orthodox and some Oriental Orthodox churches). Virtually all groups in the independent Catholic movement claim to have valid apostolic succession for their bishops. The bishops of independent Catholic churches are sometimes referred to as episcopi vagantes ("wandering bishops") because of their lack of affiliation with a larger communion of churches.
Read more about Independent Catholic Churches: History, Groupings, Faith and Practice, Holy Orders
Famous quotes containing the words independent, catholic and/or churches:
“So far as I am individually concerned, & independent of my pocket, it is my earnest desire to write those sort of books which are said to “fail.””
—Herman Melville (1819–1891)
“That is the great end of empires before God, to be Catholic and draw nations into their Catholicism. But our empire is less and less Christian as it grows.”
—Gerard Manley Hopkins (1844–1889)
“Here, the churches seemed to shrink away into eroding corners. They seem to have ceased to be essential parts of American life. They no longer give life. It is the huge buildings of commerce and trade which now align the people to attention. These in their massive manner of steel and stone say, Come unto me all ye who labour, and we will give you work.”
—Sean O’Casey (1884–1964)