American Catholic Church in The United States - Overview

Overview

This church belongs to the family of the Old Catholic churches, from which it derives its claim to apostolic succession. It is in communion with some Old Catholic and Anglican/Episcopalian Churches.

The American Catholic Church in the United States shares some theological and moral teachings with the Roman Catholic Church, however there are major differences. The ACCUS is a post-Vatican II Church which teaches that nonjudgementalism takes precedence in regard to more difficult questions. The ACCUS purports to reject 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 ACCUS does not require its priests, deacons, bishops or other clergy and/or religious members to be celibate. Members of the clergy may be married, in a domestic partnership, divorced, or widowed. The ACCUS also allows for the ordination of women. It also does not discriminate on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, race, age, marital status, or previous religious affiliations.

All members of the clergy are required to support themselves through outside employment; clergy are prohibited from receiving a fee for the sacramental services they perform, however, they are allowed to receive gifts and monetary offerings (stipends) so long as they are not the ones suggesting the amount to be given.