Our Beliefs

Our beliefs can be described as those of the Universal, undivided church. This is best summed up by St. Vincent of Lerins who stated that to be Catholic is to "to hold [to] that which has been believed everywhere, always and by all." (The "Vincentian Canon", CE 434).

In effect this means that we hold to the universal teachings that were existent prior to the Great Schism when the Church of Rome separated from the Eastern Churches. Innovations by the Church of Rome since that time are generally considered binding only on those who belong to that Jurisdiction. These innovations include the dogmas regarding the Infallibility of the Pope and the Immaculate Conception (not to be confused with the Virgin Birth).

As Catholics (in the Universal sense - not the "Roman" sense) , we believe in Apostolic Succession, the graces imparted in the Seven Holy Sacraments and the faith given to us in the universal creeds (Nicene, Athanasian and Apostle's) We believe also in the true physical and spiritual presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist. All of these beliefs are supported by the Holy Scriptures unlike many newer "beliefs" (of other jurisdictions) that are not supported by contemporary interpretations and theology.

We do not dismiss the beliefs of other traditions or jurisdictions, rather we believe that each person is free to reach her or his own conclusion on those matters and that belief in those matters is not essential to Salvation nor do they affect our personal relationship with Christ.

As a church that tries to live out the Commandments of Christ (to love God and love one another), we do not judge each other. We accept people as they are, where they are, just as Jesus did. We accept also that many early interpretations of the Holy Scriptures were based on incomplete knowledge (particularly of the Aramaic and ancient Greek that they were written in) and later translations of the scripture have bought new understanding in many matters.

We do not impose our individual beliefs on anyone and we welcome all who seek the Christ.