Ecumenical Catholic Church+USA (ECC+USA) Each congregation and/or ministry within the Community may select its own name. Some reference in the congregation or ministry’s literature should indicate its association with Ecumenical Catholic Church+USA. The Ecumenical Catholic Church+USA is a non-profit corporation incorporated in the State of Missouri. The “National Office” is located in St. Louis, Missouri. The presiding bishop shall appoint a national chancellor to oversee the day-to-day operations of the Community in consultation with the Council of Bishops.
The ministry of the Sacraments must always be identical in matter, form, and intent to those used by other historic Catholic Churches, specifically the Roman Catholic Church, the Episcopal, Anglican, Old Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches and in compliance with the Constitution of this Community. Rituals surrounding the matter and form of the Sacraments will show respect for the Catholic liturgical traditions, reflect the meaning of the mystery that is celebrated, but may also reflect appropriate local customs. The spiritual endorsement from the Community to practice ministry is based on the cleric's ordination and is contingent upon the cleric remaining in good standing with the Community. The clergyperson and the Community work together as collegial partners accomplishing the mission of each ministry.
The Community will meet in Synod at a time and place determined by the Presiding Bishop after consultation with the total membership. Attendance at the annual synod is an obligation of all ordained and clergy candidates of the Community. The Community will meet three additional times each year via video conferencing. The date and time will be determined by the Presiding Bishop after consultation with the total membership. Attendance at the three virtual meetings is an obligation of all ordained and clergy candidates of the Community. Failure to meet this obligation of Synod and virtual meetings of all ordained members and clergy candidates of the Community can possibly result in suspension. The purpose of the annual synod is to bring together the Community membership for a time of liturgical prayer, fellowship, learning, discussion, Community business, and development of friendships and relationships of mutual support in the service of the Lord.
The Lines of Apostolic Succession held by bishops of this Community are as follows: The Vilatte Succession The Utrecht Succession The Duarté-Costa Succession As established at the 2005 Synod, these three Apostolic lines will be retained in perpetuity as our Community’s Official Lines of Apostolic Succession. While some of our bishops have also received other lines through their Consecrator or Co-consecrator, these three lines are recognized as our primary lines, and all of our bishops have been ordained in these lines. All future bishops, either newly ordained or incardinated in this Community, will also receive these lines through the imposition of hands by the Presiding Bishop. The current bishops of this Community do not consider it appropriate and therefore will not engage in any activity of gathering of other lines of Apostolic Succession in order to enhance their own or the Community's Apostolic résumé. The Community's Council of Bishops is confident of the validity of these three lines as well as our bishops’ individual and collective sharing in these lines. Documents attesting to the Lines of Apostolic Succession are maintained in the Community archives and are available for examination upon request to the Presiding Bishop or to any individual bishop.
Policies Concerning Sexual Misconduct, Protection of Children, Extended Counseling Relationships and Spiritual Direction (See Appendix E of our Community Guidelines).