Our Beliefs
What we believe as the Apostolic Old Catholic Mission —
creedal, inclusive, and Christ-centred.
A living Catholic faith rooted in grace
What we believe as the Apostolic Old Catholic Mission
The 7 beliefs of the Apostolic Old Catholic Mission are rooted in grace, grounded in the early Church, shaped by the creeds, and open to all who seek Christ. We are fully Catholic, but not Roman. We are apostolic, but not rigid. Our faith is ancient in origin, yet alive with grace for today’s world.
We hold to the core teachings of Christianity as expressed in the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds. We celebrate the seven sacraments as visible signs of grace. And we trust the living Word of God in Scripture — read reverently, interpreted faithfully, and never weaponised to exclude.
For us, belief is not a boundary but a beginning. It’s not a checklist — it’s a calling: to follow Christ, to honour conscience, and to make space at the Table for others to do the same.
Explore what shapes our distinct Old Catholic approach
More About Our Identity
We are shaped by an Old Catholic identity that is sacramental, apostolic, and inclusive. The links below offer a deeper look at what defines our Mission.
Old Catholicism
Catholic, but not Roman. Apostolic, but not rigid.
We stand in the Old Catholic tradition — rooted in the early Church, shaped by conscience, and distinct from both Roman and Protestant models.
Where we stand within the wider Christian tradition
Not Roman. Not Protestant. Not Anglican. NOT ORTHODOX.
The Apostolic Old Catholic Mission is part of a tradition that stepped away from Rome — but never from the faith. We are Catholic in creed and sacrament, but we do not follow the papacy, nor are we bound by Vatican declarations. We honour the ancient Church and the early councils, not later innovations.
We are not Protestant, though we affirm the need for reform. And we are not Anglican, though we share much in common — a love of liturgy, a commitment to pastoral care, and the valuing of both Scripture and tradition.
As Old Catholics, we seek to live the ancient faith with freedom of conscience and openness of heart. Ours is a Church of invitation, not imposition — where unity does not require uniformity, and the Table is set for all who seek Christ.
Anchored in the faith once received
The Creeds and the Early Church
We confess the Christian faith as handed down through the Church of the first centuries — a faith that is ancient, apostolic, and alive. The Apostolic Old Catholic Mission affirms the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed, and stands within the tradition shaped by the first seven ecumenical councils.
These Creeds are not mere history; they are a living summary of the mystery we proclaim — Christ crucified and risen, the Holy Spirit given, the Church gathered in love, and the hope of life everlasting.
Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth,
and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried;
he descended into hell;
on the third day he rose again from the dead;
he ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty;
from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and life everlasting. Amen.
Nicene Creed
We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all things visible and invisible.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the Only Begotten Son of God,
born of the Father before all ages;
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven:
by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary,
and became truly human.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried,
and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father,
who with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Scripture, creed, and grace in harmony
Grounded in the Word. Centred on Christ.
The Apostolic Old Catholic Mission receives Sacred Scripture as the inspired Word of God — not as a tool for exclusion, but as a living witness to God’s grace and truth. We recommend the Revised New Jerusalem Bible (RNJB) for its beauty, accuracy, and suitability in liturgy and teaching. However, we do not insist on any single version. Individuals are encouraged to read a translation that speaks to their heart and understanding — provided it includes all 73 books of the Catholic canon: 46 in the Old Testament (including the Deuterocanonical books) and 27 in the New Testament.
We interpret the Bible through the lens of tradition, reason, and conscience, guided by the Holy Spirit and the living faith of the Church. Scripture is not read in isolation, nor used to shame or divide, but to call us ever more deeply into the love of Christ.
Statement of Faith
Quotations from the Revised New Jerusalem Bible (RNJB), with permission
We believe in one God, who created all things visible and invisible. God is eternal, loving, and present — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
“The Lord is compassion and love, slow to anger and rich in faithful love.” Psalm 103:8
We believe in Jesus Christ, the eternal Word made flesh, who lived among us, died for us, and rose in glory. He is the image of the invisible God and the Saviour of the world.
“In him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile all things.” Colossians 1:19–20
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the breath of God and giver of life, who speaks through Scripture, empowers the Church, and works in the hearts of all people.
“The Spirit will guide you into all truth.” John 16:13
We believe in the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church, united in faith, diverse in expression, and called to be a sign of Christ’s presence in the world.
“There is one body, one Spirit, one hope… one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all.” Ephesians 4:4–6
We believe in the seven sacraments, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Marriage, and Holy Orders — visible signs of God’s invisible grace.
“Do this in remembrance of me.” Luke 22:19
We believe in the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8
We believe that all people are made in the image of God, and that the love of Christ is for all — regardless of gender, race, sexuality, background, or status.
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female — you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28
We believe that grace cannot be earned, and that faith is a journey — walked in community, supported by the sacraments, and nourished by the Spirit.
“By grace you have been saved through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8
Signs of grace for every stage of life
The Seven Sacraments
At the heart of Catholic life, the sacraments reveal
God’s grace in tangible, transformative ways.
The Apostolic Old Catholic Mission celebrates all seven sacraments of the historic Catholic tradition: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Marriage, and Holy Orders. Each one is a visible sign of God’s invisible grace — rooted in Scripture, handed down through the Church, and offered freely to all who seek Christ.
We approach the sacraments with reverence, accessibility, and pastoral care — not as rewards for the perfect, but as nourishment for the journey.
No tests. No labels. No barriers to grace.
Inclusion and Welcome
The Apostolic Old Catholic Mission opens the Table to all who seek Christ — without conditions, categories, or shame. We affirm the dignity of LGBTQI+ people, welcome the divorced and remarried, and recognise the calling of women to every level of ministry. In Christ, there is no hierarchy of worth — only belovedness.
Ours is a Church where grace is not earned and belonging is not withheld. You do not need to hide your story, your questions, or your identity to be received here. Christ welcomes those who hunger and thirst for righteousness — and so do we.
For deeper theological reflection, download our resources from our Downloads Page.
The heart of everything we believe
Christ at the Centre. Everyone at the Table.
This is more than a motto — it’s our foundation.
Our beliefs are not a list of lines to memorise or boundaries to enforce. They are the living framework of a faith that is ancient, inclusive, and centred entirely on Christ. We honour the tradition we’ve received, but we do so in the light of compassion, justice, and grace.
If you’re searching for a faith that welcomes both conviction and conscience — that holds fast to the mystery of God while embracing the dignity of every person — you may have just found it.
