Ecumenical Relationships
We walk in friendship, not isolation —
engaging in ecumenical relationships that honour Christ,
welcome dialogue, and reflect shared purpose.
Rooted in Apostolic Care, Reaching Out in Friendship
Our Ecumenical Commitment
The Apostolic Old Catholic Mission’s approach to ecumenical relationships is not just a preference; it is a core principle embedded in our identity and governance. Guided by our formal Statutes, our commitment to Christian unity is a foundational and disciplined aspect of our life as a Church.
These principles ensure that our relationships are built with integrity, humility, and grace:
- We seek relationships based on mutual respect, a shared faith in Christ, and a common commitment to serving humanity.
- Our ecumenism is deeply pastoral, focused on building bridges that foster healing, justice, and a more unified witness to the Gospel.
- Formal relationships are established by the Mission with prayerful consideration and due diligence, ensuring they align with our core doctrine and ecclesial identity.
Deep Roots, Open Hands
Our ecumenical relationships are a reflection of our identity. As an Old Catholic mission rooted in apostolic succession and the early Church, we are committed to unity in diversity. We do not believe every church must look or act the same to share in Christ’s mission. Instead, we seek collaboration grounded in our core values: reverence for the sacraments, freedom of conscience, and love expressed through action.
Ecumenical dialogue helps us learn from others and examine ourselves more honestly. In a fragmented world, every relationship of trust is a witness to grace. We especially welcome ecumenical engagement with those who feel called to walk alongside us without pressure to conform, believing in the power of listening, hospitality, and the Holy Spirit working between us.
Our Framework for Relationship
We describe our relationships using three respectful categories, depending on the depth of shared belief and practice. This framework allows us to engage meaningfully with a diverse range of churches, clergy, and ministries.
Whether formal or informal, all our relationships are grounded in mutual respect and a shared hope for the Church’s healing and renewal. We affirm the spirit of the Lima Document (Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry, World Council of Churches, 1982), which calls the churches to visible unity through shared sacraments, ministry, and confession of faith — even as we remain realistic about differences that still exist. You can read the Lima Agreement here.
Interested in Ecumenical Friendship?
If you represent a church, ministry, or Christian organisation that seeks to place Christ at the centre and shares a desire for the healing and renewal of His Church, we would be honoured to begin a conversation.
While we cherish our own apostolic and sacramental tradition, we believe that dialogue begins with a shared love for Christ, not a list of doctrinal agreements. We welcome honest conversations with all fellow believers, grounded in mutual respect and grace.
To help you understand the specific nature of each partnership, we invite you to review our detailed agreement documents on our downloads page before reaching out.
Who We Walk With
Visible Relationships, Honest Collaboration
Our relationships vary in depth and formality, but all are grounded in shared purpose and the love of Christ. Below are some of the churches and ministries with whom we share dialogue, association, or communion.
