A Modern Church or the Ancient Church? Understanding Old Catholic Identity

Official logo of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Charismatic Old Catholic Church. An Independent Catholic Church

By Dr. h.c. Miracle Gabriel-Ooc

The Sacred Heart of Jesus Charismatic Old Catholic Church is part of a global Old Catholic communion—an Independent Catholic Church that is not affiliated with, nor answerable to, the See of Rome. Its mother church is in the United States, rooted in the movement of bishops who, after the First Vatican Council of 1870, separated from Rome in response to new doctrinal definitions, particularly papal infallibility.

This Church does not submit to the jurisdiction of the Roman Pontiff, nor is it bound by the Canons or Catechism of the Roman Catholic Church. Its identity and validity do not depend on external validation from Rome or any other jurisdiction. Instead, it stands firmly on the foundation of Christ Himself, who is the head of the Church (Colossians 1:18).

While Old Catholics respect Rome as primus inter pares (“first among equals”), they do not subject themselves to Roman authority in matters of theology, faith, or practice. They hold to a unique expression of Catholicity—Orthodoxy in faith (right belief) and Orthopraxy in life (right practice).

Catholicity Beyond Rome

To confess, “I believe in one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church,” is not to pledge allegiance to Rome. Catholicity belongs to Christ, and Christ alone. The Catholic faith has always been broader than one jurisdiction. Not even a single person can say he's bigger than the Church.

In the early centuries, the Church thrived in Jerusalem, Antioch, Alexandria, Constantinople, and Rome—five great sees that shared equal apostolic dignity. None was superior to the other, for the apostles themselves governed the Church in collegiality, each bearing the same apostolic authority.

Thus, Catholicity is universal, not confined to geography or to one single see. The Old Catholic Churches bear witness to this broader, apostolic inheritance. The Old Catholic is not a rival to any Catholic See. Their emergence is not to fight with any See either but to foster the teachings of the early apostles. 

Apostolic Tradition and the Vincentian Canon

The Old Catholic identity is rooted in faithfulness to what the Church has always believed everywhere, at all times, and by all—the famous Vincentian Canon of St. Vincent of Lérins (5th century):

“In the Catholic Church itself, all possible care must be taken that we hold that faith which has been believed everywhere, always, by all.” (Commonitorium, 434 AD).

This principle underscores why Old Catholics reject later innovations, such as the Immaculate Conception (1854), the Assumption of Mary (1950), and Papal Infallibility (1870), which were unknown to the undivided early Church.

Sacraments: The Heartbeat of Catholic Life

Like all apostolic Churches, The Sacred Heart of Jesus Charismatic Old Catholic Church administer the seven sacraments:

1. Baptism – setting apart for Christ.

2. Reconciliation/Confession – forgiveness and healing.

3. Eucharist/Holy Communion – true participation in the Body and Blood of Christ.

4. Confirmation/Chrismation – the seal of the Spirit.

5. Holy Matrimony – a covenantal union of man and woman.

6. Holy Orders – ordination for apostolic ministry.

7. Extreme Unction/Anointing of the Sick – God’s healing mercy.

The celebration of the Holy Eucharist remains the central act of worship and the most visible sign of belonging to the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.

Old Catholic or “Original Catholic”?

The term Old Catholic does not mean “outdated” but rather “faithful to the original, ancient, universal traditions.” Some early leaders even preferred the term "Original Catholic" and Bishop Gabriel Obiano of the the Sacred Heart of Jesus Charismatic Old Catholic Church uses the term the "True Catholic." The essence is simple: fidelity to the apostolic teachings, worship, and practices of the undivided early Church.

Ecumenical Spirit

Although independent of Rome, the Sacred Heart of Jesus Charismatic Old Catholic Church embrace ecumenism. They share fellowship with other Catholic rites, with the Orthodox, and with many Christian communities across the globe. They believe unity is essential to the Body of Christ (John 17:21).

Distinctive Identity

The Sacred Heart of Jesus Charismatic Old Catholic Church witness is also Charismatic. The Church believes that the Holy Spirit continues to pour out gifts for the building up of the Church (1 Corinthians 12). Clergy and laity alike are encouraged to exercise spiritual gifts in prayer, worship, and ministry.

Their clergy may live either celibate or non-celibate lives, following the ancient Eastern practice. However, the Church does not endorse same-sex marriage nor ordain those who do not uphold biblical teaching on holy living.

Why This Matters

The Sacred Heart of Jesus Charismatic Old Catholic Church are not Roman—but fully Catholic in the truest sense of the word: apostolic in faith, sacramental in life, and universal in mission. They remind the world that Catholicity is larger than Rome, grounded not in one see but in the universal Body of Christ.

"To be Catholic is to remain faithful to Christ, the teachings of the early apostles, and the unbroken witness of the Church throughout the ages," said Bishop Obiano. "Catholicity isn't about identifying with Rome," he added.


To learn more about Sacred Heart of Jesus Charismatic Old Catholic Church: Click here.

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