Major Points of Comparison Document
Spirit of Hope Independent
Catholic Community
Catholic Community
| Major Points of Comparison between The Apostolic Catholic Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church |
Leadership: Governed by the Bishop in Council with
the clergy & laity. The Bishop of Rome (the Pope) is
honored as first among equals of the world’s bishops,
but not accorded universal jurisdiction. Papal Infallibility
(meaning he is ascribed personal infallibility when
speaking ex cathedra on matters of faith and morals) is
rejected in favor of the scriptural idea of the
indefectibility-meaning when the Church speaks in
Ecumenical Council, it does so without defect from the
truth.
the clergy & laity. The Bishop of Rome (the Pope) is
honored as first among equals of the world’s bishops,
but not accorded universal jurisdiction. Papal Infallibility
(meaning he is ascribed personal infallibility when
speaking ex cathedra on matters of faith and morals) is
rejected in favor of the scriptural idea of the
indefectibility-meaning when the Church speaks in
Ecumenical Council, it does so without defect from the
truth.
Leadership: Governed by the Bishop of Rome (the
Pope). He has universal jurisdiction and is ascribed
personal infallibility when speaking ex cathedra (from the
Chair of Peter-meaning he explicitly states a particular
position to be assented to and binding on all Roman
Catholics) on matters of faith and morals.
Pope). He has universal jurisdiction and is ascribed
personal infallibility when speaking ex cathedra (from the
Chair of Peter-meaning he explicitly states a particular
position to be assented to and binding on all Roman
Catholics) on matters of faith and morals.
The Creeds: The Apostles Creed and the Nicene
Creed (less the filioque clause) are accepted as
statements of core beliefs.
Creed (less the filioque clause) are accepted as
statements of core beliefs.
The Creeds: The Apostles Creed and the Nicene Creed
are accepted as statements of core beliefs.
are accepted as statements of core beliefs.
Scripture: The Holy Bible, consisting of 72 canonically
recognized books, is seen as the inspired “Word of
God”, which needs to be interpreted in order to be
properly understood. Supports on-going scripture
scholarship.
recognized books, is seen as the inspired “Word of
God”, which needs to be interpreted in order to be
properly understood. Supports on-going scripture
scholarship.
Scripture: The Holy Bible, consisting of 72 canonically
recognized books, is seen as the inspired “Word of
God”, which needs to be interpreted in order to be
properly understood. Supports on-going scripture
scholarship.
recognized books, is seen as the inspired “Word of
God”, which needs to be interpreted in order to be
properly understood. Supports on-going scripture
scholarship.
The Sacraments: Seven in number, instituted by Christ,
to give grace.
to give grace.
The Sacraments: Seven in number, instituted by
Christ, to give grace.
Christ, to give grace.
Church Councils: Recognizes doctrinal authority of
First Seven Ecumenical Councils of the Undivided
Church. Accepts teachings of all councils which are not
contrary to Scripture or Tradition.
First Seven Ecumenical Councils of the Undivided
Church. Accepts teachings of all councils which are not
contrary to Scripture or Tradition.
Church Councils: Recognizes doctrinal authority of 21
Church councils. Many of Vatican II decrees (as well as
other councils) have been modified by subsequent
documents.
Church councils. Many of Vatican II decrees (as well as
other councils) have been modified by subsequent
documents.
Clergy: Bishops, priests and deacons (male & female)
are ordained within valid apostolic successional lines.
Celibacy recognized as a gift and not mandatory for
Holy Orders.
are ordained within valid apostolic successional lines.
Celibacy recognized as a gift and not mandatory for
Holy Orders.
Clergy: Bishops, priests and deacons (male only) are
ordained within valid apostolic successional lines.
Celibacy required for Latin Rite priests and bishops.
ordained within valid apostolic successional lines.
Celibacy required for Latin Rite priests and bishops.
Eucharist: Believe that during the Mass, through the
action of the priest & gathered community and by the
power of the Holy Spirit, bread and wine are changed,
in their substance, into the Body, Blood, Soul and
Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ. This sacrament is the
symbol and source of Christian Unity. Reception is
offered to all baptized Christians and is not denied to
anyone who approaches the altar.
action of the priest & gathered community and by the
power of the Holy Spirit, bread and wine are changed,
in their substance, into the Body, Blood, Soul and
Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ. This sacrament is the
symbol and source of Christian Unity. Reception is
offered to all baptized Christians and is not denied to
anyone who approaches the altar.
Eucharist: Believe that during the Mass, through the
action of the priest and by the power of the Holy Spirit,
bread and wine are changed, in their substance, into the
Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of our Lord Jesus
Christ. This sacrament is the symbol of Christian Unity.
Reception limited to Roman Catholics, with some
exceptions. Can be denied to divorced and remarried,
and others as determined by the Roman Curia or an
individual Bishop or Priest.
action of the priest and by the power of the Holy Spirit,
bread and wine are changed, in their substance, into the
Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of our Lord Jesus
Christ. This sacrament is the symbol of Christian Unity.
Reception limited to Roman Catholics, with some
exceptions. Can be denied to divorced and remarried,
and others as determined by the Roman Curia or an
individual Bishop or Priest.
Mary: The Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God,
is held in special reverence because of her unique role
in salvation history and her heroic degree of obedience
to the Divine Will. While the Marian feasts of the
Assumption and the Immaculate Conception are
observed by the Church, belief in these doctrines is
not considered binding upon the faithful.
is held in special reverence because of her unique role
in salvation history and her heroic degree of obedience
to the Divine Will. While the Marian feasts of the
Assumption and the Immaculate Conception are
observed by the Church, belief in these doctrines is
not considered binding upon the faithful.
Mary: The Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, is
held in special reverence because of her unique role in
salvation history and her heroic degree of obedience to
the Divine Will. The Marian feasts of the Assumption
and the Immaculate Conception are observed by the
Church and belief in them as dogmatic teaching is
considered binding upon the faithful.
held in special reverence because of her unique role in
salvation history and her heroic degree of obedience to
the Divine Will. The Marian feasts of the Assumption
and the Immaculate Conception are observed by the
Church and belief in them as dogmatic teaching is
considered binding upon the faithful.
Apostolic Catholic Orthodox Church
Saints: All those enjoying eternal life in the presence
of God are saints. In addition to those saints
informally acclaimed as such throughout history, there
are also those saints formally declared (canonized) by
competent Church authority, and who are
commemorated in the Church’s Liturgical Calendar.
of God are saints. In addition to those saints
informally acclaimed as such throughout history, there
are also those saints formally declared (canonized) by
competent Church authority, and who are
commemorated in the Church’s Liturgical Calendar.
Roman Catholic Church
Saints: All those enjoying eternal life in the presence of
God are saints. In addition to those saints informally
acclaimed as such throughout history, there are also
those saints formally declared (canonized) by competent
Church authority, and who are commemorated in the
Church’s Liturgical Calendar.
God are saints. In addition to those saints informally
acclaimed as such throughout history, there are also
those saints formally declared (canonized) by competent
Church authority, and who are commemorated in the
Church’s Liturgical Calendar.
Penance: The Sacrament of Reconciliation
(Penance) is administered by a bishop or priest
having faculties to do so. Auricular confession of
specific sins is encouraged but not required.
Individual and Communal celebrations of
Reconciliation are accepted as normative.
(Penance) is administered by a bishop or priest
having faculties to do so. Auricular confession of
specific sins is encouraged but not required.
Individual and Communal celebrations of
Reconciliation are accepted as normative.
Penance: The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Penance)
is administered by a bishop or priest having faculties to
do so. Auricular confession of specific sins is normally
required. The use of General Absolution is highly
restricted.
is administered by a bishop or priest having faculties to
do so. Auricular confession of specific sins is normally
required. The use of General Absolution is highly
restricted.
Parishes: While parishes are established by, and
operate under the authority of, The Bishop, parish
property is locally owned (either by parishioners or
clergy, or both). Parishes are required to be
financially self-supporting and to support the work of
the Church according to their means. Parish
assessment is determined annually by the Bishop in
Council with the Clergy and Laity at the Annual
Gathering.
operate under the authority of, The Bishop, parish
property is locally owned (either by parishioners or
clergy, or both). Parishes are required to be
financially self-supporting and to support the work of
the Church according to their means. Parish
assessment is determined annually by the Bishop in
Council with the Clergy and Laity at the Annual
Gathering.
Parishes: Parish property is owned either by the
diocese or by the diocesan bishop (Ordinary) on behalf
of the diocese. Parish property may be sold, or
otherwise disposed of, at the bishop’s discretion.
Poorer parishes often receive aid from the diocese.
Most parishes pay an annual assessment to the diocese.
diocese or by the diocesan bishop (Ordinary) on behalf
of the diocese. Parish property may be sold, or
otherwise disposed of, at the bishop’s discretion.
Poorer parishes often receive aid from the diocese.
Most parishes pay an annual assessment to the diocese.
Moral Decisions: The faithful are encouraged to
follow their conscience in matters of morals; always
governed by the guiding principles of Catholic Social
Teaching and the Scriptural guideposts of Love of
God and Love of Neighbor. The duty of the Clergy
is to assist in the formation of conscience, not to be
the lawful interpreter of conscience.
follow their conscience in matters of morals; always
governed by the guiding principles of Catholic Social
Teaching and the Scriptural guideposts of Love of
God and Love of Neighbor. The duty of the Clergy
is to assist in the formation of conscience, not to be
the lawful interpreter of conscience.
Moral Decisions: The faithful are expected to follow
the moral mandates as interpreted by the Ordinary
Magisterium of the Church. Most moral conduct is
dictated by Canon Law or Dogmatic or Doctrinal
proclamation. Personal conscience is recognized but
only to the extent that it agrees with the Magisterial
position or teaching.
the moral mandates as interpreted by the Ordinary
Magisterium of the Church. Most moral conduct is
dictated by Canon Law or Dogmatic or Doctrinal
proclamation. Personal conscience is recognized but
only to the extent that it agrees with the Magisterial
position or teaching.
Current Issues: Issues like Birth Control, War,
Same Sex Unions, Poverty, Injustice, Discrimination,
Immigration, etc. are all issues which are to be
examined in the light of Catholic Social Teaching and
the Gospel mandates. The Clergy are to offer insight,
guidance and information to assist the faithful in the
formation of their conscience regarding current
issues. Ultimately a person’s stance on such issues is
the responsibility of the person and God. Each
community may adopt a particular stance on an issue,
or if agreed to by the Bishop in Council with Clergy
and Laity, a particular stance may be adopted as
binding for the entire jurisdiction of the A.C.O.C.
Same Sex Unions, Poverty, Injustice, Discrimination,
Immigration, etc. are all issues which are to be
examined in the light of Catholic Social Teaching and
the Gospel mandates. The Clergy are to offer insight,
guidance and information to assist the faithful in the
formation of their conscience regarding current
issues. Ultimately a person’s stance on such issues is
the responsibility of the person and God. Each
community may adopt a particular stance on an issue,
or if agreed to by the Bishop in Council with Clergy
and Laity, a particular stance may be adopted as
binding for the entire jurisdiction of the A.C.O.C.
Current Issues: Issues like Birth Control, War,
Same Sex Unions, Poverty, Injustice, Discrimination,
Immigration, etc. are often times decided by the
Ordinary Magisterium, or teaching office of the Church
and all the faithful are expected to adhere and assent to
the positions outlined or delineated by the Roman
Pontiff, Particular Offices of the Roman Curia,
National Councils of Roman Catholic Bishops, or even
particular law, dictated by a Bishop for his Diocese.
While the faithful are encouraged to engage in such
issues, there is often no room for dialogue,
disagreement or variation from the official Church’s
position regarding any particular issue.
Same Sex Unions, Poverty, Injustice, Discrimination,
Immigration, etc. are often times decided by the
Ordinary Magisterium, or teaching office of the Church
and all the faithful are expected to adhere and assent to
the positions outlined or delineated by the Roman
Pontiff, Particular Offices of the Roman Curia,
National Councils of Roman Catholic Bishops, or even
particular law, dictated by a Bishop for his Diocese.
While the faithful are encouraged to engage in such
issues, there is often no room for dialogue,
disagreement or variation from the official Church’s
position regarding any particular issue.
